As storage demands rise for both workstations and gaming rigs, M.2 SSDs have become indispensable for high-speed performance and efficiency. The 2024 market offers impressive options, with leading picks from brands like Samsung, Crucial, and Adata. Here’s a rundown of the best M.2 SSDs this year, tailored for gamers, professionals, and casual users alike.
1. Samsung 990 Pro
- Interface: PCIe 4.0
- Speeds: 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for professionals and gamers, the Samsung 990 Pro combines exceptional speed with durability, making it one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs available. Its built-in heatsink ensures optimal performance, especially for PS5 and high-performance PCs. However, it comes at a premium price, making it less suited for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Crucial T705
- Interface: PCIe 5.0
- Speeds: Nearly double the performance of PCIe 4.0 SSDs
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Why It’s Great: A standout PCIe 5.0 option, the T705 offers blistering speed and an excellent value for performance-hungry users. While it’s more expensive than PCIe 4.0 drives like the 990 Pro, its future-proof design ensures compatibility with cutting-edge motherboards and applications. A heatsink upgrade is recommended for high-end setups.
3. Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade
- Interface: PCIe 4.0
- Speeds: 6,300 MB/s read, 6,800 MB/s write
- Capacities: 512GB to 8TB
- Why It’s Great: A superb budget-friendly option, the S70 Blade delivers robust performance for its price. It includes a heatsink, making it suitable for PS5 and PC gaming. However, the build quality is modest, and it doesn’t match the durability of higher-end drives.
Choosing the Best M.2 SSD for You
- For Gamers: The Samsung 990 Pro and Crucial T705 are excellent choices for ultra-fast load times and seamless gameplay.
- For Creatives and Professionals: Opt for the Crucial T705 for its PCIe 5.0 capabilities, ensuring rapid data transfers for video editing and 3D rendering.
- On a Budget: The Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade offers remarkable speed and value, making it perfect for casual users.
These drives represent the best of 2024, each excelling in speed, reliability, and efficiency, tailored to varying needs and budgets. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig or seeking faster workflows, these SSDs are set to redefine performance.