Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If you want higher frame rates or better graphics, investigate your graphics card first. If you want more room for games or shorter loading waits—especially when games are on a hard drive—an SSD is the more relevant upgrade. An SSD is not a general-purpose way to raise FPS; choose based on the problem you want to fix, then verify that your system is actually limited by that component.
Which upgrade fits your gaming problem?
| Your goal or symptom | Investigate first | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Low frame rates, graphics settings that are too demanding, or a goal of higher resolution and visual quality | Graphics card | GPU load or limits in the games you play, CPU limits, power supply, case clearance, display target, and budget |
| Long game or level load times, games installed on a hard drive, or too little room for games | SSD | Whether your system supports SATA or M.2 NVMe, available slots and physical size, and the capacity you need |
| Stutters or inconsistent performance | Diagnose before buying | CPU and GPU utilization, temperatures, RAM, background tasks, and storage behavior; stuttering alone does not identify the cause |
| You already have an SSD but want shorter loads | Check actual game behavior before buying a faster SSD | Game support, workload, drive interface, and whether loading is limited by storage |
AMD describes the graphics card as the main component responsible for in-game frame rates and visual quality. That is vendor buying guidance, not a guarantee that a new GPU will solve every performance problem. A CPU limit or another system issue can hold back the result. Microsoft likewise recommends a GPU upgrade or lower graphics settings when the graphics card is struggling to render detail. AMD’s gaming benchmarks and guidance and Microsoft’s Windows gaming guide, dated April 9, 2026 describe these distinct roles.
When a graphics card is the better first upgrade
Start with the GPU if your main complaint is low FPS, or if you want to use higher visual settings or play at a higher resolution. The graphics card renders the game’s images, so its capability matters directly to those goals. The outcome still depends on the game, resolution, settings, and the rest of your PC.
Compare performance in the games and settings you use
Before choosing a card, identify the resolution and refresh rate you play at, the graphics settings you want, and a realistic frame-rate target. Compare cards using the games that matter to you rather than relying on a single broad ranking. AMD offers a game comparison tool, but its figures are generated and verified in AMD’s internal labs; they are manufacturer comparison data, not independent testing, and AMD says results can vary. Review AMD’s comparison data with those qualifications in mind.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
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- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Check that the rest of the system can support the upgrade
- Confirm that the power supply has suitable capacity and the required connectors.
- Measure available case clearance against the card’s dimensions.
- Consider whether your CPU may limit performance in the games you play.
- Check the card’s display connections against your monitor.
- Keep your resolution, refresh-rate goal, settings, and budget in view when comparing options.
When an SSD is the better first upgrade
Choose an SSD to investigate when the problem is storage capacity or long waits to start a game or load a level, particularly if the game is installed on a hard disk. Microsoft says moving games to an SSD can improve load time. That benefit is different from raising frame rates during gameplay.
Check the drive your system can use
- Check whether your PC supports SATA, M.2 NVMe, or both.
- For an M.2 drive, confirm that a compatible slot is available and check the supported physical size.
- Choose capacity based on the games and other files you intend to keep installed.
These checks identify what to verify; they do not establish compatibility for a particular computer. Consult the PC or motherboard specifications before buying.
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
A faster SSD does not automatically mean more FPS
DirectStorage and GPU-based decompression concern asset loading and depend on the workload and game. Microsoft’s technical overview describes I/O benefits in its Xbox Series X|S GDK context, while its PC announcement conditions expected load-time benefits on having a DirectStorage-capable PC and a DirectStorage-enabled game. Those qualifications matter: the technology’s existence does not show that a particular game or PC will load faster, and it is not a general FPS upgrade. See Microsoft’s DirectStorage overview and Microsoft’s PC announcement.
NVIDIA also describes GPU-accelerated storage and decompression in its RTX IO materials. Its “up to 100x” wording compares its RTX IO framing with hard drives and traditional storage APIs; it is not a typical result for choosing an SSD over a graphics card. Read NVIDIA’s RTX IO description as a vendor technology claim, not a direct upgrade comparison.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
What to do if the symptoms are unclear
Stutters and inconsistent performance can come from several parts of a system, so they are not enough to identify whether storage or graphics is at fault. Check CPU and GPU utilization, temperatures, RAM use, background tasks, and storage activity while reproducing the problem in the game that concerns you. Use what you observe to narrow the cause before spending money; the symptom guide is not a substitute for checking your actual hardware and game performance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and gaming with PCIe 5.0, boasting up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s* sequential read/write speeds. Tackle massive files and power up your gaming with Gen5—twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD.
- EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits. With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking. Virtually no lag, no limits—just nonstop performance.
- THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds of up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, the 9100 PRO SSD fuels seamless AI content creation, swift loads, and smooth gameplay. Work, play, and create at lightning speed.
- SPEED, WHENEVER YOU NEED: From laptops to desktop PCs, experience blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds and up to 8TB of storage. Perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative tasks, with the compatibility to match your device.
- STAY COOL, RUN FAST: Push limits, not temperatures. A 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO SSD*, while advanced thermal control keeps performance smooth and reliable.
Rank #4
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs and notebook PCs. Ideal for power users who are looking for market-leading speeds.
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection. Capacities of up to 4 TB are available, providing ample storage space and eliminating the anxiety of insufficient storage.
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of power distribution, and effectively extends the durability of the SSD. Moreover, it is equipped with a 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink to prevent overheating with excellent heat dissipation performance and maintain stable top performance.
- 【Enhanced System Stability】The NV7400 delivers stable performance for demanding applications. Enhanced by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, it ensures stable operation even under heavy workloads. The integration of Smart Cache optimizes data retrieval, while Zip data compression maximizes storage efficiency.
- 【Free Biwin Intelligence Software】Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Biwin consumer-brand storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, firmware update, and more.
Make the decision in this order
- Name the result you want. For more FPS or better graphics, investigate the GPU. For storage space or shorter loading waits, investigate an SSD.
- Check for a component limit. Look at performance in the games, resolution, and settings you actually use; do not assume a stutter identifies its cause.
- Verify compatibility. Check GPU power, connectors, dimensions, CPU pairing, and monitor connections, or confirm the SSD interface, slot, size, and capacity.
- Compare the cost with the expected improvement. An SSD and a GPU can both be worthwhile, but they address different goals. Choose the upgrade that matches the problem you confirmed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
