Fastest M.2 SSD: High-Speed Storage for Your PC
Note: We have researched 5 M.2 SSDs for you.
Last updated on 27.07.24 um 11:39
In a world where data transfer speeds can make or break your computing experience, solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the gold standard for storage solutions. Among the variety of SSDs available on the market, the M.2 form factor stands out for its compact size and exceptional performance. These drives, renowned for their blazing-fast speeds, are not just an upgrade—they're a complete transformation of your system's capabilities.
As tech enthusiasts chase the ultimate in performance, we've compiled a list that pushes the boundaries of speed and reliability. Selected with precision, these M.2 SSDs are designed to give power users and professionals the edge they need to excel. Whether you're rendering complex video sequences, managing extensive databases, or engaging in competitive gaming, these SSDs deliver unparalleled speed, all while ensuring your data is safe and accessible in the blink of an eye.
As tech enthusiasts chase the ultimate in performance, we've compiled a list that pushes the boundaries of speed and reliability. Selected with precision, these M.2 SSDs are designed to give power users and professionals the edge they need to excel. Whether you're rendering complex video sequences, managing extensive databases, or engaging in competitive gaming, these SSDs deliver unparalleled speed, all while ensuring your data is safe and accessible in the blink of an eye.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4
What to Look for in Fastest M.2 SSDs
Important criteria
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Sequential read speed
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Sequential write speed
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Random read/write IOPS
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Interface type (e.g., NVMe, PCIe Gen3, PCIe Gen4, etc.)
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Form factor (e.g., M.2 2280, M.2 22110, etc.)
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NAND type (e.g., SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, etc.)
1.) Interface and Compatibility
When looking for the fastest M.2 SSD, ensure it is compatible with your motherboard's interface. The most common interfaces are SATA and NVMe, with NVMe offering higher bandwidth and thus faster speeds. However, your motherboard must have an M.2 slot that supports NVMe to take advantage of these speeds. Compatibility with PCIe generations (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, etc.) also greatly affects performance, with higher generations providing better bandwidth.
2.) Performance Specifications
Check the SSD's performance specifications, focusing on read/write speeds and IOPS (input/output operations per second). The fastest M.2 SSDs typically have higher values in these metrics, often exceeding 3000 MB/s for read speeds and 2000 MB/s for write speeds. Additionally, look for high endurance ratings and NAND type, where TLC or QLC might offer different speed and durability characteristics.
Pictured: SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4
3.) Thermal Management
High-speed M.2 SSDs can generate significant heat, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance. Consider models with built-in heatsinks or ensure your computer case has adequate airflow or cooling solutions. Also, check reviews to see if the SSD you're interested in is prone to overheating under heavy loads.
4.) Capacity and Price
The fastest M.2 SSDs come at a premium. Balance the cost with the storage capacity you need, as larger drives not only provide more space but also generally perform better due to increased parallelism in their flash memory controllers. However, note that prices also rise with capacity, so consider your budget and storage requirements carefully.
The Fastest M.2 SSDs of our Choice
Our Pick
Crucial T700 2TB Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 2TB
Features
- Blistering speeds with sequential reads/writes up to 12,400/11,800MB/s
- Random read/writes up to 1,500K IOPS for high performance
- Ultimate gaming & creativity with up to 60% faster texture renders
- Reduced load times for improved gaming experience
- Render photos or UHD/8K+ videos efficiently
- Run heavy workloads with up to 99% less CPU utilization
- Compatible with motherboard heatsink for easy installation
- Produced in-house with Micron 232-layer TLC NAND
- Suitable for Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs
- Spacious storage up to 4TB for games, media, apps, files
In other categories
2
Crucial P3 Plus 500GB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 500GB
Features
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) with 5000MB/s reads
- Storage up to 4TB
- 43% faster than Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- MTTF > 1.5 million hours for reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
In other categories
- Rank 9 of 17 in Fastest PCIe SSD
3
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4
Size: 2TB
Features
- Two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan
- Faster random read/write speeds than 980 PRO
- Improved power efficiency and optimal power efficiency
- Effective thermal control with slim size, suitable for desktops and laptops
