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.
Product Reviews
- High read/write speeds
- DirectStorage support
- Compatible with latest Intel and AMD CPUs
- Expensive
If you want the absolute best PCIe Gen 5 SSD for top-tier performance, then you should check out the Crucial T700 NVMe SSD.
To start with, 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 – so you can expect faster app launches, quick loading times and overall faster performance.
For gamers, content creators, and professionals in creative fields, who demand quick access to large files and a seamless workflow, these speeds should be great. Further, the SSD is compatible with the latest Intel and AMD CPUs, which should make your workflow more seamless and also ensure that your setup is future-proof.
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
- Single capacity option
If you want to upgrade your setup with a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD within a reasonable price tag, then you should check out this drive from Inland.
To start with, the SSD has a generous digital storage capacity of 1TB, which should cater to a variety of users, from PC enthusiasts to professional creators who seek reliable storage with swift load times. Plus, its backward compatibility with Gen4 and Gen3 systems ensures a wide-reaching appeal, granting users of older setups a taste of next-gen performance.
As far as performance goes, the TD501 packs in sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 9,500MB/s and 8,500MB/s, alongside random read/write IOPS of 1300K/1400K. With such speeds, you can expect the drive to keep pace with demanding applications and large file transfers.
Further, 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.
- High read/write speeds
- DDR4 DRAM cache
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- No 4TB model
If you are looking for a PCIe Gen 5 drive with good thermal performance, then you should check out the Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000 SSD.
To start with, the SSD 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. More specifically, this drive comes with a heatsink, which should combat thermal throttling and help maintain optimal performance.
As far as performance goes, the Aorus Gen5 10000 sports a PCI Express Gen5 x4 interface and NVMe 2.0 support; this SSD delivers blistering sequential read speeds of up to 12400MB/s and write speeds of up to 11,800MB/s, which should deliver a significant boost to your rig’s performance.
To further bolster its high-speed performance, you get a DDR4 DRAM cache, which should ensure smooth and efficient data processing and retrieval.
- High read/write capabilities
- DirectStorage support
- Budget-friendly
- No heatsink included
If you want a next-gen SSD for your gaming rig, then you should check out the Corsair MP700 PCIe Gen5 drive.
To start with, the PCIe Gen5 SSD sports an NVMe 2.0 interface, which promises high bandwidth, which, in turn, translates into higher speeds and powerful performance.
As mentioned before, this SSD is tailored for gaming enthusiasts who demand quick load times and a seamless experience – and the specs speak for themselves. To start with, 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.
For this guide, we have selected the 1TB variant, which we think should be sufficient for most users. However, depending on your budget and requirements, you can also choose the 2TB model.
How to pick the best PCIe Gen 5 SSD
Before you go shopping for a new PCIe Gen 5 drive, here are a few things you should consider –
Compatibility
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. So before you buy a new drive, just make sure that it is compatible with your specific build.
Speed
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. Of course, with increasing speed and features, the prices go up – so this is something you need to be mindful of if you’re on a budget.
Storage capacity
Larger storage capacities allow for more extensive data libraries and applications, but they can also affect the price point significantly. If you have a look at the options available on the market, you will find SSDs with capacities ranging from 500GB to 8TB and more. The “right” one for you will depend on your needs and budget.
Thermal management
If you will be using your SSD for gaming, video editing, or any other kind of resource-intensive task, then you need a heatsink to keep your drive cool. Usually, most SSDs targeted at professionals (like some of the best gaming SSDs) come with a heatsink and other thermal management features – so have a look at these before you decide on a product.
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
If you want the best PCIe Gen 5 SSD, then we think that the Crucial T700 NVMe SSD is a good choice. To start with, it has high read and write speeds of up to 11,700MB/s and 9500MB/s, which should deliver a massive boost to your rig. Plus, you get 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.