The Ultimate Guide to the Best PCIe 4.0 SSDs in 2025
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have evolved at an incredible pace over the past decade, transforming how we experience computing speed and storage efficiency. In 2025, PCIe 4.0 SSDs represent the sweet spot between affordability and blistering fast performance, making them ideal for gamers, professionals, and everyday users looking to supercharge their systems.
Whether you’re building a high-performance rig, upgrading your laptop, or expanding your console’s storage, choosing the right PCIe 4.0 SSD can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we break down the best PCIe 4.0 SSDs available in 2025, covering top-tier models, budget-friendly options, and specialized drives for gaming consoles and compact devices.
We’ll also walk you through major buying factors so you can make an informed decision and get the most value for your money.
Why PCIe 4.0 SSDs Are Still the Best Choice in 2025
While PCIe 5.0 SSDs have started entering the market, their high price tags and marginal real-world performance gains often make them overkill for most users.
PCIe 4.0 SSDs strike the perfect balance, delivering read/write speeds of up to 7,500 MB/s, which is more than enough for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
Moreover, PCIe 4.0 SSDs are widely supported by motherboards and devices released over the past few years, including AMD Ryzen 3000-series and newer CPUs, and Intel’s 11th Gen Core processors onwards.
PCIe 4.0 vs PCIe 5.0 – Should You Upgrade?
| Feature | PCIe 4.0 SSD | PCIe 5.0 SSD |
| Max Speed | ~7,500MB/s | ~12,000MB/s |
| Price | $$ | $$$$ |
| Compatibility | Most modern rigs | New-gen only |
| Value | High | Medium |
Verdict: PCIe 5.0 is cool but costly. PCIe 4.0 still offers the best value in terms of performance.
Main Factors to Consider When Choosing a PCIe 4.0 SSD
When shopping for a PCIe 4.0 SSD in 2025, it’s important to focus on more than just the price tag. Several technical and practical elements can influence your overall experience, from speed to physical compatibility. Here’s a quick overview of them to keep in mind before making a decision:
- Capacity: SSDs come in various sizes, typically from 500GB to 4TB. Gamers and creative professionals should consider at least 1TB for optimal performance and storage space.
- Speed: Look for read/write speeds of at least 5,000 MB/s. Top-tier models offer over 7,000 MB/s, which improves load times and file transfers significantly.
- Durability (TBW Rating): Terabytes Written (TBW) indicates how much data can be written before the drive might fail. A higher TBW means better longevity for heavy users.
- Warranty: Aim for drives offering a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Form Factor: Standard M.2 2280 is common, but devices like the Steam Deck require compact 2230 or 2242 drives.
- DRAM vs. HMB (Host Memory Buffer): DRAM SSDs use dedicated cache memory, while HMB SSDs use system RAM. DRAM models tend to perform better under heavy workloads but are pricier.
Top PCIe 4.0 SSD Picks for 2025
To help you cut through the noise, we’ve handpicked the top PCIe 4.0 SSDs for 2025 based on speed, value, and versatility.
Whether you’re after high-end performance for gaming and content creation or a budget-friendly upgrade for daily use, these drives stand out from the rest.
Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD: Solidigm P44 Pro
- Why it Stands Out: Known for its blazing-fast performance, the P44 Pro rivals even PCIe 5.0 SSDs in certain benchmarks.
- Specs: Up to 7,400 MB/s read speeds, DRAM-equipped, 5-year warranty.
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, and professionals who demand speed and reliability.
Great Value SSD: WD Black SN7100
- Pros: Excellent HMB performance, affordable, reliable endurance (600TBW per TB).
- Cons: Slightly slower random write speeds compared to DRAM models.
- Why Buy: Offers near-DRAM level performance at a fraction of the cost.
- Price: Starting at $58.
Best Budget SSD: WD Blue SN5000
- Pros: Affordable, surprisingly fast for an HMB SSD, handles large file transfers with ease.
- Cons: Requires HMB support for top performance.
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who still want great speed.
- Price: Around $44 for 1TB.
Amazing SSD for Steam Deck: Crucial P310 (2230 Form Factor)
- Pros: Fastest 2230 drive tested, available up to 2TB.
- Cons: Lower TBW rating, not ideal for frequent large transfers.
- Why Buy: Optimized for small devices, making it perfect for Steam Deck upgrades.
Best for PS5: Seagate Game Drive
- Pros: Excellent 4K performance, DRAM cache, compact heatsink, 1,275TBW rating.
- Cons: Higher price, no 4TB version.
- Ideal For: Gamers needing seamless performance on PS5.
- Price: From $109 for 1TB.
Best Compact SSD: Corsair MP600 Micro (2242 Form Factor)
- Pros: Perfect for Lenovo Legion Go and Thinkpads, solid performance.
- Cons: Not compatible with 2230 slots, only 1TB option.
- Why Buy: Fills a niche for portable devices needing 2242 form factor SSDs.
Honorable Mentions
- WD SN850X 8TB: Great for those needing massive storage and speed, but comes at a premium.
- Samsung 990 EVO Plus: Hybrid drive supporting both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0; offers flexibility with excellent performance.
- T-Force G50: Budget-friendly, solid performance, ideal for everyday use.
How We Tested These SSDs
All drives were tested using a Windows 11 setup on a PCIe 4.0/5.0 capable motherboard with 64GB DDR5 RAM. Tests included:
- 48GB and 450GB transfer speed benchmarks.
- Real-world use simulations.
- Longevity and temperature monitoring.
We ensure all drives are tested fresh and under optimal conditions, although performance may vary based on capacity and firmware updates.
Final Thoughts: Which SSD Should You Choose?
If you’re chasing top-tier speed, the Solidigm P44 Pro is your go-to. For budget-minded users, the WD Blue SN5000 offers the best bang for your buck. Console gamers should invest in the Seagate Game Drive, while Steam Deck users will love the Crucial P310.
Whatever your needs, PCIe 4.0 SSDs in 2025 offer an unbeatable mix of speed, value, and reliability. And with prices becoming more competitive, there’s never been a better time to upgrade.
Stay tuned for regular updates, as the SSD landscape continues to evolve with new releases and firmware optimizations. Happy gaming and always visit our site for more info.
