Fastest SSD Showdown: Speed Champions in Storage
Note: We have researched 13 ssds for you.
Last updated on 25.06.24 um 11:27
Speed is the currency of the digital age, where every millisecond counts. In a world of rapid data transfer and high-speed computing, having the right hardware to keep up with demanding applications and processes is crucial. Among the key players in the race for superior performance, solid-state drives (SSDs) have emerged as pivotal components that can drastically reduce load times and enhance the overall responsiveness of a system.
In this era of instant gratification, we've identified a selection of drives that stand out in their class for delivering top-tier speed and reliability. Our roundup peels back the layers of technical jargon to spotlight the crème de la crème of SSDs, each meticulously tested and compared to ensure you can make an informed decision for your high-performance computing needs.
In this era of instant gratification, we've identified a selection of drives that stand out in their class for delivering top-tier speed and reliability. Our roundup peels back the layers of technical jargon to spotlight the crème de la crème of SSDs, each meticulously tested and compared to ensure you can make an informed decision for your high-performance computing needs.
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: Fantom Drives Extreme 2TB External SSD
What to Look for in Fastest SSDs
Important criteria
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Sequential read speed
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Sequential write speed
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Random read IOPS
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Random write IOPS
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Interface type (e.g., NVMe, SATA)
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Endurance (TBW - terabytes written, DWPD - drive writes per day)
1.) Type of SSD
When selecting the fastest SSD, it's crucial to understand the different types available, such as SATA, NVMe, and PCIe. NVMe SSDs over a PCIe connection currently offer the fastest read/write speeds, outpacing SATA SSDs. Your motherboard must have a compatible slot for these SSDs, so ensure that your system supports NVMe PCIe before making a purchase.
2.) Performance Specifications
Examine the performance specifications, such as sequential read and write speeds, which are typically measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Also, consider the random read and write speeds, measured in IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), which indicate how well the SSD can handle random data access. Note that these theoretical speeds may vary under real-world conditions.
Pictured: SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe
3.) Storage Capacity and Endurance
Determine the storage capacity you need, as SSDs with higher capacities often provide better performance but at a higher cost. Additionally, consider the drive's endurance, typically represented by the Terabytes Written (TBW) or Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD), which measures how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime.
4.) Brand and Warranty
Choose an SSD from a reputable brand known for reliability and customer support. Check the warranty period and what it covers, as a longer warranty can be indicative of a manufacturer's confidence in their product's durability. Also, look for extra features like hardware encryption, enhanced data protection, and bundled software.
The Fastest SSDs of our Choice
Our Pick
SK hynix Platinum P41 2TB PCIe NVMe
Type/Color: Multicolor
Size: 2TB
Properties
- Top-tier performance with read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s
- Pioneering power efficiency for smooth system performance
- 5-year warranty, reliable and stable with 1.5 million hours MTBF and up to 1,200 TBW
- Premium SSD by a top-tier memory manufacturer since 1983
- Easy installation on multiple devices with custom cloning software
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 4 in Fastest SSD for PC
- Rank 15 of 19 in Fastest NVMe SSD
2
Fantom Drives Extreme 2TB External SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 2TB TLC
Properties
- Blazing fast read speed of over 2800MB/s
- Write speed of over 2300MB/s
- Backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Read and write at 1050MB/s
- Compact and durable high-quality aluminum design
- Measures at 0.5" x 2.5" x 4.25"
- No power supply needed
- Thermal Dissipation Technology for cooling and efficiency
- Comes with Thunderbolt 3 cable
- 5 Year Warranty from Fantom Drives
3
acer Predator GM7000 4TB M.2 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4TB
Properties
- PCIe Gen4 Standard: Sequential read/write speeds up to 7400 MB/s and 6300 MB/s.
- Efficient Heat Dissipation: Customized heat spreader for better heat dissipation.
- Energy Saving: Integrated PMU power management unit for longer PC lifespan.
- Free Acronis Clone Software: Easy data transfer, back-up, and cloning.
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty.
Price Pick
Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SN580 NVMe
Type/Color: Blue
Size: 1TB
Properties
- Upgrade to PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs for faster speeds
- nCache 4.0 technology for quick copying of large files
- Up to 2TB of storage on a slim form-factor
- Low-power storage to maximize battery life
- NVMe for application responsiveness while multitasking
- Rated up to 900TBW with a 5-year warranty
- Actual capacity may be less depending on environment
- Read speeds based on internal testing
- TBW values vary by product capacity
- 5-year warranty or Max Endurance, whichever occurs first
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 19 in Fastest NVMe SSD
- Rank 9 of 20 in Cheapest SSD
- Rank 12 of 19 in Cheapest NVMe SSD
5
SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4TB
Properties
- Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write
- Dual-mode compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Ultra-rugged design with dust/water resistance, crush resistance, and drop resistance
- Aluminum core dissipates heat for fast transfer speeds
- Pro-grade enclosure for reliable strength
In other categories
- Rank 5 of 19 in Fastest External SSD
- Rank 8 of 17 in Largest External SSD
6
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD
Type/Color: Titan Gray
Properties
- Create, explore, store with T7 Portable SSD
- Fast PCIe NVMe technology for quick speeds
- Compact design with up to 4TB capacity
- Extensive compatibility with PC and mobile devices
- Record 4K videos directly onto the SSD
- Shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet
- Reliability from the top flash memory brand
In other categories
7
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 2TB
Properties
- NVMe solid state performance with high speeds
- Portable drive with high capacity
- Up to 3-meter drop protection
- IP65 water and dust resistance
- Carabiner loop for secure attachment
- Included password protection with 256-bit AES encryption
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management and space optimization
8
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming
Type/Color: Black
Size: 1TB
Properties
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for top performance.
