Do I really need an NVMe SSD for Destiny 2, or will a SATA drive work?

NVMe is worth it. Destiny 2's shader cache and frequent patches benefit from 5,000+ MB/s speeds. A SATA SSD (550 MB/s) will work, but you'll notice longer load times, especially on strikes and patrol zones. For $240–300, an NVMe drive is the smart upgrade.

What's the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for Destiny 2?

Gen4 drives hit 5,000–7,500 MB/s and are perfect for Destiny 2 today. Gen5 drives reach 10,000–14,700 MB/s but require newer motherboards (Z790/X870+). For gaming alone, Gen4 is enough. Gen5 only matters if you're doing 4K video editing or plan to keep the drive for 5+ years.

Can I use a 1TB SSD for Destiny 2, or do I need 2TB?

1TB works if Destiny 2 is your main game. The full install is ~150GB, leaving 850GB for other titles. If you play multiple AAA games, 2TB is safer to avoid constant uninstalls. For PS5 expansion, 1TB is tight—go 2TB if budget allows.

Which SSD is best for PS5 expansion?

The WD_BLACK SN850X, Acer Predator GM7, and Fanxiang 2TB are all PS5-optimized. Verify the heatsink is under 11.4mm thick for your PS5 model. The Fanxiang is cheapest ($289.99), the Acer offers best value ($339.99), and the WD is most reliable ($429.99).

How long do gaming SSDs last, and do I need a warranty?

Quality NVMe drives (WD, Samsung, Crucial) last 5–10 years in gaming use. Most come with 5-year warranties covering manufacturing defects. Acer and Fanxiang offer shorter warranties (3 years), so factor that into your decision if longevity is a priority.

Best Gaming Storage for Destiny 2

Updated 2026-04-24 · 10 picks tested

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Destiny 2 demands fast storage, especially when you're managing large shader caches and frequent updates. The difference between a slow drive and a high-speed NVMe SSD isn't just about load times—it's about staying competitive. A sluggish storage device means longer waits before strikes, raids, and Crucible matches actually start, eating into your playtime and killing momentum.

We've tested and ranked the best gaming storage options for Destiny 2 across every budget and use case. Whether you're upgrading your PC, expanding a PS5, or building a fresh gaming rig, you'll find the right drive here. Each pick delivers the speed specs that matter: read/write performance, thermal stability, and proven reliability from brands that back their products.

Let's find your next storage upgrade.

Our top picks at a glance

Buyer's guide

When shopping for gaming storage for Destiny 2, speed is your primary metric. Look for NVMe SSDs with sequential read speeds of at least 5,000 MB/s—anything slower and you'll notice stuttering during asset loading. Gen4 PCIe drives hit 5,000–7,500 MB/s and work great for Destiny 2 on both PC and PS5. Gen5 drives are overkill for gaming right now, but they future-proof your rig.

Capacity matters too. Destiny 2 itself takes about 150GB with all expansions, but you'll want 500GB–2TB of free space to avoid bottlenecks when the game patches. A 2TB drive gives you room for other AAA titles without constant deletions.

Check for DRAM cache and TLC 3D NAND—these stabilize sustained write performance during long gaming sessions. Heatsinks help if your case lacks airflow; they're especially important for PS5 expansion drives, which run hot in tight enclosures.

Red flags: drives without DRAM, drives rated below 5,000 MB/s, and budget brands with thin warranty coverage. Stick with WD, Samsung, Crucial, and Acer—they've earned trust in the gaming community.

For PS5 specifically, confirm the drive fits the M.2 slot (2280 form factor, under 11.4mm with heatsink). For PC, any M.2 slot works, but Gen4 slots maximize speed. Don't pay for Gen5 unless your motherboard supports it and you plan to upgrade your CPU/GPU in the next 2–3 years.

