Buying an NVMe SSD: a guide for PCs, laptops, gaming and PS5

An NVMe SSD can significantly reduce start-up times, file transfer times and loading times. However, not every M.2 SSD will make a noticeable difference. The key factors are the connection, form factor, storage capacity, cooling and how you plan to use it.

When buying an internal SSD, three common misconceptions can lead to unnecessary costs:

• High MB/s figures only apply under certain conditions: The advertised sequential read speed is usually achieved with large, continuous files and a compatible PCIe slot. Other figures may matter more when starting programmes or working with lots of small files.
• M.2 doesn’t automatically mean NVMe: M.2 describes the form factor. M.2 SSDs are available with either a SATA or PCIe NVMe interface. The drive must be compatible with your motherboard or laptop’s slot.
• Cooling and space requirements are often overlooked: High-performance PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs can get warm under sustained load. Without a suitable heatsink, performance may drop. You’ll also need to check the drive’s height if you’re installing it in a laptop.

The key things to consider when buying an NVMe SSD

1. Check the interface and compatibility

A PCIe 4.0 SSD needs a compatible M.2 slot. It may be backwards compatible with PCIe 3.0 in many systems, but will then be limited by the older interface. A PCIe 5.0 SSD, on the other hand, needs a suitably equipped motherboard to reach its potential transfer rate.

Before you buy, check:

• Does the motherboard or laptop support M.2 2280 at 22 × 80 mm?
• Is the slot designed for PCIe NVMe, rather than just M.2 SATA?
• Which PCIe generation does it support?
• Is there an existing M.2 heatsink?
• Is the slot obscured by a graphics card or other hardware?

For an SSD for a laptop, you’ll also need to consider the maximum drive height, heat dissipation and available installation space. A PS5 SSD must meet the console’s technical requirements; many internal models also need a compatible heatsink.

2. Choose a storage capacity to suit how you use it

A 1TB SSD is suitable for your operating system, applications and a modest games library. If you store several large games, 4K video files or extensive project folders, a 2TB SSD or 4TB SSD gives you more room to work with.

For large media archives and professional workflows, 8TB SSDs are also an option. Don’t just compare the price per terabyte: also consider:

• the actual usable capacity,
• warranty terms,
• the TBW rating,
• write speed during longer transfers,
• the space available in your device.

The TBW figure is the total amount of data the manufacturer says can be written to the drive. It’s a technical comparison figure, not an exact prediction of how long your individual SSD will last.

3. Don’t look at speed in isolation

Manufacturers often quote the maximum sequential read speed. However, a fast SSD with speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s or more needs a compatible PCIe slot, and it won’t always make the same difference to everyday tasks.

For gaming and office applications, access times, random read and write performance, and temperature stability also matter. Content creators should pay particular attention to sustained write speed, storage capacity and the TBW rating.

An external SSD, portable SSD or USB-C SSD is more flexible than an internal drive. Actual speed depends on the USB port, cable and device you’re using. For example, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection will deliver different speeds from USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.

Our picks for different users

The models below cater to different needs. Their technical specifications are based on the respective product information.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners

KIOXIA EXCERIA BASIC 1TB SSD NVMe

Why it’s a good fit: This 1TB M.2 SSD with PCIe Gen3 x4 is aimed at anyone looking to upgrade an older desktop PC or laptop with NVMe support.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

The PCIe generation and M.2 2280 form factor are clearly specified, so you can check whether your existing system is compatible before buying.

Key benefits and features

1TB capacity, M.2 2280 form factor and a quoted read speed of up to 1.700 MB/s.

Ideal for: Buyers who expect premium quality

Samsung SSD 990 1TB NVMe

Why it’s a good fit: This internal SSD is designed for desktop PCs, laptops and compatible handheld consoles, and delivers high sequential transfer speeds.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

Compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 is specified. You’ll still need to check the exact M.2 slot before installation.

Key benefits and features

Read speeds of up to 7.150 MB/s, write speeds of up to 6.450 MB/s and a 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, according to the product information.

Ideal for: Specialist uses and heavy users

Lexar NM790 8TB NVMe PCIe Internal SSD

Why it’s a good fit: This 8TB internal NVMe SSD offers plenty of space for games libraries, 4K videos, archives and large work files.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

Its generous capacity means you’re less likely to need multiple drives. Even so, you should consider your system’s cooling if you’ll be writing data for extended periods.

Key benefits and features

8TB storage capacity, M.2 2280 form factor and a quoted read speed of up to 7.400 MB/s.

Ideal for: Mobile storage and content creators

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

Why it’s a good fit: This portable SSD is designed for USB-C devices, laptops, tablets and taking large files on the go.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

The USB-C interface and IP65 rating are specified. To get the maximum speed, the connected device must support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.

Key benefits and features

Read speeds of up to 2.100 MB/s, write speeds of up to 2.000 MB/s and an IP65 rating, according to the product information.

Installation and use: what you need to know

Before installing an internal NVMe SSD, make sure the device is completely switched off and disconnected from the mains. Avoid touching the contacts and take care to prevent electrostatic discharge. The SSD is usually inserted at an angle into the M.2 slot, then secured with a screw or retaining clip.

After installation, you may need to initialise and format the drive in your operating system. Back up any important files beforehand. If you’re installing a PS5 SSD, follow Sony’s installation instructions and check the requirements for capacity, read speed and heatsink.

Frequently asked questions about NVMe SSDs

How long does an NVMe SSD last?

Lifespan depends on the amount of data written, temperature, power supply and usage. Manufacturer figures such as TBW and MTBF provide technical guidance. Regular backups are still essential, as even an SSD with no moving parts can fail.

Is an NVMe SSD worth it for gaming?

An NVMe SSD can improve loading times and system responsiveness on a gaming PC. The difference depends on the game, operating system and the rest of your system. Make sure you have a compatible PCIe slot, enough storage space and effective cooling.

Which is cheaper: an internal or external SSD?

An internal SSD usually connects directly via PCIe, making it suitable as a system or games drive. The price of an external SSD varies depending on its enclosure and connection, but you can use it with multiple devices. For either type, compare the actual interface and the capacity you need against the price.