I'm looking to buy an M.2 NVMe SSD for my setup, but I'm not sure if they all have the same performance. Since I'm on a tighter budget, I really don't want to spend around $300 for a 1TB drive. Can you recommend some options that are affordable but still good quality?
4 Answers
I totally get that! Would you recommend any specific models with those features? Because I'm a bit lost on the details.
A lot of folks find that the Kingston NV3 is a great budget-friendly option. You can grab a 1TB NV3 for about $160 right now. Some people even go for the higher-end SSDs to play games like Warcraft, but the NV3 should hold up well for most users.
If you're looking for the best options, I'd recommend M.2 drives that come with DRAM, like the Samsung 990 Pro or the WD Black 850x. You can find the 990 Pro 1TB for roughly $200 at Best Buy. The WD Black series also has decent models like the SN7100 and the WD Blue, but those are slightly less powerful. Just be aware that Gen 5 SSDs with DRAM are often pricier and usually don't show noticeable performance differences in everyday use.
For gaming, it's best to go with a TLC SSD rather than an SLC. Look for one with either 3D NAND or DRAM for better performance. It’s not as complicated as it sounds!
Yeah, I checked, and they’re around $100 used on Facebook Marketplace. That’s a steal!