In the rapidly advancing world of technology, PCIe SSDs have emerged as the go-to option for maximizing the storage and performance of PCs. As we look ahead to 2023, it becomes increasingly important to stay updated on the latest and greatest options available. To help you make an informed decision, this article will explore the 8 best PCIe SSDs for 2023, offering insights into their features, capacities, and performance levels. Whether you're a gamer, a professional requiring lightning-fast data transfer speeds, or simply someone looking to enhance the overall functionality of your PC, this comprehensive guide will ensure you find the perfect PCIe SSD to suit your needs.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 is a top-tier gaming storage solution that delivers unparalleled speed and ample storage capacity. With read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and a PCIe 4.0 interface, it outperforms other SSDs on the market. This SSD is designed for hardcore gamers and tech-savvy users, offering high-performance bandwidth and throughput. It comes in a compact M.2 form factor for easy installation and features reliable thermal control for stable performance. With its ADOBE membership offer and compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, it provides added value for creative professionals. Overall, the SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD is a true powerhouse that delivers exceptional speed and performance for gaming and data storage needs.
Key Features
- ADOBE MEMBERSHIP: Get a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan
- Next-level SSD performance: 2x data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0
- Maximum Speed: Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
- Ideal for gaming, graphics, data analytics, etc
- Efficient M.2 SSD for high-performance computing systems
- Reliable thermal control for stable performance
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 0.87Lx3.15Wx0.94H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Impressive performance with fast read speeds
- Compact M.2 form factor for easy installation
- ADOBE membership offer adds value for creative professionals
- Reliable thermal control for stable performance
- Ideal for gaming and heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Can be pricier compared to other SSDs
The SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 is a true powerhouse that delivers exceptional speed and performance for gaming and data storage needs. With its blazing-fast read speeds, compact form factor, reliable thermal control, and compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, it offers a top-tier storage solution for both gamers and creative professionals. Although it may be a bit pricier than other SSDs, the performance gains and added features make it well worth the investment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your gaming experience or increase productivity with demanding applications, the SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD will not disappoint.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card is a versatile and easy-to-use solution for adding an M.2 SSD to your computer. With an aluminum heat sink included, it ensures effective heat dissipation and optimal performance. The card is compatible with NVMe M.2 SSDs and supports various sizes, including 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. It features a PCIe x16/x8/x4 physical interface and provides a reliable and fast connection. The card comes with screws and a screwdriver for easy installation. While it may not fit the PCIe x1 slot, it is a great option for expanding storage in your desktop or server. Overall, the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card offers convenience, compatibility, and reliable performance.
Key Features
- Screws & screwdriver included
- NVMe SSD bus interface
- M.2 M-Key SSD form factor
- PCIe x16/x8/x4 physical interface
- Compatible with various sizes (2230/2242/2260/2280)
Specifications
- Color: M.2 2280 Heatsink (EC-PCIe)
- Dimension: 4.00Lx2.00Wx0.50H
- Size: M.2 PCIe Card w/ Heatsink
Pros
- Efficient heat dissipation with included aluminum heat sink
- Easy installation with screws and screwdriver included
- Compatible with various sizes of M.2 SSDs
- Reliable and fast connection
Cons
- Not compatible with SATA M.2 SSDs
- Not compatible with B-Key SSDs
- Does not fit PCIe x1 slot
The SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card is a reliable and convenient solution for expanding storage in your computer. With its included aluminum heat sink, it ensures optimal performance and heat dissipation. The card is compatible with a wide range of M.2 SSD sizes and provides a reliable, fast connection. It also comes with screws and a screwdriver for easy installation. While it may have some limitations such as not being compatible with SATA M.2 SSDs and B-Key SSDs, as well as not fitting the PCIe x1 slot, it offers great value for enhancing your storage capabilities. If you’re looking to add an M.2 SSD to your desktop or server, the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD offers high-speed performance with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads, making it ideal for personal, gaming, and business use. With spacious storage options up to 4TB, it provides ample space for your files and applications. The SSD performs up to 33% better than the previous generation, ensuring fast and efficient data transfer. Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours, it guarantees extended longevity and reliability. The SSD comes in a sleek black color and has a compact dimension of 3.15Lx0.09Wx0.87H. Overall, the Crucial P3 is a reliable and durable SSD that delivers exceptional performance.
