Storage might not be the flashiest part of a gaming PC, but it shapes your experience more than you’d think. Fast NVMe SSDs slash load times and enable next-generation features, while high-capacity hard drives give you room to store an ever-growing library without breaking the bank.
The smartest setups often combine both: a speedy SSD for your operating system and favorite games, plus a roomy HDD for the rest. We’ve gathered standout drives across both categories so you can build the ideal storage strategy. Here are the best hard drives and SSDs for your gaming PC.
Our top picks
Seagate 8TB BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive- Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently…
- Build a power house gaming computer or desktop…
- The go to SATA hard drive solution for…
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB- Consider this a cheat code
- Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and…
- The speed you need for any occasion
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD- Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently…
- Build a powerhouse gaming computer or desktop setup…
- The go-to SATA hard drive solution for nearly…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Seagate 8TB BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive | Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently… Build a power house gaming computer or desktop… The go to SATA hard drive solution for… | Check price |
| Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB | Consider this a cheat code Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and… The speed you need for any occasion | Check price |
| Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD | Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently… Build a powerhouse gaming computer or desktop setup… The go-to SATA hard drive solution for nearly… | Check price |
 WD_Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD | This product has been replaced by our latest… OCTANE GAMING BUILT | Check price |
 SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0-1TB m.2 | Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High… Work and Play - Whether you pursue science… Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready… | Check price |
 Samsung SSD 870 EVO SATA III 2.5” | The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability… Enjoy professional level SSD performance with 870 EVO,… Meet the demands of every task from everyday… | Check price |
 WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive | High capacity in a small enclosure Plug-and-play expandability Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your… | Check price |
 Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 1TB | BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and… EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds… | Check price |
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Watch: Best Hard Drive For Gaming PC — Video Review
How to Choose Storage for a Gaming PC
- SSD versus HDD: NVMe SSDs deliver dramatically faster load times, while HDDs offer far more capacity per dollar. Many gamers use both together.
- NVMe speed: Gen4 drives reach up to around 7,000 MB/s, benefiting fast game loading and next-gen features. Check the read and write ratings.
- Capacity: Modern games are huge. Aim for at least 1TB of fast storage, supplemented by a larger HDD for your broader library.
- Interface and form factor: Confirm your motherboard supports M.2 NVMe for SSDs, and check bay availability for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives.
- Endurance and heat: Quality NAND and, for high-speed drives, a heatsink help maintain performance and longevity under sustained load.
The Best Gaming PC Storage Drives Reviewed
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship Gen4 NVMe SSD reaching up to 7,450 MB/s, ideal for high-end gaming and heavy workstations. It is the pick for those who want top-tier speed.
WD_Black SN7100 2TB
The WD_Black SN7100 delivers up to 7,250 MB/s with efficient TLC 3D NAND, perfect for laptops and handheld gaming devices. Its speed and efficiency make it a versatile choice.
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB (3.5″)
This 7200 RPM Seagate BarraCuda offers 2TB of capacity with a large cache at a low price. It is an excellent mass-storage drive for your broader game library.
Samsung 870 EVO 2TB
The Samsung 870 EVO is a reliable SATA SSD reaching up to 560 MB/s, a solid upgrade for older systems without M.2 slots. It balances speed, capacity, and dependability.
SIX NVMe M.2 1TB
This budget-friendly SIX Gen4 NVMe drive hits up to 7,350 MB/s and includes a heatsink for gaming and PS5 expansion. It offers impressive speed at an accessible price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an SSD for gaming?
Yes, an SSD dramatically reduces load times and is essential for the best experience. An NVMe drive is ideal for your OS and most-played games.
Should I get NVMe or SATA?
NVMe drives are far faster and preferred for modern gaming. SATA SSDs like the 870 EVO are a good option for older systems lacking M.2 slots.
Is an HDD still worth it?
Absolutely, for mass storage. A large HDD offers the most capacity per dollar, perfect for storing your broader library alongside a fast SSD.
How much storage do I need?
With modern games often exceeding 100GB, 1TB is a practical minimum for fast storage, with 2TB or a supplementary HDD giving comfortable headroom.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung 990 PRO is our top pick for flagship NVMe speed, while the WD_Black SN7100 offers excellent performance and efficiency. For affordable mass storage, the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB is the ideal companion drive for your growing library.