- Up to 65% improvement in random performance for ultimate gaming experience
- Advanced and intuitive optimization tools with Samsung Magician software
- Performance and reliability from the world's top flash memory brand
In other categories
- Rank 14 of 19 in Fastest NVMe SSD
4
SK hynix Gold P31 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen3 M.2 2280 Internal SSD
Type/Color: Gold
Size: 1TB
Features
- Top-tier performance - Read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,200 MB/s
- Pioneering thermal efficiency - Runs cool while primed for performance
- 5-year warranty, superior reliability, and stability - Tested through 1,000 hours of HTOL with MTBF up to 1.5 million hours
- Easy installation across multiple devices, pairing with SK hynix edition Macrium cloning software
- Gen3 PCIe NVMe SSD with M.2 2280 form factor
- NOT compatible with SONY PS5, please contact for compatibility
- Does not include screws, cables, or any other accessories
In other categories
- Rank 2 of 19 in Fastest NVMe SSD
- Rank 2 of 4 in Fastest SSD for PC
- Rank 3 of 19 in Fastest SSD
- Rank 6 of 17 in Fastest PCIe SSD
Price Pick
Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 500GB
Features
- NVMe technology with fast sequential reads/writes
- 350K/460K IOPS for random read/write
- Up to 3500MB/s transfer rate
- Suitable for Personal, Gaming, and Business use
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- 33% better performance than previous generation
- Solid Gen3 performance
- MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for reliability
In other categories
- Rank 7 of 20 in Cheapest SSD
- Rank 8 of 19 in Fastest NVMe SSD
- Rank 9 of 20 in Cheapest NVMe SSD
- Rank 14 of 17 in Fastest PCIe SSD
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Picks for Swift M.2 SSDs: A Guide for Every Buyer
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Looking for a quick M.2 SSD without breaking the bank? We've curated a selection of solid drives that balance cost and speed, ideal for those who are cost-sensitive but still value performance.
Performance Seekers
Harness the speed for your heavy-duty tasks with our collection of high-performance M.2 SSDs. Designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best.
Tech Savvy Users
Upgrade your setup with our list of cutting-edge M.2 SSDs that push the boundaries of speed. For those who keep up with the latest tech trends and want top-tier performance.
Casual Users
Boost your daily computer use with an M.2 SSD that offers a noticeable improvement without the need for extreme speed. Our picks deliver reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Questions You Might Ask
An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that is designed for use in compact devices such as ultrabooks and small footprint desktop PCs. It differs from a traditional 2.5-inch SSD by its size, interface, and potentially faster speeds, especially with NVMe-based M.2 SSDs compared to SATA-based 2.5-inch SSDs. They connect directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot.
To determine compatibility, check your motherboard's specifications for an M.2 slot. Look for the physical presence of the slot on the board and consult the documentation to verify the supported sizes (e.g., 2280, 2260) and key types (e.g., B-M, M). Additionally, verify whether it supports SATA and/or NVMe M.2 SSDs.
NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express, and it's an advanced protocol for accessing high-speed storage media. NVMe M.2 SSDs offer faster read/write speeds compared to SATA-based SSDs, making them ideal for tasks that require high-speed data access such as gaming, video editing, and large data transfers. If speed is a priority and your system supports NVMe, consider an M.2 SSD with NVMe.
The key factors to consider for storage capacity are your budget, the type of data you will be storing, and the volume of data you plan to store. If you are using the SSD for your operating system and applications, a 250GB to 500GB drive may suffice. For larger games, media collections, or professional work, a 1TB or larger M.2 SSD might be a better choice.
In most cases, all you need to install an M.2 SSD is the SSD itself and a compatible motherboard with an available M.2 slot. However, some motherboards might require a screw or standoff to secure the SSD in place; sometimes these are included with the motherboard or the SSD, but if not, they might need to be purchased separately. Additionally, if your motherboard does not have a built-in heat sink for M.2 SSDs, you may want to consider buying one to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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How to Choose the Fastest M.2 SSD for Your Needs
Our Pick: Crucial T700 2TB Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD
Ready to give your computer a serious speed boost? It's time to talk about M.2 SSDs—the small yet mightily fast storage devices that slip into your laptop or desktop to supercharge your system's performance. But not all M.2 SSDs are created equal, and finding the fastest one can be a tech odyssey. We've got you covered with a guide that'll walk you through what to look for, breaking down the jargon into digestible bits, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy that blistering speed you crave.
