Although legacy systems and storage devices often rely on SATA connections or the previous-generation PCIe 3.0 standard for data transfer, contemporary hardware generally incorporates the significantly quicker PCIe 4.0 standard. In premium setups, PCIe 5.0 might even be available for even greater speeds, though that's a topic for a separate overview.

After evaluating close to three dozen PCIe 4.0 solid-state drives, we've compiled a selection of standout options tailored to different requirements. For those seeking to enhance their PCIe 4.0 system's capacity or performance, suitable drives abound. Continue reading for insights into key considerations when selecting a PCIe 4.0 SSD.

PCWorld's credibility in reviewing PCIe 4.0 SSDs and offering purchase guidance stems from our extensive heritage in PC hardware assessment. Our experts have scrutinized components for years, conducting thorough storage analyses that push products to their extremes—from synthetic benchmarks to everyday functionality. Drawing from personal experience as PC enthusiasts, we identify what elevates exceptional drives. Only elite SSDs earn spots in our recommendations.

SSDs employing host memory buffer (HMB) architecture, like the SN7100 model, present certain compromises. These units leverage the system's own RAM for main caching instead of including dedicated DRAM. While DRAM-equipped drives may outperform HMB variants in niche cases, such as handling massive data writes, both types deliver comparable results in typical scenarios, often proving nearly identical.

In our examinations of HMB-based SSDs, the SN7100 impressed us profoundly with its capabilities. The 2TB model we assessed topped all others in our comprehensive benchmark suite. On pricing, it undercuts DRAM alternatives decisively, saving nearly $50 compared to our former choice, the Solidigm P44 Pro, across 1TB and 2TB sizes.

Paired with a typical five-year warranty and 600TBW endurance per terabyte, this drive emerges as an ideal PCIe 4.0 option for general users and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Although the WD Blue SN5000 now has a follow-up in the SN5100, which excels in certain areas like sustained data flow, the newer model doesn't surpass it universally. Given their similar overall results, we favor the SN5000 for budget-conscious buyers due to its superior affordability.

For example, the 1TB SN5000 currently costs $66, versus $80 for the SN5100 at the same size. Prices for the successor may drop eventually, but for now, the SN5000 offers unmatched value.

Our benchmarks placed the SN5000 among the quickest HMB SSDs encountered. Unlike its predecessor, the SN580, it maintained strong performance in the 450GB transfer evaluation, competing well across the board. Modern HMB designs show no deficits in sequential speeds.

For compact 2230-sized (22mm by 30mm) NVMe SSDs suited to devices like the Steam Deck, the Crucial P310 stands out as the swiftest we've evaluated, by a considerable difference.

The P310 outperformed our prior 2230 preference, the WD Black SN770M, in most tests except the 450GB transfer, where it depleted its secondary cache around 85% completion. Such extensive transfers remain uncommon for typical users, especially on handheld gaming devices.

Priced slightly higher than the SN770M by just over $10 for both 1TB and 2TB variants, the P310 remains a top choice for those prioritizing velocity without frequent large-scale data movement.

Designed for next-generation consoles like the PS5, the Seagate Game Drive PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers reliably, featuring onboard DRAM for efficient caching—a necessity for maximizing Sony's platform. Without DRAM, performance suffers due to the console's lack of HMB support, falling back to slower secondary caching. Available in 1TB and 2TB sizes, it provides ample room for game libraries.

Though tailored for PS5 use, the Seagate Game Drive works seamlessly in PCs. It excelled in our tests, securing second place for random operations among PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Backed by a five-year warranty and an impressive 1,275TBW rating—exceeding standard levels twofold—this drive proves a safe bet for PS5 users.

The Corsair MP600 Micro targets devices supporting SSDs larger than 2230 but not full-sized 2280 modules common in desktops and laptops, specifically the 2242 form factor (22mm by 42mm).

Lenovo popularized 2242 drives with products like the Legion Go and certain ThinkPads, now offering solid upgrade paths—the Corsair MP600 Micro leading the pack.

Not the absolute quickest PCIe 4.0 SSD overall, the MP600 Micro holds its own impressively within its category. It's currently available only in 1TB; for higher capacities, consider the 2230 Crucial P310 up to 2TB, potentially needing an adapter.

