4 Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs to Boost Your Computer

When you upgrade to a PCIe 5.0 SSD, you unlock unmatched speed and efficiency that can transform how your computer handles demanding tasks. Whether you’re gaming, working with AI applications, or editing high-resolution videos, these M.2 NVMe drives offer significantly faster load times and smoother performance.

Choosing the right PCIe 5.0 SSD means you can future-proof your system, reduce bottlenecks, and enjoy a more responsive computing experience overall.

Top Picks

Category	Product	Score
🏆 Best Overall	Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB	95/100
💰 Best Value	Crucial T705 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD	88/100
⚡ Best Performance	WD_BLACK 2TB SN8100 NVMe SSD	92/100
💡 Best Innovation	Kingston Fury Renegade G5 2TB NVMe SSD	90/100

How We Selected the Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs

We focused on M.2 NVMe SSDs that utilize the latest PCIe 5.0 interface to deliver exceptional sequential read and write speeds. Key factors included real-world performance benchmarks, thermal management, reliability, compatibility with current motherboards, and user feedback. We also considered value for money and special features like hardware encryption and power efficiency to ensure you get the best balance of speed, durability, and price.

Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB

If you're looking to seriously boost your computer's speed, the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB with PCIe 5.0 is a solid pick. It’s designed to handle everything from heavy AI workloads to gaming and video editing without breaking a sweat. You’ll notice how fast your games load and how smoothly your creative apps run. Plus, it’s built to stay cool even when you’re pushing it hard, so no worries about overheating.

Whether you’re upgrading your laptop or desktop, this SSD brings next-level speed and plenty of space to keep your files and games ready to go.

What People Say

People love how this SSD transforms their workflow and gaming experience with its speed and reliability. Many mention how easy it is to install and how it stays cool even under heavy use. Some users also appreciate that it works well even on older PCIe versions, though you’ll get the best from a PCIe 5.0 setup.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ Azfar A.

Upgraded to the Samsung 9100 Pro NVMe SSD for my workstation, and the performance boost was immediate and dramatic. Boot times, file transfers, and application launches are all noticeably faster — like blink-and-it's-done fast. Even under heavy workloads, it doesn’t break a sweat. Thermal performance has been excellent — no overheating or throttling so far. Installation was straightforward and it was recognized immediately without any hiccups.

🗣️ Amazon Customer

Can confirm it works with PCIE 3 on my Asus Maximus X code Intel board. I'm capped but it's still super fast. Worked flawlessly. Planning to use the 4TB for my future build alongside my 9070XT.

Compatibility

Platform	Compatibility Level
PCIe 5.0	Full support for max speeds
PCIe 4.0	Works but capped at Gen4 speeds
PCIe 3.0	Compatible with speed limitations
Laptop	Compatible with M.2 2280 slots
Desktop	Compatible with M.2 2280 slots

Innovation

The 9100 PRO leverages PCIe 5.0 technology to double the speed of previous models, paired with a 5nm controller that boosts power efficiency by up to 49%. It also features intelligent thermal control to keep things running smoothly without overheating, making it a smart choice for demanding tasks.

Speed & Response

With sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and random read/write speeds reaching 2,200K/2,600K IOPS, you’ll experience near-instant loading and seamless multitasking, whether gaming or working on large files.

Reliability

Samsung’s reputation for quality shines here, with in-house components and ongoing firmware updates via Magician Software. Users report consistent performance without crashes or slowdowns, even under heavy workloads.

Why You'll Like It

Blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds up to 14,800 MB/s for lightning-fast load times
Handles heavy AI computing, gaming, and video editing with ease
Advanced thermal control keeps it cool during intense use
Up to 8TB storage option to keep all your games and files handy
Power-efficient 5nm controller boosts performance without overheating
Magician Software keeps your drive updated and secure

Rating: 4.8 (total: 297+)

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Crucial T705 1TB

If you want to seriously speed up your PC, the Crucial T705 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD is a great choice. It’s built to handle everything from gaming to video editing with ease, loading games faster and cutting down wait times on big projects. You’ll appreciate how it fits right into your M.2 slot and works well with your motherboard’s heatsink to keep things cool.

Just a heads-up: the version without a heatsink runs hot, so pairing it with a good cooling solution is a smart move. Whether you’re upgrading your desktop or building a powerhouse, this SSD gives you that next-level speed boost you’re after.

What People Say

Users rave about the incredible speed and how much it improves gaming and creative workflows. Many highlight the need for good cooling since the drive can get hot, especially the version without the OEM heatsink. Installation is straightforward, and the drive works well across various motherboards.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ Pacific coast

This Gen5 T705 is insanely fast. I use it on my Asrock Taichi Lite Z890 motherboard and it’s the hottest component in my system, but the speed is unbelievable. Just make sure to get the version without the OEM heatsink or replace it, because the stock one doesn’t cool well at all. After swapping to a better passive heatsink, temps dropped significantly and performance stayed rock solid.

🗣️ R Walsworth

I’ve bought two of these drives in the last year and love them. Boot times are lightning fast and file transfers happen in no time. They do get warm, but using a motherboard heatsink keeps thermals in check. The size fits perfectly in most boards, and the speed boost is noticeable right away.

