I'm building a new PC for around $2,000, mainly for gaming (titles like R6 and Nightreign) and video editing using DaVinci Resolve. I'm a bit overwhelmed trying to choose a 2TB M.2 SSD. I was considering the Crucial T500, but I read that it uses pseudo-SLC, which can be a bit inconsistent—something I'm not thrilled about. I also thought about the MP44 since I've heard good things, but it doesn't have a DRAM cache, which I think is pretty important for video editing.
Ideally, I want a reliable 2TB M.2 drive under $150 that performs well for both gaming and 1440p video editing in DaVinci Resolve. Any suggestions would really help! Also, if my concerns about the T500 aren't justified, please let me know—I'm not very knowledgeable about storage drives.
3 Answers
For video editing, particularly when scrolling through previews, a Gen5 drive could be beneficial but they are generally over your budget. I'd lean towards the WD_Black SN850X or the Crucial T500. Most drives today use TLC flash with SLC cache, so their performance is likely quite similar.
While not having a DRAM cache isn't as detrimental as it used to be due to HMB buffers, it can still help, especially for video editing. I'd suggest the SN850X, which fits your budget at around $150 for 2TB. It'll serve you well. The T500 should work fine too, but the SN850X might edge it out performance-wise.
Check out the flowchart from r/newmaxx; they've got a handy spreadsheet with SSD comparisons if you're looking for more technical info. It'll definitely help you understand your options better.
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