NVMe vs SATA SSD Which is Better for Gaming

If you thought PC gaming couldn’t get any grander, you thought wrong. While graphics and response times are important, there is one more thing that entices us into using the computer: loading times. Of course, if you want to have very short loading times and a fast PC boot, you will need the best of the best. NVMe vs SATA SSD’s are both better for Gaming but which one is better than the other.

The NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and SATA SSD (Solid State Drive) are two of the best Solid State Drives right now thanks to fast booting times and short waits while playing your favorite games. Here, we’ll be talking about the general comparison between the two and find out which is more suitable to your liking.

Also, we’ll be discussing these in layman’s terms. Don’t forget to check out the best NVMes and best SSDs of this year if you need a good buyer’s guide and more detailed explanation of the two. Right, let’s get started.
The Speeds

From a standard point of view, you’d think they’re similar. But once you test each one out, you’ll definitely experience the contrasts. First of all, NVMe or Non-Volatile Memory Express performs twice faster than the SATA SSD.

It works with the PCI express in order to transfer info to and from the SSD. It’s still a fresh hardware in the PC world and is considered a breakthrough innovation in data transfer, meaning the response times can make even the most impatient man on Earth very happy. On the other hand, SATA SSD still works fast; much faster than an HDD, mind you, but it cannot compare to what the NVMe delivers.

For example, it will take you just 50 seconds to boot your PC and automatically open your programs like Spotify and Steam when you have an SSD. However, the NVMe can do all that in just 25 seconds.

Let’s take another example; this time with games. An average 2019 game running on an NVMe will take approximately 1500/600 Mbps drive read/write, resulting in fast loading times. While the SSD cannot achieve those numbers, it still makes great work with a drive read/write of around 600/400 Mbps.

Compactness

Just like any modern technology, NVMe comes in a very small package. Think of it like a bite-sized thin crust version of a RAM. All you have to do now is just plug it in the right area and play. As for the SSD, it’s still much smaller and simplified versus an HDD and it just needs a few plugs here and there to get it working but nothing out of the ordinary.

Memory Safety

Yes, we understand that storage is everything and the last thing you want is for your drive to wipe out everything you saved. Well, the good news is that both NVMe and SSD are well away from that possibility although SATA SSDs can still get an error at some point and lose what you saved. However, it’s not as vile as an HDD magnet erasing all the files you cherish like how Thanos wiped out half the universe with a snap.

That’s where NVMe shows its significance. That’s why the name includes “Non-Volatile”. Because the drive is 100% secure from any harmful acts that can destroy your storage.

Pricing

Since NVMe is top-of-the-line, expect high prices from $90 to as big as $200. But the best part here is that it pays for itself as time goes by. Plus, this is the storage of the future that may as well be the reason why HDDs become obsolete soon. But if you need a more wallet-friendly price, go for the SATA SSD. Sure, it may cost more significantly versus an HDD but the fast loading times and booting are always worth it.

So what should you get?

The drive of your choice is entirely up to you but if you want a secure future, you pick the NVMe. Sure, the price is hefty but at least it still is highly-reliable storage hardware even at least 5 to 8 years from now. But if you can’t afford it and just want something to boost up speeds after wasting time with an HDD, the SSD is definitely the way to go.

Hope this article helps you decide the Solid State Drive that you need for your PC.