Understanding M.2 SSDs and NVMe
Before diving into the market, it's important to get the basics straight. M.2 SSDs come in different shapes and interfaces, and the key to blistering speeds lies with NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express). NVMe is a protocol designed specifically for SSDs to utilize the PCIe bus in your computer, allowing for higher bandwidth and, therefore, faster data transfer rates.
When shopping, make sure you're looking at NVMe M.2 SSDs, not SATA ones. The latter also fit into M.2 slots but are hamstrung by the older SATA interface's limitations. You'll recognize NVMe drives by their 'M key' connector, while SATA uses 'B key' or 'M+B key'.
Performance Parameters: What to Look For
Speed is king, and in the realm of M.2 SSDs, performance is measured by read and write speeds, typically shown in MB/s or GB/s. For the fastest drives, you want top-tier sequential read/write speeds—don't settle for less than 2,000 MB/s. But remember, real-world performance isn't all about sequential speed; random read/write speeds are crucial for general responsiveness and multitasking.
Another factor influencing speed is the PCIe generation—Gen3 or Gen4. PCIe Gen4 doubles the potential bandwidth of Gen3, offering a pathway for even faster performance. Make sure your motherboard supports PCIe Gen4 before splurging on a top-of-the-line SSD, or you won't see the speed benefits.
Capacity and Endurance: Getting the Most for Your Money
While you might be tempted to go for the most sizable capacity, consider how much storage you truly need. Fast M.2 SSDs come at a premium, and you might find a sweet spot in the mid-range that offers plenty of space without breaking the bank. Remember, you can always opt for a secondary storage solution for less critical data.
SSD endurance, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. For heavy users and professionals, a higher TBW rating means greater longevity. Don't overlook this spec, especially if you plan on pushing your SSD with intensive tasks.
Brand and Price: Finding Value in Speed
It's no secret—leading brands often demand a higher price for their top-tier M.2 SSDs, but they also back it up with reliable performance, better warranties, and robust data protection features. Don't dismiss lesser-known brands, though; they sometimes offer competitive speeds at a more attractive price point.
Set a budget, but be flexible enough to weigh the cost against performance gains, warranty length, and included software or hardware features. Strike a balance between speed, reliability, and value. Sometimes, paying a little extra upfront can save you in the long run.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In this section, we present a curated selection of top resources for those seeking in-depth information on the fastest M.2 SSDs available. Our compilation includes well-researched test reports, authoritative recommendations from specialized forums, engaging Reddit discussions, and informative videos. These resources are organized into four distinct categories for ease of navigation and to assist you in finding the type of content you prefer.
7 days ago — Crucial's T700 is the world's fastest SSD, taking the hands-down performance lead in every performance category. That groundbreaking speed comes...
7 days ago — Solidigm P44 Pro SSD – Best PCIe 4.0 SSD... The Solidigm P44 Pro is the fastest PCIe 4.0 drive we have ever tested bar none. In fact, it finished ...
6 days ago — The Solidigm P44 Pro is without a doubt the fastest PCIe 4.0 drive we have ever tested. In fact, it finished within the top five fastest drives...
Nov 3, 2023 — We tested the best M. 2 solid-state drives for the PlayStation 5. Here are our top picks to improve your storage and enhance your PS5 gaming ...
forums.tomshardware.com
I'm looking to get an M.2 or a new SSD to add as faster storage. I currently have Windows on a 500gb SSD and have 2 other HDD's for storage. It'd be easier.
2 or WD Black SN850X NVMe SSD or SK Hynix Platinum P41 or Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus.
Sabrent Shows Progress Building the Fastest PCIe Gen5 M.2 SSD. News.
2 SSD for Windows or for games/downloads? With my new build I am installing x2 Kingston KC3000 M. 2 2280 NVMe SSD 2TB.
Samsung 980 PRO : The Samsung 980 PRO is widely regarded as one of the fastest NVMe SSDs available. · Western Digital Black SN850: Another top...
Best M.2 NVMe SSD of 2022 | The 5 Best NVMe SSDs Review
... best nvme ssd 2022, best ssd 2022, best ssd for gaming 2022, 2022 best ssd, best m . 2 ssd for gaming 2022, fastest nvme ssd 2022, budget ssd 2022 ...
