5 best 2TB M.2 SSDs to buy in 2024 for RGB, budget, high endurance & more
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Last updated
9th Apr 2024 14:36
Picking the best 2TB M.2 SSD is one of those difficult hardware shopping tasks where any model can seem the right fit for your PC or PS5, but that's exactly what this guide is for.
No matter what type of SSD you're after, I'll take you through the finest picks on offer so you can buy the high-speed storage that's right for you.
Alternatively, if it's storage on the go you're after, be sure to check out the best external PS5 SSDs on the market.
Editor Note: Updated on April 8, 2024 to confirm hardware pricing.
How we choose the best 2TB M.2 SSDs
While on the search for the perfect 2TB M.2 SSDs, I looked at both SATA and NVMe-based SSDs, which are different types that offer different storage technologies.
Although most PC builders agree that NVMe-based SSDs tend to be faster both in gaming load times and transfer speeds, older systems may not support them.
Before you take the plunge and buy an SSD on this list, make sure you have a motherboard that supports an M.2 slot - as it will otherwise be incompatible.
SATA SSDs need two cables to run, meaning cable management is also a factor to consider. However, they do tend to offer a more affordable solution, making them a valid option for gamers less bothered about achieving the highest possible speeds.
The optimum set-up may be one of each - a SATA for your less power-consuming files, and an NVMe for your gaming storage and operating system.
Best RGB 2TB M.2 SSD
Seagate - Lightsaber FireCuda
Key features:
- Customisable RGB lighting with iconic lightsaber designs
- Swappable faceplates
- Read/write speeds up to 7300MB/s & 6900MB/s
- Custom-built EKWB heatsink
Star Wars fans who also love PC RGB can show off their love for a galaxy far, far away at the same time with Seagate's Lightsaber. Including faceplates of the iconic Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, you can swap whichever one's on your SSD to fit whether you want your PC to look like that of a Jedi or Sith.
What's more, the FireCuda SSD itself will still be a beast of performance in itself - all whilst looking good doing it. Along with its strong 7300/6900 MB/s read/write speeds, the included custom-built and low-profile heatsink will also reduce thermal throttling and dissipate heat.
So, you'll have no worries as you have even longer gaming sessions that are out of this world.
Best budget 2TB M.2 SSD
Silicon Power 2TB Gen3
Key features:
- NVMe standard
- Compatible with laptops
- Read/write speeds up to 2200 & 1600 MB/s
Considering the Silicon Power Gen3 is an NVMe model, it offers a surprisingly affordable SSD solution while delivering a solid read/write speed.
With various storage sizing options, the SSD offers a mid-range performance at a lower cost than other SSDs of its type on the market.
Weighing in at just 8 grams, the SSD is compatible with most laptops including notebooks and can power through the most intensive applications and games.
Best affordable 2TB M.2 SSD
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX
Key features:
- Optimised for PS5
- Pre-installed aluminium heat spreader
- Up to 7,100 & 6800MB/s read/write speeds
- High-density 3D TLC NAND
Built with the PS5 in mind, the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is an exquisite M.2 SSD - whether you need 2TB of extra storage on PC or the PlayStation 5 system, with a modest price point above the "budget" category that still doesn't break the bank.
Boasting a compact form factor for PS5 and PC, this Corsair SSD also packs both a pre-installed aluminium heat spreader for first-rate heat dispersion and reduced thermal throttling - along with the High-density 3D TLC NAND.
Thanks to the latter, you'll get an even greater mix of fantastic performance and endurance, no matter how many hours you play for.
Best high-endurance 2TB M.2 SSD
Samsung 990 PRO
Key features:
- PS5-compatible
- Up to 7,450 & 6900MB/s read/write speeds
- Smart thermal control
- 50% more energy-efficient than the 980 PRO
Regarded as 'the champion maker', the Samsung 990 PRO is one of the best 2TB M.2 SSDs you can find in 2023, not just because of its durability, but due to its power as well.
Along with fantastic smart thermal control via Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller for high endurance, the 990 PRO has the fastest read and write speeds we've found so far for this type of SSD.
Such premium capabilities put the Samsung 990 PRO on the higher end of SSD price points, but you get what you pay in stunning results when playing on either PC or PS5.
Best all-around 2TB M.2 SSD
WD Black SN850X NVMe SSD
Key features:
- Read/write speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s
- RBG settings
- Optional heatsink version for performance
- Shorter load times
The Black SN850X NVMe SSD is still one of the top-performing models on the market currently, with impressive read/write speeds and RGB settings to boot.
The SSD also has a heatsink to help maintain performance during intense or long hours of gaming and a load prediction feature to take you smoothly into your gaming experience right away, which is particularly enjoyable if you like to immerse yourself in large open-world games.
As a result, you'll experience minimal lagging, especially important if you play FPS or fighting games.
Although not the absolute fastest M.2 SSD on the market, the SN850X is a perfect balance of everything you could need in an SSD - from RBG capabilities to quick read/write speeds ideal for gaming, and all for a decent price. It's perfect to complete both the look and function of your gaming set-up.
If you want to try to alternative to internal storage, check out the best external SSDs for gaming or the best PS5 controllers. For more on the latest and greatest tech, our hardware guides homepage has all you need.
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