PC Gamer {Hardware} Awards: The most effective SSDs of 2022

On Dec 28, 2022

(Picture credit score: Future)

2022 was the yr SSDs squeezed the previous couple of morsels of efficiency from the PCIe Gen 4 protocol. Nicely, no less than by way of peak sequential throughput. In the case of IOPS and random 4K efficiency, arguably there’s nonetheless loads of room for enchancment.

Subsequent yr, we’re trying ahead to the arrival of Gen 5 drives and simply perhaps an honest step in up by way of IOPS. However for now, Gen 4 M.2 drives are nearly as good because it will get and there have been certainly some wonderful SSDs this yr. However which M.2 SSD was really the most effective we noticed all through 2022?

SK Hynix introduced its arrival as not simply an OEM provider of SSD know-how, however a serious retail participant with the SK Hynix Platinum P41, an all in-house affair based mostly on SK Hynix’s personal flash reminiscence chips and controller. It instantly made a mark with wonderful all-round efficiency.

In the meantime, the Silicon Energy XS70 is without doubt one of the better of the horde of drives powered by the favored Phison E18 controller. Outfitted with high quality TLC NAND reminiscence, it delivers all the standard E18 upsides at a aggressive worth.

After which there’s WD’s up to date SN850X. Strictly talking, this heatsinked M.2 drive is supposed to attraction to console homeowners. However it’s an all-round enchancment on the already wonderful SN850 and may typically be had for a really interesting worth. It is completely in with a shout of high honors.

Finest SSD 2022: the nominees

The winner of the PC Gamer {Hardware} Award for the most effective gaming SSD will likely be introduced on New Yr’s Eve. It is all to play for, and any one in every of these three is totally deserving of the crown.

Signal as much as get the most effective content material of the week, and nice gaming offers, as picked by the editors.

Jeremy has been writing about know-how and PCs because the 90nm Netburst period (Google it!) and enjoys nothing greater than a severe dissertation on the finer factors of monitor enter lag and overshoot adopted by a forensic examination of superior lithography. Or perhaps he simply likes machines that go “ping!” He additionally has a factor for tennis and vehicles.