Other notable PCIe 4.0 SSDs include the Orico OS5, promoted for PS5 but using unsupported HMB; the Costco-exclusive Lexar Play 2280 SE, a speedy and appealing option; the Teamgroup T-Create C47, excelling in extended write tasks; the competitive Lexar NQ780; the value-oriented Orico IG740-Pro with useful accessories; the light-workload-strong PNY CS2342 in 2230 for Steam Deck; the budget-friendly everyday Teamgroup MP44Q; the cost-saving DRAM-less Addlink A93/S93, though its heatsink version faces rivals; the premium-speed WD SN850X 8TB, faster than its 2TB counterpart; Samsung's 990 EVO Plus, a PCIe 4.0/5.0 hybrid capped at PCIe 4.0 speeds; the economical T-Force G50 for routine use; the performance-value Kingston NV3, showcasing HMB benefits; and the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242, ideal for Lenovo devices or standard slots.

Our drive evaluations employ Windows 11 64-bit on an X790 motherboard (supporting PCIe 4.0/5.0) paired with an Intel i5-12400 processor, 64GB of Kingston Fury DDR5-4800 RAM, integrated 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4, and Intel graphics. The 48GB tests use an ImDisk RAM disk occupying 58GB of RAM, while the 450GB file copies from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro boot drive.

Tests occur on freshly formatted, TRIM-enabled drives for peak results. Real-world usage may see speeds drop as capacity fills, due to reduced NAND for caching and other variables. However, advanced NAND in today's SSDs mitigates this effectively.

Note that quoted performance reflects only the reviewed sample and capacity. Variations arise from chip counts affecting parallel operations and caching availability. Manufacturers sometimes update internals. Report any major differences from our findings.

For details on our approach, consult PCWorld's guide to internal SSD testing.

Jon Jacobi entered the field during the switch-flipping era of computers and has observed storage evolution from tapes and cards to SSDs. For over 20 years at PCWorld, he's tested HDDs, SATA SSDs, and NVMe drives. As the saying goes, he's witnessed plenty.

Key factors include storage size, cost, and coverage duration. Budget models often carry three-year warranties, while premium ones extend to five years. Today's SSDs endure typical consumer demands without failure, as endurance tests from outlets like Tech Report have confirmed through rigorous trials.

Connection technology is vital; for comprehensive guidance, see our detailed SSD selection article.

SATA: This established interface, also serving as a protocol, links most 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch HDDs and SSDs, capping at about 600MBps with SATA III, which many drives achieve fully.

PCIe: Utilizing four lanes, this outpaces SATA dramatically, reaching near 4GBps on gen 3 and over 10GBps on gen 5. It complements NVMe in modern M.2 PCIe SSDs. Motherboards support it via PCIe or M.2 slots, with adapters enabling 2280 M.2 use in PCIe slots. PCIe 4.0 demands AMD Ryzen 3000+ or Intel 11th-gen+ CPUs and compatible boards for full speed.

NVMe: This protocol harnesses PCIe bandwidth and NAND traits for superior SSD speeds. Explore PCWorld's NVMe overview for in-depth analysis.

M.2: Often linked to PCIe/NVMe, early M.2 supported SATA too. For legacy upgrades, verify NVMe or SATA compatibility.

mSATA and U.2: Rare in consumer gear, mSATA appears in older systems, while U.2 suits servers with limited motherboard integration.

Velocity counts, yet even entry-level modern SSDs deliver exceptional quickness. Avoid excess capacity or speed; performance aligns with host generation. A PCIe 5.0 drive won't exceed PCIe 3.0 limits on older systems.

Expect up to 3.5GBps on PCIe 3.0, 7.5GBps on 4.0, and over 12GBps on 5.0 in ideal NVMe multi-queue scenarios. Single-queue operations like Windows copies limit all to below 4GBps. Tailor purchases accordingly.

Our leading PCIe 4.0 SSD recommendation is the WD Black SN7100, offered up to 4TB. The 2TB unit we benchmarked led in overall scores. Its HMB caching keeps costs low versus DRAM, yielding strong value.

For economical choices, the WD Blue SN5000 and Kingston NV3 top the list as rapid, low-cost PCIe 4.0 drives. For PCIe 5.0 budget needs, the PNY CS2150 fits best.

Gaming consoles share PC SSD compatibility, but the Seagate Game Drive PS5's robust performance and high TBW make it ideal. Its DRAM ensures top random operations and full PS5 support.

Seagate offers superior assurances, with Samsung and WD also renowned for reliability.

Many vendors, including majors, rely on Phison controllers, ensuring quality across reputable brands without true underperformers.

SSDs suit extended storage, varying by definition of duration. NAND cells might degrade theoretically over time, but after a decade of use, no such issues have surfaced. They reliably last decades, though not eternally.