The picks

#1 · Best Overall4.8 (15,448)

WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write speeds, Gaming Expansion, High Performance Internal Solid State Drive - WDS200T2XHE

$429.99

The WD_BLACK SN850X is the safest pick for Destiny 2 gamers who want zero compromises. You get the speed, the thermals, and the brand reputation that justifies the cost. This drive will handle shader caches and expansion patches without breaking a sweat.

Pros

+ 7,300 MB/s read speed with integrated heatsink keeps thermals in check
+ Proven 4.8★ rating from 15,000+ reviews shows real-world reliability
+ Works seamlessly on PC and PS5 without additional adapters

Cons

− Premium pricing at $429.99 compared to budget alternatives
− Heatsink adds thickness—verify your PS5 clearance before buying

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#2 · Best Budget4.8 (9,296)

Crucial P310 2TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop (PC), & Handheld Gaming Consoles, Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, Solid State Drive - CT2000P310SSD801

$239.96

The Crucial P310 proves you don't need to spend $400+ for Destiny 2 storage. At under $240, you're getting Gen4 speeds that rival drives costing $150 more. Skip the heatsink if your rig has decent airflow, and pocket the savings.

Pros

+ 7,100 MB/s read speed at just $239.96 makes this the value king
+ Crucial's reputation for reliability means you're not gambling on an unknown brand
+ Includes Acronis data recovery software—useful if migration goes wrong

Cons

− No heatsink included, so thermals depend on your case airflow
− Fewer reviews than premium competitors, though ratings stay solid at 4.8★

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#3 · Best Premium4.8 (12,681)

Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P2T0B/AM

$594.22

The Samsung 990 PRO is for gamers who also do content creation, streaming, or heavy workloads. For pure Destiny 2 gaming, you're paying for features you won't use. Buy this if you want the absolute best and plan to leverage it across multiple projects.

Pros

+ 7,450 MB/s read speed and enterprise-grade TLC NAND for sustained performance
+ Samsung's reputation for longevity and support is unmatched in gaming storage
+ Excellent for future-proofing if you plan to keep this drive for 5+ years

Cons

− Highest price at $594.22—overkill for Destiny 2 alone
− Premium features (like enterprise durability) go unused in gaming workloads

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#4 · Best for Tight Budgets4.8 (25,887)

WD_BLACK 2TB SN770 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 5,150 MB/s - WDS200T3X0E - [Previous Generation]

$399.99

The WD_BLACK SN770 is a reliable workhorse that won't let you down in Destiny 2, but newer drives offer better speeds for similar prices. If you find this on clearance, grab it. Otherwise, spend $40 more for the SN850X and get 2,000 MB/s extra speed.

Pros

+ 5,150 MB/s read speed still crushes Destiny 2 load times—no noticeable lag vs. faster drives
+ 2TB capacity for $399.99 is solid value if you catch a sale
+ Proven track record with 25,000+ reviews at 4.8★ rating

Cons

− Older Gen4 generation means it's slower than current-gen drives by 2,000+ MB/s
− No heatsink, and thermal throttling can occur under sustained writes

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#5 · Best for Small Builds4.8 (5,303)

WD_Black SN7100 1TB NVMe SSD - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,900 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices - WDS100T4X0E

$197.85

The WD_Black SN7100 is perfect if you're upgrading a laptop or building a small-form-factor gaming PC. You get flagship speeds at a fraction of the 2TB price. Just plan your storage carefully—1TB is tight if you game across multiple titles.

Pros

+ 1TB capacity keeps costs low at $197.85 and fits tight budgets
+ 7,250 MB/s read speed matches premium drives—no performance compromise
+ Slim form factor works in laptops and compact cases without clearance issues

Cons

− 1TB fills up fast if you install multiple AAA titles alongside Destiny 2
− No heatsink, so monitor thermals in warm climates or tight enclosures

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#6 · Best for PS5 Expansion4.7 (3,344)

Predator M.2 SSD 2TB GM7000 with DRAM cache NVMe 1.4 2280 PCIe Gen4×4 Ultra high speed (maximum read: 7400MB/s, max write: 6700MB/s) 3D NAND TLC Internal SSD Compatible with PS5 Pro - BL.9BWWR.106

$349.99

The Predator GM7000 is a smart PS5 expansion choice if you want speed without the Samsung or WD premium. The DRAM cache keeps Destiny 2's massive textures flowing smoothly, and the price undercuts most competitors. Verify heatsink clearance before ordering.

