For gaming and most PC activities, having a quick solid-state drive can make a huge impact. Investing in one of the top ssd drives for gaming results in faster load times, decreased stuttering, and an overall smoother, calmer, and quicker PC gaming experience when compared to a traditional HDD.
An excellent SSD brings you directly to the gameplay, which is exactly where every PC gamer desires to be. But the question is – how do you find the best option available out there?
Let’s learn more about it.
1: Check Online Reviews
Look into online reviews and benchmarks from trustworthy sources for research. Platforms like Tom’s Hardware, AnandTech, and PCMag will provide in-depth evaluations and performance comparisons. User feedback on retail platforms such as Amazon can offer valuable information regarding actual performance and dependability.
2: The Right Form Factor
There are various shapes and sizes of laptop SSDs available. Hence, you must install one that is compatible with your laptop’s form factors.
The only size of laptop SSDs that was previously available for purchase was the 2.5-inch drive. This has been altered, and currently there are SSD laptop drives accessible in both 2.5-inch and M.2 form factors.
The drive slots on your laptop should have the appropriate size labeled, or you can find this information in the owner’s manual.
3: The Capacity of the SSDs
The most important decision you’ll need to make is the storage capacity of your new laptop’s SSD. The majority of drives on the market have data storage sizes ranging from 120GB to 2TB.
Opting for a smaller SSD capacity at a lower price could result in more frequent upgrades of your laptop’s SSD if you outgrow the capacity quickly. You should consider both your budget and future needs when choosing the size of the drive.
If you’re struggling to make your data fit on a budget laptop SSD, learn how to clear up space on your computer without deleting important files.
4: The “Right Match”
The kind of SSD you put in your gaming system relies on a few important factors.
Initially, you should refer to your computer’s manual to determine if your motherboard is compatible with either SATA or M.2 NVMe.
We have a strong preference for M.2 NVMe, which has the ability to operate up to six times quicker than SATA SSDs, however, there is no method to switch between formats, so it is crucial to be absolutely sure before making a financial commitment.
Next, are there limitations on space available? Have you assembled your own computer? Is your laptop thin? If you possess the ability to handle specific SSDs, but there is no suitable slot for them to fit into, you may encounter difficulties.
5: Keep an Eye on the Specs
A brief glance at the Spec Sheet can provide insight into the durability of the drive you are purchasing. By examining the warranty and knowing the SSD’s Total Bytes Written (TBW), you can make a reliable prediction about the lifespan of your drive, with a longer warranty indicating greater durability.
The FireCuda 510, as an example, is covered by Seagate’s typical 5-year warranty and offers 2,600 TBW. This allows for writing and rewriting of well above 2,000 total terabytes on the drive, which should be more than sufficient for normal use.
Another reliable measure of long-term reliability is Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). MTBF calculates the number of hours expected between failures at a consistent failure rate during regular operation.
Any MTBF exceeding one million should be sufficient for your needs, and all FireCuda 510 capacities have a MTBF of 1.8 million. That is an extensive amount of time prior to a possible breakdown.