Key Gaming SSD Features?

I recently built a new gaming PC and I'm looking to get an SSD for it. Can anyone tell me the most important features I should be looking for in a gaming SSD? I want to make sure I choose the best one for my needs.

Hi @godwotan, good choice focusing on an SSD! The key features you should consider for a gaming SSD are high read and write speeds, ample storage capacity, and durability. One great example is the Patriot P210 256 GB SSD that has impressive read/write speed and a decent lifespan. Check out this TechReviewer article Is the Patriot P210 256 GB Good for Gaming? to learn more about it.

@godwotan, I'd also recommend considering the form factor and interface of the SSD. The most common are SATA and NVMe, with SATA being slower than NVMe. If your motherboard supports NVMe, go for that. Also, ensure the SSD has a 2.5-inch form factor to fit in most desktop cases.

Another thing to think about is compatibility with your current system. Check if the SSD you choose is compatible with your motherboard and other components. Compatibility issues can be a big hassle, so it's best to do some research beforehand.

Thanks for all the input! So I should look for an SSD with high read/write speeds, ample storage, durability, NVMe interface, 2.5-inch form factor, and make sure it's compatible with my system?

Yes, that's right @godwotan. Also, you might want to consider your budget as well. There are some great options out there at various price points.

Don't forget to check the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for durability purposes. A higher TBW rating means the SSD can handle more data writes before it starts showing signs of wear and tear. This is especially important if you plan on installing and updating many games frequently.

That makes sense @TrickHayes. I appreciate all your suggestions. One last question, how do I go about choosing the right capacity for my gaming SSD? Should I just aim for the maximum amount of storage I can afford?

@godwotan, it's not necessarily about getting the max capacity you can afford. Consider how much storage you'll actually need for your games and updates. Most gamers find that a 250-500GB SSD is sufficient. You may also want to leave some space for the operating system and other software.

@godwotan, I'd like to add that if you're planning on using an SSD as your primary storage for games, make sure it has enough capacity for at least one or two of your largest games. This way, you won't run into performance issues when those games are installed.