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The best PCIe 5.0 SSDs 2025 deliver sequential read speeds of 10,000+ MB/s, dramatically reducing load and transfer times.
Look for Gen5 compatibility, thermal/DRAM support, and large capacities for high-end PC builds.
Investing in a Gen5 SSD future-proofs your system and pairs with top CPUs and GPUs for peak performance.
With the arrival of PCIe Gen 5, SSD performance reaches a new benchmark. It offers significantly faster speeds than the previous generation, which excites gaming and performance enthusiasts alike.
These Gen 5 NVMe SSDs use the latest AM5 and LGA 1851 platforms to deliver sequential read speeds exceeding 10,000 MB/s. Here are five of the best PCIe 5.0 SSDs that deliver lightning-fast response and ultra-quick boot times.
Western Digital’s flagship SSD, the WD Black SN8100, is a top-tier SSD designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking maximum throughput and reliability. SN8100 is one of the most popular Gen 5 NVMe SSDs of 2025.
Specifications:
Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4 (NVMe)
Sequential Read: Up to 14,900 MB/s
Sequential Write: Up to 14,000 MB/s
Form Factor: M.2 2280
Endurance: Up to 2,400 TBW (4 TB model)
Features: Advanced cooling, TLC 3D CBA NAND, high IOPS
Samsung's first PCIe Gen 5 SSD, the 9100 Pro, delivers exceptional performance and best-in-class NAND and controller technology, making this SSD perfect for builds designed to last.
Specifications:
Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe 2.0
Sequential Read: Up to ~14,800 MB/s
Sequential Write: Up to 13,400 MB/s
Form Factor: M.2 2280
Capacities: 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB (typical)
Samsung’s other Gen 5 offering, 990 EVO Plus 2 SSD, delivers Gen 5 performance at a reasonable price, making it a good value for future-proof enthusiasts.
Specifications:
Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
Read Speed: Up to 10,000 MB/s (typical Gen5 spec)
Form Factor: M.2 2280
Capacities: Various
Also Read: Best CPUs for High FPS Gaming (2025): Top Processors for Smooth, Lag-Free Performance
Samsung continues to dominate this list with its 990 Pro SSD; it’s highly reliable and offers sustained performance. This Samsung SSD is a solid option for heavier workloads and the latest gaming rigs.
Specifications:
Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
Read/Write: High sequential performance (Gen5 class)
Form Factor: M.2 2280
For high-end, custom-built PCs and pre-built computers, PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are unparalleled in terms of speed, reliability, and longevity. WD Black SN8100 is perfect for more demanding workloads, while the Samsung lineup offers excellent brand reliability and consistency. Ensure your motherboard supports a PCIe Gen 5 slot before clicking the purchase button.
1. Do I really need a PCIe 5.0 SSD in 2025？
While it's not absolutely mandatory, PCIe Gen 5 SSDs do offer higher speeds than older-generation SSDs.
2. Will Gen5 SSDs work in Gen4 slots？
Yes, Gen 4 slots can fit into Gen 5 SSDs, but the speed will be limited to the Gen 4 standard.
3. Does sequential speed matter for gaming？
It reduces load times for levels/assets, meaning less time spent on loading screens and more on actual gameplay.
4. What about heat and cooling？
Adequate cooling is required for Gen 5 SSDs, as they generate more heat due to their high bandwidth.
5. Is capacity more important than speed？
It’s all relative. For large assets/game libraries and editing workloads, capacity is essential, but for raw performance, speed is the primary concern.