Key Features
- -NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads
- -Spacious storage up to 4TB
- -Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation
- -Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours
- -Specific uses: Personal, Gaming, Business
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.15Lx0.09Wx0.87H
- Size: 500GB
Pros
- High-speed performance
- Spacious storage options
- Reliable and durable
- Compatible with various use cases
Cons
- Can get hot with constant writes
- Some units may not reach advertised speeds
The Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD is a top-notch choice for anyone in need of high-speed and spacious storage. With its impressive performance, extended longevity, and reliability, it can handle various use cases, from personal to gaming to business. While it may get hot with constant writes and some units may not reach advertised speeds, its pros outweigh the cons. The SSD offers excellent value for its price, making it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or casual user, the Crucial P3 SSD will enhance your computing experience and provide seamless storage for all your needs.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 SSD is a high-performance solid-state drive that offers impressive read and write speeds, generous storage capacity, and durable construction. With its PCIe Gen3x4 interface, it delivers fast loading times and ultra-responsive performance for various tasks. The 1TB storage capacity provides ample space for storing a wide range of files and eliminates the need for external drives. Installation is simple thanks to the M.2 form factor, and the drive's solid construction ensures data protection and longevity. While it lacks a software toolbox and has slightly lower endurance compared to some competitors, these drawbacks are negligible for most users. Overall, the Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 SSD is an excellent upgrade for any system, offering exceptional speed and reliability.
Key Features
- PCIe Gen 3×4 interface with read speeds up to 2,200MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s
- TBW=600
- Requires an M.2 connector with only an M key
- Custom screw may be required for installation
- Color: A60, Dimension: 3.15Lx0.87Wx0.16H, Size: 1TB
Specifications
- Color: A60
- Dimension: 3.15Lx0.87Wx0.16H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fast read and write speeds
- Generous 1TB storage capacity
- Simple installation with M.2 form factor
- Durable construction for data protection
- Affordable price
Cons
- Lacks software toolbox
- Slightly lower endurance compared to some competitors
The Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 SSD is a fantastic choice for users seeking a high-performance and reliable storage upgrade. With its fast speeds, generous capacity, and durable construction, it offers an impressive user experience. While it may lack some advanced features and have slightly lower endurance, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the drive’s overall performance and affordability. Whether you’re upgrading your primary system or enhancing a secondary device, this SSD delivers outstanding speed and reliability. Overall, the Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 SSD is a recommended investment for anyone looking to boost their system’s speed and storage capacity.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Samsung 990 PRO Series – 2TB PCIe Gen4. X4 NVMe 2.0c – M.2 Internal SSD is a high-performance storage solution designed for gaming and other demanding applications. With random read/write speeds up to 55% faster than the previous model, this SSD delivers a significant speed boost. It also offers improved power efficiency and features smart thermal control to prevent overheating. With a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan included, users can take full advantage of the SSD's capabilities. The Samsung Magician software provides advanced optimization tools to maximize performance and protect data. Overall, the Samsung 990 PRO Series is a reliable and powerful SSD for users looking to enhance their computer's storage performance.
Key Features
- Huge speed boost with up to 55% faster read/write speeds
- Up to 50% improved power efficiency over previous models
- Smart thermal control to prevent overheating
- Two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan included
- Advanced optimization tools with Samsung Magician software
- Produced with Samsung's world-renowned DRAM & NAND components
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 3.15Lx0.87Wx0.09H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Significantly faster read/write speeds compared to previous models
- Improved power efficiency and smart thermal control
- Includes two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan
- Advanced optimization tools with Samsung Magician software
- Reliable and durable with Samsung's high-quality components
Cons
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 x 4 interface for maximum performance
- Higher price compared to other SSD options
- No included backup software
The Samsung 990 PRO Series – 2TB PCIe Gen4 Internal SSD is an excellent choice for users seeking top-of-the-line storage performance. With its impressive read/write speeds, improved power efficiency, and smart thermal control, this SSD delivers optimal performance and reliability. The inclusion of a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan adds even more value to the package. While the SSD’s price may be higher than other options, the Samsung brand’s reputation for quality and durability is well-established. Overall, the Samsung 990 PRO Series offers a powerful and efficient storage solution for gamers and other demanding users.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Crucial P3 Plus 500GB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD offers lightning-fast speed and spacious storage, making it a reliable choice for computer and technology enthusiasts. With NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology, it provides up to 5000MB/s sequential reads and random read/write of 350K/460K IOPS. It outperforms even the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs, delivering a 43% faster performance. The SSD is rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability. It also offers backward compatibility with Gen3. The Crucial P3 Plus 500GB SSD is sleek and compact, with a black color design. It is an excellent choice for upgrading your computer's storage and improving overall performance.