- Capacities range from 1TB to 4TB for more storage.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard monitors drive health and controls RGB style.
- Automatically detects games to turn on Game Mode 2.0.
- Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management.
- Supports future games with Microsoft's DirectStorage technology.
- Based on read speed and internal testing.
- Actual user capacity may be less depending on environment.
- Requires WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
In other categories
- Rank 9 of 18 in Fastest PCIe SSD
9
Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 4TB Portable SSD
Type/Color: Light Gold
Size: 4TB
Properties
- Fast transfer speeds: Up to 1,050MB/s
- Compatible with Mac, iPad, iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
- Durable SSD: Water and dust resistant, drop-proof up to 2 meters
- Palm-sized portability: Anodized aluminum, rubberized soft-touch base
- Password encryptable: 256-bit AES hardware protection
10
Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 1TB
Properties
- The latest 870 EVO offers excellent performance, reliability, and compatibility.
- S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
- Professional level SSD performance with maximum sequential speeds.
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance.
- Designed for handling heavy workloads of high-end PCs and workstations.
- Meets the demands of everyday computing and 8K video processing.
- Offers up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- Compatibility tested for major host systems and applications.
- Simple to upgrade by plugging into standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor.
- Migration software makes it easy to transfer data.
- Samsung Magician 6 software helps manage drive and monitor health.
- Experience performance and reliability from the world's #1 flash memory brand.
- All firmware and components are produced in-house.
In other categories
- Rank 7 of 16 in Fastest SATA SSD
- Rank 12 of 20 in Cheapest SSD
11
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe
Size: 2TB
Properties
- 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 3 of 6 in Cheapest 2TB NVMe SSD
- Rank 4 of 4 in Fastest 2TB SSD
12
Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4TB
Properties
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) with fast read/write
- Up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Random read/write 650K/900K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs 43% faster than Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
13
Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD
Type/Color: Black
Size: 1TB
Properties
- Lightning speeds: Up to 7,300MB/s reads
- Compatible: Works with laptops, desktops, workstations
- Ultimate gaming: Enjoy faster gaming experience
- Content creation: Faster performance in apps
- Adobe Creative Cloud: One month free subscription
In other categories
* 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.
Choose the Speediest SSD for Your Needs
Gamers' Choice SSDs
For gamers who demand seamless performance and instantaneous loading, the right SSD can dramatically enhance your gameplay experience. Make the leap to lightning-quick storage and spend more time playing and less time waiting.
Professional Editors' SSDs
When it comes to editing large files and managing heavy workflows, professionals need an SSD that can keep up. Find the fastest SSDs that can handle your creative projects with ease, from video editing to 3D rendering.
Tech Enthusiast SSDs
Tech enthusiasts seeking the bleeding edge of performance will find value in the fastest SSD options available. Immerse yourself in the latest technology with an SSD that stands up to your rigorous demands.
Budget-Conscious SSDs
For those who want to balance speed with affordability, there are options to consider. Dive into the world of quick and reliable storage without breaking the bank, and find a swift SSD that fits your budget.
Questions You Might Ask
Before purchasing an SSD, consider the storage capacity, read/write speeds, form factor (2.5-inch, M.2, or PCIe), interface (SATA III, NVMe), durability (TBW – terabytes written), and the manufacturer's reputation. Additionally, check your device's compatibility and whether you need additional hardware like an M.2 slot or PCIe connector.
Read/write speeds are crucial as they determine how fast data can be accessed or saved to the drive. SSDs with higher read/write speeds will provide faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and better overall system responsiveness. NVMe drives typically offer the fastest speeds, while SATA SSDs are more affordable but slower.
Yes, there is a significant difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs. SATA SSDs are limited by the SATA interface's maximum bandwidth, leading to slower speeds compared to NVMe SSDs. NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, providing much higher bandwidth and lower latency, resulting in faster data transfer rates and improved system performance.
TBW stands for 'Terabytes Written' and it refers to the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD before the flash memory may begin to fail. A higher TBW rating suggests greater endurance and longevity, making it an important factor for users with heavy write workloads or those seeking a more durable drive.
SSDs require minimal maintenance compared to HDDs. There's no need for defragmentation due to the lack of moving parts. However, to ensure longevity, it is recommended to keep the firmware updated, avoid filling the SSD to full capacity, and ensure proper cooling to prevent overheating.
