M.2 SSD 1TB: the ultimate guide to boosting your PC

1tb nvme ssd 1tb m 2 ssd 1tb ssd m2 nvme

Do you want to give a boost to your gaming PC or laptop? The 1TB M.2 SSD is currently one of the most popular choices. It combines speed, reliability, and an increasingly attractive quality/price ratio. But be careful, with terms like 1TB NVMe SSD, 1TB M.2 SSD, or even 1TB NVMe hard drive, it's easy to get confused. We will break it down so you know exactly what you need.

What is a 1TB M.2 SSD?

The M.2 format is a connector standard that has gradually replaced the old 2.5" SATA SSDs.

  • Compact size : ideal for laptops and modern motherboards.
  • Capacity 1 TB : the perfect balance between storage space and price.
  • Versatility : exists in SATA version (slower) and especially in NVMe (ultra-fast thanks to PCIe).

💡 Remember: when you see written m 2 ssd 1tb , most of the time we talk about NVMe , but some models still exist in SATA.

Difference between SSD M.2 SATA and SSD M.2 NVMe

ssd-nvme Click to enlarge

Many wonder: " What is the difference between a 1TB M.2 SSD and a 1TB NVMe SSD? ."

The answer is simple:

👉 In short: the SATA is limited by its interface, while the NVMe harnesses the full power of PCIe .

Why choose a 1TB NVMe SSD?

  • 🚀 Extreme speed: your system starts in a few seconds.
  • 🎮 Smooth gaming: loading times decrease significantly.
  • 🖥️ Computer Productivity: 4K video editing, processing large files without lag.
  • 🔒 Locked Reliability: no mechanical parts, so fewer failures than an HDD.
  • 💰 Good compromise: The 1 TB offers enough space for Windows, your games, and apps, without blowing your budget.

The different types of 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs

When you are looking for a 1TB NVMe SSD, you often come across several variants:

  • PCIe 3.0 → affordable, perfect for standard gaming use.
  • PCIe 4.0 → twice as fast, ideal if your motherboard supports it.
  • PCIe 5.0 → still rare and expensive, reserved for ultra high-end setups.

👉 Example: a Samsung 980 Pro NVMe 1TB (PCIe 4.0) can reach 7000 MB/s, compared to 3500 MB/s for a PCIe 3.0 model.

m2-ssd-1tb-samsung Click to enlarge

Comparison of the best 1TB M.2 SSDs

Here is a small comparison of the most popular models in 2025:

And the advantage is that with DropReference you can compare prices directly in real time:

SSD M.2 1TB vs traditional hard drive

Many still talk about NVMe 1TB SSD In reality, it is not a mechanical hard drive, but an SSD.

Let's compare with a real HDD:

  • 1 TB HDD : 80-120 MB/s, noise, heating, risk of failure.
  • SSD M.2 1 TB : minimum 2000 MB/s, total silence, longer lifespan.

👉 In 2025, buy a HDD for gaming or working doesn't make any sense anymore (except cheap mass storage).

What is the lifespan of a 1TB NVMe SSD?

One SSD M.2 NVMe 1TB can last 5 to 10 years, depending on your usage.

  • Most have a endurance between 300 and 600 ToW (Terabytes written).
  • For normal use (gaming, office work), it is largely sufficient.
  • Brands like Samsung, Crucial, WD often offer 5 years of warranty.

Real-time stocks of NvMe SSDs

Filters

Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 M.2

Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 M.2

70€

(1 Vendors)
Brand: Kingston
Good brand Fast and budget-friendly Good capacity
Crucial E100 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4

Crucial E100 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4

119€

(10 Vendors)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Fast! Good capacity
Western Digital WD Black SN850X M.2 2TB NVMe

Western Digital WD Black SN850X M.2 2TB NVMe

253€

(13 Vendors)
Brand: Western Digital
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
Samsung 990 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 2TB

Samsung 990 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 2TB

235€

(14 Vendors)
3 (1)
Interface: PCIe 4.0
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
Samsung 990 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 1TB Black

Samsung 990 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 1TB Black

155€

(10 Vendors)
4 (2)
Brand: Samsung
Top brand Fast! Good capacity
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 Black

Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 Black

245€

(15 Vendors)
4 (1)
Brand: Samsung
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
PNY CS1030 500GB NVMe Black

PNY CS1030 500GB NVMe Black

79€

(6 Vendors)
Brand: PNY
Good brand Fast and budget-friendly Minimum gaming capacity
Gigastone PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 500GB Heatsink