Key Features
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.15Lx0.09Wx0.87H
- Size: 500GB
Pros
- Lightning-fast speed with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Spacious storage options up to 4TB
- Superior reliability with a high MTTF rating
- Compatible with older Gen3 systems
Cons
- Limited compatibility with software exclusive to Windows
- Some discrepancies in advertised and actual speeds
The Crucial P3 Plus 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD is a top-notch storage solution for computer enthusiasts seeking lightning-fast speed and ample storage capacity. With its impressive performance, reliability, and backward compatibility, it offers a seamless upgrade to your system. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or simply looking for a faster and more reliable storage solution, this SSD delivers exceptional results. The only minor drawbacks are its limited software compatibility and occasional discrepancies in advertised and actual speeds. Overall, the Crucial P3 Plus 500GB SSD is a solid investment that provides a significant boost to your computer’s performance and storage capabilities.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SABRENT Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 M.2 2230 SSD that offers incredible speed and storage capacity in a small form factor. It is perfect for upgrading devices with limited space and works well on longer slots for HTPCs or smaller systems. The drive features cutting-edge hardware with a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD controller and 3D TLC, providing gaming desktop class performance and efficient flash storage. With capacities of up to 1TB, the Rocket 2230 allows you to store everything you need in one drive. It is also backed by Sabrent's full warranty and comes with Sabrent Acronis True Image for easy cloning of your old drive. Overall, the SABRENT Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD is a reliable and efficient storage solution.
Key Features
- Small form factor
- Gen4 NVMe performance
- Compatible with Gen3 and Gen2 PCIe slots
- Up to 1TB capacity
- New PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD controller
- Free download of Sabrent Acronis True Image
- Backed by a full warranty
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 1.18Lx0.87Wx0.08H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Small size fits in various devices
- Excellent performance and responsiveness
- Up to 1TB storage capacity
- Cutting-edge hardware for optimal performance
- Full warranty and firmware updates for future compatibility
Cons
- Sleeve on OEM SSD may be slightly too small
- Requires cloning or backup of old drive for booting
The SABRENT Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD is a top-notch storage solution for those looking to upgrade their devices with limited space. Its small form factor, high-performance capabilities, and generous storage capacity make it a valuable addition to any system. The cutting-edge hardware ensures optimal performance and the full warranty provides peace of mind. Although there may be some minor issues during installation, the overall benefits of this SSD far outweigh any drawbacks. Whether you have a Steam Deck, Microsoft Surface, HTPC, or smaller system, the SABRENT Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD is sure to enhance your computing experience.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a high-performance gaming laptop designed to enhance your gaming experience. It features a powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU for smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. With Windows 11, you'll have access to advanced features and improved performance. The laptop also boasts 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD for fast multitasking and quick loading times. The Strix G16 is equipped with ROG Intelligent Cooling, ensuring optimal performance during long gaming sessions. Its fast FHD 165Hz panel with Dolby Vision and Adaptive-Sync support provides a visually immersive experience. The MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus optimizes battery life and gaming performance. While the laptop performs exceptionally, it does get hot and the camera quality could be improved. Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a powerful gaming laptop that offers impressive performance at a competitive price.
Key Features
- Windows 11
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor
- NVIDIA Ge Force RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
- 16GB DDR5 memory
- 1TB Pcie Ssd
- ROG Intelligent Cooling
- FHD 165Hz display with Dolby Vision
- MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus
Specifications
- Color: Eclipse Gray
- Dimension: 13.94Lx0.89Wx10.39H
Pros
- Powerful gaming performance
- Fast multitasking and loading times
- Optimal cooling solution
- Immersive visuals with Dolby Vision
- Automatic optimization of battery life
- Competitive price
Cons
- Gets hot during long gaming sessions
- Average camera quality
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a top-notch gaming laptop that delivers exceptional performance and visuals. With its powerful processor, fast memory, and ample storage, it can handle demanding games and multitasking effortlessly. The intelligent cooling system ensures that the laptop stays cool even during intense gaming sessions. The FHD display with Dolby Vision provides stunning visuals and an immersive gaming experience. While the laptop does get hot, using a cooling pad can help mitigate this issue. The camera quality could be better, but it doesn’t detract from the overall performance and value of this laptop. If you’re a performance-oriented gamer looking for a high-end gaming laptop at a competitive price, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an excellent choice.