Currently Active Poll
How to Choose the Fastest SSD for Your Needs
Our Pick: SK hynix Platinum P41 2TB PCIe NVMe
In the quest for lightning-fast computer performance, choosing the right Solid State Drive (SSD) is crucial. As the heart of your storage system, an SSD can dramatically reduce load times and improve system responsiveness. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to find the 'fastest' SSD for your unique situation. This guide will navigate the intricacies of SSD technology to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding SSD Technology
Before diving into the purchasing process, it's important to understand what makes an SSD fast. SSDs use NAND-based flash memory, which allows for quicker access to your data compared to traditional mechanical hard drives. The absence of moving parts not only means faster data access but also increased reliability and reduced power consumption.
Key metrics for speed are the read and write speeds, commonly measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s). Also, pay attention to the Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS), which is a measure of how well the drive can perform multiple operations at once, a crucial factor for multitasking and high-intensity workloads.
SSDs connect through different interfaces, such as SATA, PCIe, or NVMe, which also affect their performance. SATA SSDs are common and affordable but offer slower speeds, while NVMe drives leverage the PCIe interface for exponentially faster performance essential for tasks requiring high-speed data transfer.
Identifying Your Speed Requirements
Begin by analyzing your speed needs based on the activities you regularly perform on your computer. Are you a gamer who needs instant loading of large game files? A professional working with 4K videos or huge datasets? Or perhaps you're looking for an overall snappy experience for common tasks like browsing and office applications.
Gamers and video editors will benefit significantly from an NVMe SSD due to its superior read/write speeds, which can greatly reduce load times and enable smoother editing. Average users may find a SATA SSD to be a more cost-effective choice that still offers a noticeable upgrade over traditional hard drives.
Also consider the long-term perspective. With software and files becoming ever larger and more complex, opting for an SSD with speeds that exceed your current needs can extend the drive's useful life by ensuring its performance remains robust as your workload grows.
Balancing Speed with Other Factors
Speed isn’t the only consideration when choosing an SSD. Reliability, capacity, and endurance are also key factors. It’s no good having the fastest SSD if it’s not going to reliably store your data over a long period. Check the drive’s DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating, which can give you an indication of the drive’s longevity.
While high-speed SSDs offer a significant boost in performance, they can also be more expensive. You'll need to consider how much you're willing to spend and whether the cost aligns with the performance benefits. The higher the performance, typically, the higher the cost, but there are often sweet spots in the market where you can get a great balance of speed and value.
Also, ensure your computer can fully leverage the speed of your new SSD. There's no point in investing in a top-of-the-line NVMe SSD if your motherboard doesn't support the NVMe protocol. Always check your system's compatibility to ensure you're getting the performance you're paying for.
Top Contenders and Futureproofing
Do your research and look for the latest SSD models from reputable brands. Often, the newer generations of SSDs offer improvements in terms of speed, power efficiency, and storage capacity. Don't forget to read reviews and benchmarks that can help you gauge how the SSD performs in real-world scenarios.
Taking a glimpse into the future can also be worthwhile. As technology advances, so do storage solutions. Keeping an eye on upcoming trends, such as QLC NAND technology, which increases the amount of data stored in each cell, can offer higher capacities and potentially faster data access, ensuring your purchase is a step ahead.
Remember that no matter how fast your SSD is, it's part of a broader ecosystem within your computer. The full benefit of your SSD's speed will be seen only if the rest of your system - CPU, RAM, and motherboard - can keep up with the data rates. Plan an upgrade path where your SSD won't become the bottleneck in the system.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In our quest to provide valuable insight into the fastest SSD options available, we have carefully curated a selection of high-quality resources. These resources have been organized into four distinct categories for your convenience: expert reviews, authoritative forum posts, engaging Reddit discussions, and informative videos. Each category has been chosen for its relevance and ability to offer dependable test results, along with trustworthy recommendations from knowledgeable sources.
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 — We've tested several PCIe 4.0 SSDs and the best one to cross our labs thus far is the Solidgm P44 Pro in a field of tough contenders thanks to...
The Adata Legend 970 takes no risks, but it's still one of the fastest drives out there. It's a bit of a niche product with ample competition, but Adata fielded...
hardforum.com
The Corsair MP600 PRO is also another one. The last gaming review I saw had 990 Pro, SN850X and MP600 being the fastest 3 overall.
Samsung: Samsung 980 Pro. Samsung 970 Evo Plus. Samsung 990 Pro. WDB: Western Digital Black SN850X. Western Digital Black SN770. Kingston:.
And AFAIK, no NVMe even gen 5 is faster than RAM. As you can see this post from 4 years ago, that means the CrystalDiskMark is ran on DDR4. DDR5...
2 SSD for Windows or for games/downloads? With my new build I am installing x2 Kingston KC3000 M. 2 2280 NVMe SSD 2TB.
Top 5 Best SSD | Fastest SSD - YouTube
best SSD | best ssd for gaming | fastest ssd 🖥️ Top 5 Best SSD | Fastest SSD 00:00 - Introduction **00:48**- Crucial P3 2TB PCIe Gen3 3D...
