I'm currently using a 1TB HDD alongside a 250GB NVMe SSD for my PC, but I'm running out of storage space. The games I save on the HDD take way too long to load, and I'm wondering if it's worth getting either a SATA or NVMe SSD in 2026. My specs include an RX 6700 XT for graphics, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, an A520-M Pro motherboard, and a Ryzen 5 5600G. I have a 1080p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, but the problem is, my motherboard has only one NVMe slot. Should I buy a SATA SSD or replace the current NVMe SSD? I'm uncertain about what to do with the 250GB SSD afterwards, so I could really use some guidance!
5 Answers
By 2026, you definitely want your games on an SSD! Whether you choose a cheap SATA SSD or a high-end NVMe, both will perform well for gaming. Look for a SATA SSD that has DRAM for better performance if you can.
SSD prices are pretty high right now, which makes upgrading a bit tricky. Have you considered looking for used SSDs to save some cash?
Found one of my old SSDs failing recently and the timing couldn't be worse!
Yeah, I'm on the lookout for used ones too or maybe something from Alibaba.
Definitely worth it to buy an SSD if your budget allows. SATA vs. NVMe mainly comes down to price and you'll likely find both fairly comparable. Just get what's cheaper since they both work fine for gaming!
Is it safe to buy used SSDs?
Using an HDD for gaming in 2026 seems rough! That 256GB SSD won't hold much—realistically, it's better to look for an upgrade. You could even consider an adapter to use more M.2 slots; they're pretty cheap!
Haha, loading times are brutal on an HDD! I regret not prioritizing storage when I built my rig.
If your NVMe slot is taken, just grab a 1TB SSD and a SATA cable for a reasonable price. They're not too expensive these days.
I know, but I'm leaning towards a used SSD due to cost.
I've been searching for budget SSDs, but most are second-hand or from Alibaba.