Compatibility

Platform	Compatibility Level
PCIe 5.0	Full support for max speeds
PCIe 4.0	Works but capped at Gen4 speeds
PCIe 3.0	Compatible with speed limitations
Desktop	Fits M.2 2280 slots
Gaming Console	Compatible with supported NVMe slots

Innovation

The Crucial T705 pushes PCIe Gen5 NVMe technology to the limit with Micron’s 232-layer TLC NAND, delivering nearly double the speed of Gen4 drives. It’s designed to take full advantage of Microsoft DirectStorage, speeding up game load times and creative tasks while maintaining compatibility with older PCIe generations.

Speed & Response

With sequential read speeds up to 13,600 MB/s and random read/write IOPS hitting 1,400K/1,750K, you’ll notice near-instant boot times, quick file transfers, and smooth multitasking whether gaming or working on large files.

Reliability

Built with Micron’s trusted NAND and backed by a solid 5-year warranty, this SSD offers dependable performance. While some users mention the drive runs hot, especially without a heatsink, proper cooling keeps it stable and reliable over time.

Why You'll Like It

Blazing PCIe Gen5 speeds up to 13,600 MB/s read and 10,200 MB/s write
Optimized for gaming with Microsoft DirectStorage for faster load times
Easy installation in M.2 slots with motherboard heatsink compatibility
Built with Micron 232-layer TLC NAND for reliable performance
Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan with registration

Rating: 4.5 (total: 905+)

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WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB

If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your storage, the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD is a solid pick. It slides right into your M.2 slot and delivers some of the fastest read speeds you’ll find, topping out at 14,900 MB/s.

Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or working with AI applications, this drive handles heavy tasks with ease. It’s also designed to stay cool and efficient, so you won’t have to worry about overheating during those long sessions. Plus, with up to 4TB available, you’ve got plenty of space for your projects and game library. It’s a great way to give your PC a noticeable speed boost without fuss.

What People Say

Users love how fast this M.2 SSD is, especially for gaming and creative work. Many mention the cool running temps compared to previous WD drives and praise its reliability once firmware is updated.

Installation is straightforward, and it works well across PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 platforms.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ Tom AZ

This drive is insanely quick. I’m hitting around 13,900 MB/s read and 14,200 MB/s write on average, which makes loading samples and software a breeze. It stays cool too, rarely going above 48°C even without a heatsink. Works perfectly in my Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Ultra with no hiccups in PCIe Gen5 or Gen4 slots.

🗣️ John

Runs much cooler than my other WD M.2 drives—about 20 degrees cooler. Installation was smooth, though I had a couple of blue screens during Windows 11 setup, but after updating firmware, it’s been rock solid. The speed and thermal performance really stand out.

Compatibility

Platform	Compatibility Level
PCIe 5.0	Full support for max speeds
PCIe 4.0	Compatible but capped at Gen4 speeds
PCIe 3.0	Works with speed limitations
Desktop	Fits M.2 2280 slots
Laptop	Compatible with M.2 NVMe slots

Innovation

The WD_BLACK SN8100 leverages PCIe Gen 5 technology combined with advanced TLC 3D CBA NAND to deliver exceptional speed and power efficiency. It’s designed not just for raw performance but also to keep your system cool and stable during intense workloads like gaming and AI tasks.

Speed & Response

With sequential read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds reaching 14,000 MB/s, this SSD makes booting up, loading games, and transferring large files feel almost instantaneous. It also handles over 2.3 million IOPS on higher capacity models, so multitasking is smooth and lag-free.

Reliability

Built with durable NAND and offering up to 2,400 TBW endurance on the 4TB model, this drive is made to last through heavy daily use. Users report stable performance and minimal heat issues, especially after firmware updates, making it a trustworthy choice for demanding setups.

Why You’ll Like It

Blazing PCIe Gen 5 speeds up to 14,900 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write
Fits standard M.2 2280 slots for easy installation
Advanced TLC 3D CBA NAND for reliable performance and efficiency
Runs cool with optimized thermal design, even without a heatsink
Up to 4TB capacity to store large projects and game libraries

Rating: 4.7 (total: 42+)

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Kingston Fury Renegade G5 2TB

If you want to push your PC’s storage to the next level, the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 2TB is a great choice. It fits right into your M.2 2280 slot and delivers seriously fast PCIe 5.0 speeds, making game load times and app launches feel way snappier.

Whether you’re gaming hard or working on demanding projects, this SSD keeps things running smoothly without overheating thanks to its smart thermal design. It’s a solid pick if you want a reliable, high-performance drive that’s ready for the latest tech.

What People Say

Users appreciate how this SSD delivers on its speed promises, especially the 2TB model. Many highlight its cool operation without throttling and prefer it over other Gen 5 drives for stability and efficiency. It’s praised for smooth gaming and demanding workloads.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

🗣️ SimonSays

The 2TB version really hits those advertised speeds with up to 14,800 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write. It stays cool thanks to low power consumption and a smart controller, so no throttling even during heavy use. I prefer it over the Samsung 9100 Pro for its stable data rates and energy efficiency.

