Gen 4 vs. Gen 5 SSD: Which NVMe Drive Should You Buy?

Compare PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 NVMe SSDs for gaming, video editing, 3D work, and everyday use. Learn where Gen 5 speed matters, what it costs, and how to choose the right drive.
Best SSD for Gaming in 2026: What Actually Matters When Buying an NVMe Drive

The best SSD for gaming is usually a well-priced 1TB or 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive with TLC NAND and solid sustained performance. Here’s how to choose one without overspending on benchmark numbers.
Gen 4 vs. Gen 5 SSD: Is a PCIe 5.0 Drive Worth It?

PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs post enormous benchmark numbers, but they are not automatically the right buy. Compare Gen 4 and Gen 5 SSDs for gaming, video work, large projects, cooling, compatibility, and value.