Best SATA SSD for Gaming

Samsung 860 EVO and Crucial MX500

• These are considered top-notch SATA SSDs for gaming.
• The MX500 has a DRAM cache which is important for performance.
• The MX500 is mentioned to be identical to the 860 EVO and both are great for gaming.

NVMe SSDs

• ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro and HP EX950 are recommended for gaming.
• Sabrent Rocket is praised for its price and performance.
• Samsung 970 EVO is noted as a good option but more expensive.
• 2.5" SATA SSDs are Fine for gaming, providing a significant upgrade from HDDs.

M.2 NVMe SSDs for OS and Data

• NVMe drives like the SX8200 Pro provide faster speeds.
• Intel 660p, while budget-friendly, is a lower-end NVMe drive with QLC that may impact longevity.
• Kingston A2000: Offers 2000MB/s and is one of the cheapest 1TB TLC options.

Choosing Between SATA and NVMe

• NVMe drives provide faster speeds and are considered superior on paper.
• Price Difference: NVMe drives are now close in price to SATA SSDs, making NVMe a more attractive option.
• Endurance: Avoid QLC drives for better endurance and performance.
• Boot Time: NVMe can reduce boot time significantly.

General Recommendations

• Avoid QLC: Stick to TLC drives for better endurance and performance.
• Kingston A2000 is a good budget-friendly TLC NVMe option.
• Samsung NVMe drives like the 970 EVO are reliable choices.
• Check Firmware: Ensure regular firmware updates for SSD functionality and performance.

Miscellaneous

• Reddit Community Suggestions: Join r/NewMaxx for SSD info and RedditDads for gaming dad discussions.
• Tech Review Recommendations: Watch videos from Tech Deals and check out Linus' reviews for SSD comparisons.
• Storage Planning: Consider NVMe for primary drives and SSD/HDD for additional storage needs.
• Price Value: Evaluate performance, capacity, and price to make the best SSD decision.

This comprehensive summary highlights the recommended SATA and NVMe SSD options for gaming, providing insights into performance, price points, and considerations for endurance and longevity.