I'm on the hunt for a reliable NVMe SSD to use as my OS drive and for other applications. I already have two 2TB SSDs for storage, but I'm looking for something that will last a long time. I've heard tech reviewers mention that there might be a price hike on certain SSDs, so I want to snag a good deal before it happens. Also, are these drives typically made with 3D NAND?
4 Answers
Check what your motherboard supports regarding NVMe (like Gen 4 or Gen 5). Consider your storage needs too. I often load larger games, so speed is crucial for my OS and game drives. Keep in mind, spending $400+ for a 4TB Gen 5 drive is hefty, but if you're going to fill that space, it might be worth it. You can also opt for an older generation drive for savings if needed.
I've had multiple WD SN850X drives for a few years without any issues. Samsung drives are also solid choices. Just steer clear of the SK Hynix P41; it's plagued with firmware bugs that can significantly slow down performance. If you already own one, it's not disastrous, but buying one isn’t recommended.
All NVMe SSDs are great for most uses. The speeds really only matter for specialized, high-end industrial applications. For everyday tasks, you’re better off focusing on the price per TB instead.
What country are you looking to buy in, and what capacity do you need?
I'm based in the EU and ideally looking for either 1TB or 2TB. My current OS drive is a 512GB SN770, but it's already 400GB full with apps. I'm considering getting a good SSD now since I heard about the potential price increases.
My motherboard is PClex5 with an 850m model, so it can support all types of SSDs. I've actually noticed little difference in gaming performance between SATA and NVMe — I moved some games from Gen 4 NVMe to SATA and didn't see a significant change. However, since my main OS drive is only 512GB and almost full with apps, I'm definitely looking for either a 1TB or 2TB SSD.