Best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs
Searching for the best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs can be a game-changer for enthusiasts and professional users who demand the fastest data transfer speeds available. PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are the newest evolution in storage technology, boasting double the bandwidth of their Gen 4 predecessors. As such, they offer a significant boost in performance that can be especially noticeable in demanding applications like 4K and 8K video editing, large-scale data analysis, and high-end gaming. To get your search started, this article delves into the latest and greatest solid-state drives that leverage the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 5 interface, promising not only faster speeds but also greater efficiency and improved overall performance.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs
Our selection process for the best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs is a meticulous one, that’s grounded on comprehensive research through publicly available benchmarks and user reviews. We prioritize performance, but also factor in the reliability of the brand, the warranties offered, and the reported experiences of users regarding the product’s durability and customer service.
We look for consistency in performance benchmarks, not just peak speeds, to ensure that the drives can deliver top performance over time and under different scenarios. Another aspect we consider is the software that accompanies these drives, as intuitive data management and migration tools can greatly enhance user experience. Overall, we’re aware of our diverse audience and therefore focused on including SSDs of different storage variants and price points, so there’s an option for the budget-conscious, the gamer, and those looking for an SSD with a cooling solution. However, if you’re looking more specifically for one of the best budget SSD, or the best SSD for gaming, we have separate guides that unfold those issues in a bit more detail.
Best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs
- Incredible speed
- DirectStorage support
- Effective heatsink
- High price
- Requires good airflow
- Limited capacity options
For enthusiasts craving top-tier performance, the Crucial T700 NVMe SSD stands as a formidable competitor, especially as our Editor’s choice. This solid-state drive promises a leap in speed and efficiency, boasting sequential read and write speeds of up to 11,700MB/s and 9,500MB/s, respectively.
Such staggering speeds are a boon for gamers, content creators, and professionals in creative fields, who demand quick access to large files and a seamless workflow. Also, its compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD CPUs ensures it is future-proof, and the spacious capacity options up to 4TB allow for a vast library of games and media.
The inclusion of Microsoft DirectStorage elevates the drive’s utility, especially in gaming. It enables up to 60% faster texture rendering and a significant cut in load times. This technology, combined with the drive’s low CPU utilization, means that whether you’re battling in intense gaming environments or rendering high-resolution videos, the T700 is built to deliver with minimal system lag.
- Efficient cooling system
- Backward compatible
- Long warranty period
- Lower than max PCIe 5.0 speeds
- Potential fan noise
- Single capacity option
The Inland TD510 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD claims its stake in the market as a value-driven solution, packing a punch without breaking the bank. With a generous digital storage capacity of 1024 GB, this SSD is designed to cater to a variety of users, from PC enthusiasts to professional creators who seek reliable storage with swift load times. Its backward compatibility with Gen4 and Gen3 systems ensures a wide-reaching appeal, granting users of older setups a taste of next-gen performance.
Speed is of the essence, and the TD510 doesn’t disappoint. With sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 9,500MB/s and 8,500MB/s, alongside random read/write IOPS of 1300K/1400K, the drive is engineered to keep pace with demanding applications and large file transfers. This performance is backed by 232-layer TLC NAND technology, a substantial 700 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating, and a 1,600,000 hours MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) — translating to reliability and longevity.
- Top-tier read/write speeds
- DDR4 DRAM cache
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Bulky heatsink design
- No 4TB model
- Limited device compatibility
The Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 10000 SSD establishes itself as a frontrunner in the realm of cooling-integrated SSDs, offering a robust digital storage capacity of 2000GB. Designed for the enthusiast looking for cutting-edge performance, the SSD’s M.2 2280 form factor is poised to make a significant impact in high-end gaming rigs and professional workstations alike. It carves out its niche by not just meeting the expectations for next-gen PCIe Gen5 technology, but also by providing additional cooling solutions to sustain high performance.
Performance is where the Aorus Gen5 10000 truly shines. With its PCI Express Gen5 x4 interface and NVMe 2.0 support, this SSD delivers blistering sequential read speeds of up to 10,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 9,500MB/s.
The inclusion of a DDR4 DRAM cache bolsters this high-speed performance, ensuring smooth and efficient data processing and retrieval. The heatsink design is not just a functional necessity to combat thermal throttling but also contributes to the overall aesthetics with its sleek black PCB.
- Exceptional read/write capabilities
- DirectStorage support
- Competitive pricing
- No heatsink included
- Peak performance requires Gen5 support
- Lower performance on older PCIe generations
Corsair‘s MP700 PCIe Gen5 SSD stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to high performance and reliability. It’s tailored for the gaming enthusiast who demands quick load times and a seamless experience. With a generous 1 TB capacity, this drive is designed to fit into the sophisticated ecosystem of a gamer’s rig, offering swift speeds and a significant boost in data transfer efficiency thanks to its cutting-edge NVMe 2.0 interface.
Diving into the technical prowess, the MP700 boasts sequential read and write speeds that reach up to 10,000MB/s and 9,500MB/s, respectively. These figures aren’t just numbers; they translate into real-world benefits like reduced game load times and quicker file transfers, making it an essential component for gamers and power users alike. Matching the rest of the manufacturers, there’s a five-year warranty for this drive so you know that you’re investing in a future-proof purchase.
Features and Considerations
When it comes to features and considerations for the best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, several key factors come into play. Firstly, the speed at which these drives can operate is paramount. PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are capable of reaching unprecedented read and write speeds, often going beyond 10 GB/s, which is essential for tasks that require quick data access and transfer.
In addition to speed and thermal management, capacity, and endurance are important considerations. Larger storage capacities allow for more extensive data libraries and applications, but they can also affect the price point significantly. In terms of hardware compatibility, every generation of PCIe is backward compatible. So, as long as your motherboard has an M2 slot, you should be all set to upgrade your existing desktop drive to a PCIe 5 SSD.
Is PCIe 5.0 overkill?
Not at all; PCIe 5.0 is the perfect SSD for today’s necessities. With the rapid advancement of technology and increasing data demands, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not just about serving the needs of today—they are about future-proofing. As applications become more data-intensive and new technologies like DirectStorage start to become mainstream, the additional bandwidth and speed offered by PCIe 5.0 will become increasingly valuable.
Our Verdict
Best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs
Final thoughts
In the search for the best PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, our Editor’s Choice, the Crucial T700 NVMe SSD, emerges as a paragon of excellence. The Crucial T700 doesn’t just excel; it redefines what we expect from storage solutions with its ground-breaking read and write speeds of up to 11,700/9500MB/s and support for Microsoft DirectStorage, catering to both gamers and professionals.
Its optional heatsink design ensures that it remains a cool and reliable performer under intense workloads. For users prioritizing value, the Inland TD510 with its robust cooling solution and DRAM cache presents a compelling option, while the Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 10000 appeals to those seeking top-tier speeds coupled with an ample heatsink.