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An SSD is generally the better choice for gaming if you want faster game loading and support for newer storage-dependent features. An HDD can still serve as bulk storage, but an SSD is not a guaranteed way to raise frame rates. Which drive makes sense depends on your device, the games you play, and their storage requirements.
How SSDs and HDDs affect gaming
Loading and access to game data
Microsoft describes DirectStorage as a feature that improves game load times. The technology is designed for high-speed storage such as NVMe SSDs, which can handle many small reads with minimal CPU overhead. That describes the technology’s design and workload, not a guaranteed improvement for every game or system. Microsoft’s Windows gaming page and its DirectStorage documentation explain the feature.
Actual loading and data-access results depend on the game and the rest of the system. The available Microsoft material does not establish a universal number of seconds saved by moving a game from an HDD to an SSD.
Frame rate
Loading speed and frame rate are different measures. The cited Microsoft materials discuss load times and storage I/O; they do not establish that replacing an HDD with an SSD universally increases FPS. Choose an SSD for loading and storage-related benefits, not on the assumption that it will raise frame rates in every game.
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When DirectStorage compatibility matters
DirectStorage is conditional: both the PC and the game must support it. For games using the feature, Microsoft’s Windows gaming page lists an NVMe SSD, the Standard NVM Express Controller driver, and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support. Those are requirements for the documented DirectStorage case, not requirements for every game or every SSD.
Before buying or moving a game, check the device’s specifications and the individual game’s stated storage requirements. Confirm the drive interface and form factor your system supports. An SSD by itself does not make an incompatible game or system DirectStorage-compatible.
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****
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How to choose a drive for your game library
- Choose an SSD for games you play often, games with storage requirements that call for one, or games that use DirectStorage when your system meets the stated conditions.
- Keep an HDD for bulk storage if it suits your setup and the games stored there support it. Treat it as a capacity-oriented role rather than an equivalent choice for storage-dependent features.
- Use both if practical: prioritize frequently played or storage-demanding games on the SSD, and use the HDD for lower-priority storage. Check each game’s requirements before deciding where to install it.
Microsoft’s documentation supports NVMe as the relevant SSD category for DirectStorage, but it does not recommend a particular model or establish a capacity that suits every library.
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Best Value
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- 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.
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- 【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.
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).
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