Gigastone PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 500GB Heatsink

39€

(2 Vendors)
Capacity: 500
Variable quality Fast and budget-friendly Minimum gaming capacity
Transcend 825S 1TB SATA M.2 Blue

Transcend 825S 1TB SATA M.2 Blue

80€

(1 Vendors)
Brand: Transcend
Interesting brand Good capacity
Emtec X150 4 TB 2.5in SATA SSD Black

Emtec X150 4 TB 2.5in SATA SSD Black

18€

(1 Vendors)
Brand: Emtec
Variable quality Less fast Comfortable capacity
Crucial BX500 2TB 2.5-inch SATA SSD

Crucial BX500 2TB 2.5-inch SATA SSD

140€

(13 Vendors)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Less fast Comfortable capacity
Crucial P510 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2

Crucial P510 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2

160€

(3 Vendors)
4 (1)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Super fast! Good capacity
WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M2 2280 Black

WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M2 2280 Black

174€

(11 Vendors)
4 (1)
Capacity: 1000
Top brand Fast! Good capacity
MSI SPATIUM M470 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2

MSI SPATIUM M470 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2

124€

(7 Vendors)
4 (1)
Brand: MSI
Interesting brand Fast! Good capacity
SanDisk Extreme M.2 2280 NVMe 2TB Black

SanDisk Extreme M.2 2280 NVMe 2TB Black

336€

(2 Vendors)
Brand: Sandisk
Fast! Comfortable capacity
MSI SPATIUM M450 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2

MSI SPATIUM M450 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2

157€

(1 Vendors)
Brand: MSI
Interesting brand Fast! Good capacity
WD_BLACK WDS200T4X0E 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 Black

WD_BLACK WDS200T4X0E 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 Black

254€

(11 Vendors)
Brand: HP
Fast! Comfortable capacity
Crucial T700 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 Black

Crucial T700 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 Black

299€

(8 Vendors)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Super fast! Comfortable capacity
Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M2 Black

Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M2 Black

240€

(7 Vendors)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Super fast! Comfortable capacity
Western Digital WDS200T4G0E 2TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 Green

Western Digital WDS200T4G0E 2TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 Green

220€

(7 Vendors)
Brand: Western Digital
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
Western Digital WDS200T4B0E 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 Blue

Western Digital WDS200T4B0E 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 Blue

220€

(6 Vendors)
Brand: Western Digital
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
Kioxia Exceria G2 M.2 2TB NVMe PCIe 3.1x4 Black

Kioxia Exceria G2 M.2 2TB NVMe PCIe 3.1x4 Black

209€

(7 Vendors)
Brand: Kioxia
Good brand Fast and budget-friendly Comfortable capacity
Western Digital WD Black SN850X 4TB NVMe M.2 Black

Western Digital WD Black SN850X 4TB NVMe M.2 Black

433€

(8 Vendors)
Brand: Western Digital
Top brand Fast! Comfortable capacity
Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 Black

Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 Black

294€

(11 Vendors)
3 (1)
Brand: Samsung
Top brand Super fast! Comfortable capacity
Crucial E100 Black 1TB NVMe Gen4

Crucial E100 Black 1TB NVMe Gen4

118€

(3 Vendors)
Brand: Crucial
Top brand Fast! Good capacity
m2-ssd-1tb Click to enlarge

How much does a 1TB M.2 SSD cost in 2025?

  • Entry-level : 40–50 € (Kingston NV2, Crucial P3).
  • Mid-range : 60–80 € (Samsung 970 Evo Plus, WD SN770).
  • High-end : 100–150 € (Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN850X).
  • PCIe 5.0 : often over 200 €.

👉 Prices regularly drop, so checking a price comparison tool is essential.

Our tips for choosing your 1TB M.2 SSD

  • Check if your motherboard is compatible PCIe 4.0 before buying.
  • If you play on PS5, prioritize the models validated by Sony (SN850X, 980 Pro).
  • For a laptop, pay attention to the size (2280, 2242...).
  • Do not neglect the manufacturer's warranty (3 to 5 years minimum).

FAQ on M.2 1TB SSDs

🔹 What is the difference between a 1TB M.2 SSD and a 1TB NVMe SSD?

An M.2 describes the format, NVMe describes the fast interface via PCIe.

🔹 Is a 1TB M.2 SSD compatible with all motherboards?

Only if your motherboard has an M.2 slot. Otherwise, you will need a PCIe adapter.

🔹 Is it useful to get a PCIe 5.0 SSD today?

Not necessarily, current games and apps do not yet exploit this speed.