URGENT UPDATE: Experts are warning gamers against purchasing “Pro” NVMe SSD drives, such as the Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black SN770, for their gaming PCs. New insights reveal that these high-end drives offer little to no performance improvement for the vast majority of gamers, who would be better served by mid-range options.
Many gamers default to “Pro” SSDs based on misleading marketing that emphasizes high sequential read speeds, such as the impressive 7400 MB/s noted on product packaging. However, these figures largely pertain to moving large files rather than the random 4K read speeds that are critical for gaming performance. According to recent analyses, gaming relies heavily on how quickly a drive can access and load a multitude of small data chunks, a factor that most mid-range drives handle adeptly.
In real-world tests, the loading times for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield reveal that gamers will not notice a significant difference between a high-end SSD and a mid-range alternative. The performance gap is measured in mere seconds, raising questions about the value of spending significantly more on “Pro” SSDs.
Additionally, experts emphasize that mid-range drives can often run cooler and require less extensive thermal management than their high-end counterparts. This can be crucial for compact builds where airflow is limited, reducing the risk of thermal throttling and enhancing overall system performance.
While pro-level SSDs may be beneficial for specific applications like 4K or 8K video production, the gaming community is urged to reconsider their choices. Currently, only a limited number of games utilize DirectStorage, a promising technology developed by Microsoft that aims to accelerate game loading and asset streaming. Even with this technology, the library of supporting titles remains sparse, including only a few like Forza Motorsport and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.
Experts recommend that gamers prioritize capacity over “Pro” branding when selecting an SSD. A 2TB mid-range drive typically offers better value and more storage for an expanding library of AAA titles than a 1TB Pro drive at a similar price point.
As the gaming landscape evolves, it is crucial for players to make informed decisions based on actual performance metrics rather than marketing hype. Before purchasing an SSD, gamers should specifically check the random 4K read speeds to ensure optimal gaming performance. The message is clear: don’t let flashy benchmarks drive your spending; invest in larger capacity drives that will meet your gaming needs without breaking the bank.
This urgent advisory serves as a reminder that gamers should focus on what truly impacts their experience—capacity and relevant performance metrics—rather than being lured by the allure of high-end SSD branding.
