6 Best External SSDs for Gaming

Whether you plan on running games directly off them or simply expanding your games library, an external SSD (Solid State Drive) may just be the perfect upgrade for your gaming setup. These drives can drastically reduce load times, making your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable. However, with so many options out there, how do you choose the best external SSD for your gaming needs?

Fret not, for in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best gaming external SSDs you can buy right now. We’ll be highlighting their unique features and helping you find the perfect fit for your budget and preferences. So let’s get to it.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Fancy gaming headphones? Check out these headphones with microphones for gaming.
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• Serious about professional gaming? Check out these 360Hz gaming monitors for eSports.

1. Crucial X9

• Max Read Speed: Up to 1050MB/s
• Storage Options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

If you’re looking for an affordable way to expand your games library, the Crucial X9 is a solid recommendation. With data transfer speeds of up to 1050 MB/s, the X9 is particularly beneficial for gamers looking to minimize load times and get into the action faster.

Add to that, the X9’s compatibility extends beyond just gaming consoles and PCs. It can also be used with other devices that require external storage, such as cameras and smartphones.

Its compact and portable design means that it’s not just limited to your home gaming setup; you can bring your entire game library to a friend’s house or on the road, ensuring you have access to your games wherever you go. Beyond its speed and portability, the Crucial X9 boasts a durable build quality, designed to withstand the occasional bumps and drops that come with being on the move.

2. ADATA SE880

• Max Read Speed: Up to 2000MB/s
• Storage Options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

When it comes to gaming, the ADATA SE880 stands out with its unparalleled blend of speed, durability, and compactness. This SSD leverages the latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface to deliver astonishing data transfer speeds of up to 2000 MB/s. This lightning-fast speed not only slashes game loading times but also accelerates file transfers, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time waiting.

The compactness of the ADATA SE880 is another of its standout features. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, it embodies the ultimate in portability, allowing you to carry your entire game library in your pocket. Despite its size, the SSD has a Titanium build and is shock-resistant too.

3. Samsung T7 Shield

• Max Read Speed: Up to 1050MB/s
• Storage Options: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

For gamers who take their adventures outdoors or into potentially hazardous environments, the Samsung T7 Shield is the ultimate companion. This external SSD boasts an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes, spills, and even dust storms. Add to that, its drop resistance ensures your precious game data stays safe even if you take a tumble.

Performance-wise, the T7 Shield doesn’t disappoint a lot. With transfer speeds of up to 1050 MB/s, it significantly reduces game load times, allowing for a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Samsung also offers the Magician Software, which allows you to monitor drive health along with protecting valuable data.

4. Western Digital P40 Game Drive

• Max Read Speed: Up to 2000MB/s
• Storage Options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB

For gamers, the P40 Game Drive not only accelerates their gaming performance but also adds a personalized flair to their gaming setup. It features an innovative Game Drive software suite that helps you optimize your PC’s performance for a smoother gaming experience. You can also use it to customize and synchronize its RGB lighting with your gaming rig.

Performance-wise, the P40 Game Drive SSD delivers read speeds of up to 2000 MB/s meaning you’ll be loading into your favorite games in no time. The drive is also fully compatible with consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, allowing you to easily store your extra games on it.

It’s worth noting, however, that the P40 Game Drive is only available with a maximum capacity of 2TB. If you fancy more storage, you can check out the P50 Game Drive SSD. It offers the same 2,000MB/s read speeds over the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, all while being a little bit beefier.

5. Crucial X10 Pro

• Max Read Speed: Up to 2100MB/s
• Storage Options: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

For gamers who demand the absolute best in terms of speed and performance, the Crucial X10 Pro reigns supreme. It boasts astonishing read speeds of up to 2100MB/s, making it one of the fastest external SSDs on the market.

This was confirmed by the folks over at AnandTech, highlighting that the X10 Pro ranked at the top in most of their benchmarks. This translates to lightning-fast game loads, seamless open-world experiences, and minimal stuttering while gaming.

The sleek, durable design of the Crucial X10 Pro is another aspect that stands out. It combines aesthetics with functionality, sporting a robust build that not only looks premium but also offers protection against the daily wear and tear of travel and gaming sessions. Similar to the P40, the X10 Pro offers plug-and-play functionality across a myriad of devices, including the latest gaming consoles, PCs, and laptops.

6. Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD

• Max Read Speed: Up to 2000MB/s
• Storage Options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB

The Seagate Firecuda Gaming SSD is a fusion of high performance, durability, and customizable aesthetics, making it a standout choice for gamers who want their external storage to be as dynamic as their gameplay.

With transfer speeds of up to 2000 MB/s over the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, the Firecuda Gaming SSD ensures that games load quickly. This in turn helps in reducing downtime and immersing you in your gaming worlds without delay.

As for the aesthetics, the Firecuda Gaming SSD comes with customizable LED lighting. These lights can be synced with the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Dock for an enhanced and fully personalized desktop gaming setup. Alternatively, if you own Razer’s gaming products, the RGB lights are also compatible with Razer Chroma.

Despite its impressive performance and customization options, the Firecuda Gaming SSD’s premium features come at a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious gamers. It is definitely a more expensive option, which makes sense mostly for PC gamers who want to add flair to their desk space.

Expand Your Games Library With These External SSDs for Gaming

Well, those were our picks for the best external SSDs for your gaming needs. Each of the SSDs discussed offers unique features that cater to different gaming needs, from high-speed data transfer and rugged durability to customizable aesthetics. Whether you prioritize speed, style, or a combination of both, there’s an external SSD on this list that’s sure to enhance your gaming experience. Make sure to consider your budget and storage space as the most important criteria, and then use the above list to find the best external SSD for your games library.