Best Gaming SSD: which one to choose for your PC or PS5?

Best Gaming SSD Gamer SSD Top 3 Gaming SSD

You are looking for the best gaming SSD for your PC or PS5? Good news: SSD prices have dropped significantly and performance has never been higher. But between Samsung, WD, and Crucial, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this comparison, we present the three models recommended by DropReference for gaming. They offer blazing speeds, great reliability, and perfect compatibility with modern setups.

Why is an SSD essential for gaming?

No more endless loading times: with a NVMe SSD , you benefit from:

  • Reduced loading times (in some games, up to 5 times faster than an HDD).
  • Uncompromising fluidity: OS, games, and apps launch instantly.
  • Console compatibility: some SSDs are validated for the PS5.
  • Better reliability: no mechanical parts, less risk of failure.

👉 To understand the differences in formats, you can also read our article on the types of SSD .

ssd-difference

The criteria for choosing the best gaming SSD

Before comparing the models, here are the essential points to look at:

  • Interface (SATA or NVMe) : forget SATA if you want real performance, favor NVMe PCIe 4.0.
  • Read/write speeds : the higher they are, the faster your transfers and loads will be.
  • Compatibility console/PC : some M.2 NVMe SSDs are validated for the PS5.
  • Heat sink : useful to avoid overheating, especially during intensive gaming.
  • Price/GB : the quality/price ratio remains a key factor, especially on the 2TB capacities.

The top 3 best gaming SSDs (DropReference)

WD_BLACK SN850X - The choice of demanding gamers

👉 Also discover in our dedicated comparison: SSD NVMe 2TB

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe

The gaming champion

Price
Speed
Reliability

Pros

  • • Incredible speeds of up to 7300 MB/s
  • • Perfect for PC gamers and PS5
  • • Recognized WD endurance and reliability.
  • • Available up to 4 TB

Cons

  • • Higher price than average
  • • Can heat up under load without a heatsink

Samsung 980 Pro - The unbeatable choice for gaming and creation

👉 More information in our guide M.2 SSD 1 TB

Samsung 980 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe

Samsung 980 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe

The versatile reference

Price
Speed
Reliability

Pros

  • • Speeds up to 7000 MB/s
  • • Compatible with PC and PS5
  • • Proven Samsung reliability
  • • Solid manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • • Price sometimes higher than competitors
  • • Slightly lower performance than the SN850X in writing.

Crucial P5 Plus - The best value for money

Crucial P5 Plus 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe

Crucial P5 Plus 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe

The gamer's good deal

Price
Speed
Reliability

Pros

  • • Affordable price for a NVMe PCIe 4.0
  • • Speeds up to 6600 MB/s
  • • Great choice for PC gaming
  • • Easy installation in M.2

Cons

  • • Endurance more limited than Samsung/WD
  • • Slower than high-end models

Quick performance comparison

Model Interface Sequential Reading Sequential Writing Ideal Use
WD_BLACK SN850X PCIe 4.0 NVMe 7300 MB/s 6300 MB/s High-end gaming + PS5
Samsung 980 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe 7000 MB/s 5000 MB/s Versatile: gaming + creation
Crucial P5 Plus PCIe 4.0 NVMe 6600 MB/s 5000 MB/s Gaming quality/price ratio
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Best gaming SSD: verdict

  • 🎮 Do you want the absolute best to play and load your PS5 games ultra fast? → WD_BLACK SN850X
  • 🖥️ Computer Do you want an ultra reliable, versatile, and durable model? → Samsung 980 Pro
  • 💰 Do you want speed without emptying your wallet? → Crucial P5 Plus

No matter your choice, these three models are among the best gaming SSDs on the market and will make a real difference in your gaming experience.