🗣️ Cyberwulf

This Gen 5 M.2 NVMe drive is the best I’ve tried so far. It runs cool, doesn’t throttle, and is lightning fast. Definitely recommend it over other Gen 5 competitors for anyone wanting top-tier performance.

Compatibility

Platform	Compatibility Level
PCIe 5.0	Full support for max speeds
PCIe 4.0	Compatible but limited to Gen4 speeds
PCIe 3.0	Works with speed limitations
Desktop	Fits M.2 2280 slots
Laptop	Compatible with M.2 NVMe slots

Innovation

Kingston’s Fury Renegade G5 leverages PCIe 5.0 technology paired with a 6nm SM2508 controller and a 12-layer PCB to deliver extreme speeds while maintaining low power consumption and efficient cooling. This combination ensures you get next-gen performance without overheating or throttling.

Speed & Response

With read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds reaching 14,000 MB/s, this SSD makes booting, gaming, and file transfers feel almost instant. Its fast NVMe interface and smart cache help keep everything responsive, even under heavy multitasking.

Reliability

Thanks to its energy-efficient controller and advanced thermal design, the Fury Renegade G5 stays cool and stable during long sessions. Users report consistent performance and minimal heat issues, making it a dependable choice for daily use and demanding workloads.

Why You’ll Like It

Blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds up to 14,800 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write
Advanced thermal design keeps it cool and stable under load
Fits standard M.2 2280 slots for easy installation
Designed for gamers, content creators, and power users
Reliable performance with energy-efficient controller and cache

Rating: 4.8 (total: 5+)

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FAQ

What Should You Consider When Choosing a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD for Your Computer?

When selecting a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD, you should first ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 to fully benefit from the blazing speeds these drives offer. Pay attention to the storage capacity that fits your needs, whether for gaming, AI workloads, or content creation.

Cooling is another critical factor since PCIe 5.0 drives can generate significant heat; some models come with heatsinks, but you might want to invest in an aftermarket cooling solution for optimal thermal management. Also, consider the drive’s endurance and warranty to ensure reliability over time. Lastly, check compatibility with your system’s BIOS and operating system to avoid installation issues.

Will a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD Work on Older PCIe Versions, and How Does That Affect Performance?

Yes, PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs are backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 slots, so you can use them on older systems. However, your drive’s speed will be limited by the maximum bandwidth of your motherboard’s PCIe version. For example, on PCIe 3.0, you won’t reach the full potential speeds of up to 14,800MB/s that PCIe 5.0 offers. Despite this limitation, you will still experience faster load times and improved responsiveness compared to older SSDs.

If your system doesn’t support PCIe 5.0 yet, you might consider whether the performance gain justifies the investment or if a high-end PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD better suits your current setup.

How Can You Manage Heat and Maintain Optimal Performance When Using a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD?

Managing heat is essential to maintain the high performance of PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs, as these drives can run hotter than previous generations. You should install your SSD in an M.2 slot equipped with a good heatsink or consider adding an aftermarket cooling solution if your motherboard’s heatsink is insufficient.

Ensure your PC case has proper airflow to help dissipate heat effectively. Monitoring software provided by manufacturers can help you track drive temperatures and health.

Avoid prolonged heavy workloads without breaks to prevent thermal throttling, which can reduce speed. By keeping your SSD cool, you’ll enjoy consistent performance and extend the lifespan of your drive.

Customer Preferences Overview

When choosing between the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB, Crucial T705 1TB, and WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB, you typically prioritize factors like storage capacity, speed, and reliability to match your computing needs. Customers often prefer the Samsung 9100 PRO for its exceptional performance and large capacity, while the Crucial T705 appeals to those seeking a balance of speed and affordability, and the WD_BLACK SN8100 is favored for its durability and gaming optimization.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value maximum speed, cost-effectiveness, or specialized features for gaming.

Wrapping Up

Upgrading to one of these top PCIe 5.0 M.2 NVMe SSDs can dramatically enhance your computer’s speed and responsiveness. You’ll benefit from faster game load times, quicker file transfers, and improved handling of intensive workloads like AI computing and video editing.

By choosing the right SSD based on your needs and budget, you ensure your system stays ready for the latest software and demanding applications. Investing in a PCIe 5.0 SSD is a smart way to future-proof your setup and enjoy a smoother, more efficient computing experience.

Product	Rating	Storage Capacity	Sequential Read Speed	Sequential Write Speed
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB	4.8/5 (297 reviews)	2 TB	Up to 14,800 MB/s	Up to 14,000 MB/s
Crucial T705 1TB	4.5/5 (905 reviews)	1 TB	Up to 13,600 MB/s	Up to 10,600 MB/s
WD_BLACK 2TB SN8100	4.7/5 (42 reviews)	2 TB	Up to 14,900 MB/s	N/A
Kingston Fury Renegade G5 2048GB	4.8/5 (5 reviews)	2 TB	Up to 14,800 MB/s	Up to 14,000 MB/s

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