3 Best Msi Nvme SSDs for Gaming, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need high-speed external gaming storage MSI Spatium M470 Pro 2TB Portable SSD The PCIe 4.0 interface and USB-C host interface provide fast portable capacity for gamers.
• You want fast external transfers without opening your PC MSI Spatium M470 Pro 1TB Portable SSD Its PCIe 4.0 interface and USB-C connection offer high speeds for external gaming use.
• You need a standard internal drive for desktop or notebook MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 1TB NVMe The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe 4.0 interface fit standard internal slots.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

MSI Spatium M470 Pro 2TB Portable SSD

Best for: High-speed external gaming storage

Compatibility

Gaming (what this guide is about)

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4x4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 6000MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 5000MB/s

View on Amazon: MSI Spatium M470 Pro 2TB Portable SSD Affiliate link

This external drive uses a PCIe Gen4x4 interface to reach sequential read speeds up to 6000MB/s and write speeds up to 5000MB/s. It offers 2TB of storage in an M.2 2280 form factor with a USB-C host interface. The drive supports up to 640 TBW and includes built-in data security. You get high performance in a portable package suitable for gaming setups.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 6000MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 5000MB/s
• High endurance rating of up to 640 TBW
• Built-in data security and error correction

Cons

• External form factor requires USB-C connection
• Limited to 2TB maximum capacity
• Uses NVMe 1.3 standard instead of newer versions

Good fit if

• You need high-speed external storage for gaming
• You require up to 2TB of portable capacity
• You want a drive with high endurance ratings

Skip if

• You need internal PCIe slot installation
• You require more than 2TB storage
• You prefer NVMe 2.0 or newer standards

Verdict: MSI SPATIUM M470 PRO 2TB Portable SSD delivers fast external storage for gamers needing portable capacity. It suits users who prioritize speed and endurance in a USB-C connected drive.

2 Best budget

MSI Spatium M470 Pro 1TB Portable SSD

Best for: External gaming storage with high speeds

Compatibility

Gaming (what this guide is about)

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4x4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 6000MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 5000MB/s

View on Amazon: MSI Spatium M470 Pro 1TB Portable SSD Affiliate link

This is a 1TB external NVMe drive using a PCIe Gen4x4 interface. It offers sequential read speeds up to 6000MB/s and write speeds up to 5000MB/s. The drive connects via USB-C and uses an M.2 2280 form factor. It is designed for gaming compatibility and includes built-in data security. You get 640 TBW endurance for this capacity.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 6000MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 5000MB/s
• 640 TBW endurance rating
• USB-C host interface

Cons

• External portable design rather than internal installation
• USB-C connection adds latency compared to direct motherboard slot
• No mention of included physical enclosure or cable quality

Good fit if

• You need fast external storage for game libraries
• You want high sequential transfer speeds for large files
• You prefer portable drives over internal installations

Skip if

• You require an internal M.2 slot installation
• You need PCIe Gen5 speeds
• You want a drive with a built-in display

Verdict: Msi SPATIUM M470 PRO 1TB Portable SSD delivers high-speed external storage for gamers who prioritize portability. It suits those who need fast transfers without opening their PC case.

3 Best m.2 2280

MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 1TB NVMe

Best for: High-speed internal gaming storage

Compatibility

Gaming (what this guide is about)

Storage Capacity

1 TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4 x4

Max Read Speed

7400 MB/s

Max Write Speed

6000 MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2280

View on Amazon: MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 1TB NVMe Affiliate link

The MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD designed for gaming systems. It offers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 7000 MB/s. This 1TB drive uses TLC NAND and fits the standard M.2 2280 form factor. It supports NVMe 1.4 and includes built-in data security. The drive is suitable for both desktops and notebooks, providing reliable performance for high-speed storage needs.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 7000 MB/s
• PCIe Gen4x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 support
• 3000 TBW endurance rating

Cons

• Only available in 1TB capacity in this listing
• No included heatsink or thermal pad
• Internal drive only, not a portable external option

Good fit if

• You need high-speed storage for gaming PCs
• You want a standard M.2 2280 drive
• You prefer TLC NAND for balanced performance

Skip if

• You require an external portable SSD
• You need more than 1TB of space
• You are building a PCIe 3.0 system

Verdict: The MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 1TB NVMe delivers top-tier sequential speeds for gamers. It fits users who need a fast, standard internal drive for their desktop or notebook.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right msi nvme ssd

1. Check the interface standard

   You should verify that the drive supports PCIe 4.0 to ensure compatibility with modern motherboards and gaming consoles. All three MSI models in this guide utilize the PCIe 4.0 interface, which provides higher bandwidth than older PCIe 3.0 drives. This standard allows for faster data transfer rates, reducing load times in large games. Confirm your system supports this interface to avoid bottlenecking performance. The consistent use of PCIe 4.0 across these options ensures you get the speed you need for gaming without worrying about outdated connection standards limiting your hardware capabilities.

2. Select the correct form factor

   Your decision depends on whether you need internal or external storage. The MSI Spatium M480 Pro is an internal M.2 2280 drive, fitting directly into your computer motherboard. This is ideal for desktops or notebooks where you have available slots. In contrast, the M470 Pro models are designed as portable external drives. They connect via USB-C, allowing you to move storage between devices easily. Choose the internal M.2 2280 form factor for fixed setups and the portable option for gaming on the go or for secondary storage expansion.

3. Evaluate NAND type for endurance

   Look for TLC NAND type, as it offers a good balance of speed and longevity for gaming workloads. The MSI Spatium M480 Pro features TLC NAND, which is known for reliable performance and higher endurance compared to older QLC options. This matters for gamers who frequently save large files or install multiple heavy titles. TLC drives typically handle more write cycles, extending the life of your SSD. While the other M470 Pro models do not list their NAND type in the provided data, checking this spec helps you understand the drive's durability and consistent performance under heavy use.

4. Consider portability needs

   If you play games on multiple devices or travel frequently, prioritize a drive with a USB-C host interface. The MSI Spatium M470 Pro models are designed for this, offering high-speed external storage that is easy to carry. You can connect them to consoles, laptops, or desktops without opening your PC case. This flexibility is valuable if you need to move your game library between different gaming setups. For users who keep their storage fixed inside a single machine, this portability feature is less relevant, and an internal drive would be more suitable.

5. Match storage capacity to library

   Choose a capacity that fits your current game library and future expansion plans. The M470 Pro is available in 1TB and 2TB versions, while the M480 Pro comes in 1TB. Modern games often require over 100GB of space each, so a 1TB drive may fill up quickly. The 2TB option provides more room for large titles and updates without frequent management. Consider how many games you install simultaneously and whether you archive older titles. Selecting the right size prevents you from running out of space or paying for unused capacity on smaller drives.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• msi spatium m461 pcie 4 0 vs spatium m480 pro pcie
• msi spatium m461 pcie 4 0 vs spatium m470 pro pcie
• best msi gaming laptops with 512GB SSD
• best msi gaming PCs with 1TB SSD