Buyer's Guide: PCie SSD
Welcome to our comprehensive buyer's guide on PCie SSDs! If you're looking to upgrade your computer's storage and unleash its true potential, a PCie SSD is the perfect solution. In this guide, we will walk you through all the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
Benefits of PCie SSD
- Lightning-fast speeds that can significantly enhance your system's overall performance.
- Reduced boot and load times for smoother multitasking and faster file transfers.
- Enhanced gaming experience with reduced lag and faster level loading.
- Increased durability and resistance to shock and vibration compared to traditional hard drives.
- Efficient power consumption, leading to improved battery life in laptops.
- Compact form factor that easily fits into most modern desktops and laptops.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a PCie SSD, keep the following factors in mind:
- Capacity: Determine the amount of storage space you require for your files, applications, and games. PCie SSDs typically come in capacities ranging from 128GB to a massive 8TB.
- Performance: Look for SSDs with high read and write speeds to ensure snappy performance. Consider the random read and write speeds as well, as they impact overall system responsiveness.
- Interface: PCie SSDs come in different interface generations, including PCie 3.0 and PCie 4.0. Ensure compatibility with your motherboard and prioritize PCie 4.0 for top-of-the-line performance.
- Form Factor: PCie SSDs are available in various form factors like M.2, U.2, and add-in cards (AIC). While M.2 is the most common and compact form factor, U.2 and AICs offer additional cooling options for improved sustained performance.
- Endurance: Consider the endurance rating or total bytes written (TBW) provided by the manufacturer. Higher TBW ratings indicate greater durability and longevity.
- Price: Determine your budget and compare prices across different brands and models. Keep in mind that higher capacities and cutting-edge speeds usually come at a premium.
Installation and Compatibility
- Ensure that your motherboard supports the PCie SSD interface you plan to use (PCie 3.0 or PCie 4.0). Consult your motherboard's documentation or manufacturer's website for compatibility information.
- PCie SSDs in the M.2 form factor require an appropriate M.2 slot on your motherboard. It's essential to know whether your M.2 slot supports SATA or NVMe protocol to ensure compatibility with the SSD you choose.
- Some PCie SSDs may require specific BIOS settings or driver installations for optimal performance. Check the manufacturer's instructions or website for any such requirements.
Maintenance and Optimization
To keep your PCie SSD in top shape, consider the following maintenance and optimization practices:
- Regularly update your SSD firmware to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes provided by the manufacturer.
- Enable the TRIM command, which helps maintain consistent SSD performance over time by efficiently managing deleted data.
- Avoid filling your SSD to its maximum capacity, as it can impact performance. Aim to leave at least 10-20% free space on the drive.
- Minimize unnecessary read and write operations by moving temporary files, caches, and non-essential applications to secondary storage devices.
- If your SSD begins to run slower than usual, perform a secure erase to restore it to peak performance. Remember to back up your data before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best PCie SSD For 2023
Yes, PCie SSDs offer significantly faster speeds compared to traditional hard drives, leading to improved overall system performance.
PCie 4.0 is the latest generation of PCie interface, offering even faster speeds compared to PCie 3.0. However, PCie 4.0 is only compatible with select motherboards and CPUs.
It depends on your laptop’s specifications. Some laptops may have an available M.2 slot compatible with PCie SSDs. Others may require an adapter or external enclosure to utilize a PCie SSD.
Consult your motherboard’s documentation or official website to verify if it supports PCie 4.0. Additionally, you can check the specifications of your CPU, as PCie support is usually tied to the processor as well.
TBW (total bytes written) represents the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD before it is likely to fail. DWPD (drive writes per day) provides an estimate of the number of times you can write the SSD’s full capacity to it every day over the warranty period without any issues.
Yes, some PCie SSDs come in external enclosures, allowing you to connect them to your system via USB or Thunderbolt ports.
Yes, if your PCie SSD is replaceable on your motherboard, you can upgrade to a higher capacity or a faster model by simply swapping out the old SSD.
Yes, PCie SSDs can be used in RAID arrays to improve performance, redundancy, or both, depending on the RAID configuration you choose.