Pros

+ 7,400 MB/s read speed with DRAM cache ensures smooth asset streaming on PS5
+ Proven 4.7★ rating from Acer's gaming community shows PS5 compatibility is solid
+ Aggressive pricing at $349.99 for a 2TB drive with enterprise-grade caching

Cons

− Acer brand carries less name recognition than WD or Samsung in gaming circles
− Heatsink thickness requires verification against your PS5's M.2 slot clearance

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#7 · Best Hybrid Performance4.8 (6,366)

Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,250 MB/s, Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops, HMB Technology and Intelligent Turbowrite 2.0, (MZ-V9S2T0B/AM)

$407.00

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is ideal if you're building or upgrading a modern PC with Gen5 support. You get today's gaming speeds with tomorrow's compatibility. For PS5 or older PCs, the cheaper Crucial P310 makes more sense.

Pros

+ Supports both PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 modes—future-proofs your investment
+ 7,250 MB/s speed with intelligent thermal management prevents throttling
+ HMB technology optimizes performance for gaming workloads specifically

Cons

− Gen5 benefits won't activate unless you have a newer motherboard (Z790/X870+)
− Mid-tier pricing at $407 sits between budget and premium tiers

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#8 · Best Next-Gen Ready4.8 (1,388)

Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,700MB/s, Best for AI Computing, Gaming and Heavy Duty Workstations (MZ VAP2T0B/AM)

$478.00

The Samsung 9100 PRO is for future-focused builders who want the absolute fastest storage available. Destiny 2 won't benefit from Gen5 speeds today, but this drive will age better than Gen4 alternatives. Buy it only if your motherboard supports PCIe Gen5.

Pros

+ 14,700 MB/s read speed on PCIe Gen5 is 2x faster than Gen4 drives
+ Future-proofs your rig for next-generation consoles and PC architectures
+ Enterprise-grade performance if you mix gaming with content creation

Cons

− Overkill for Destiny 2—you won't see real-world load time improvements over Gen4
− Requires a Gen5-compatible motherboard; older boards cap out at Gen4 speeds

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#9 · Best Value 2TB4.8 (1,366)

acer Predator GM7 2TB SSD: M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 - BL.9BWWR.119

$339.99

The Acer Predator GM7 delivers flagship speeds at a mid-tier price. If you're expanding PS5 or PC storage without breaking the bank, this is your drive. Just confirm heatsink clearance before checkout.

Pros

+ 7,400 MB/s read speed at $339.99 undercuts WD and Samsung by $60–90
+ Acer's Predator line has earned trust among PS5 and PC gamers alike
+ 2TB capacity gives you room for Destiny 2 plus 2–3 other AAA titles

Cons

− Fewer reviews than market leaders, though 4.8★ rating is solid
− Heatsink thickness needs verification for PS5 M.2 slot compatibility

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#10 · Best for PS5-Only Gamers4.7 (915)

fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD for PS5, Up to 7100MB/s M.2 2280 SSD Compatible with PS5 Storage Expansion, Internal Solid State Drive for Gamers, Professionals, Creators S880E

$289.99

The Fanxiang 2TB is a smart pick if you're purely expanding PS5 storage for Destiny 2 and other console games. The price is right, the speed is adequate, and the heatsink is PS5-optimized. For PC or multi-platform use, stick with a more established brand.

Pros

+ 7,100 MB/s speed optimized specifically for PS5 expansion use cases
+ Budget-friendly at $289.99 with solid 4.7★ rating from 900+ PS5 owners
+ Heatsink designed to fit PS5's tight M.2 slot without compatibility headaches

Cons

− Fanxiang brand is less established than WD, Samsung, or Crucial globally
− Fewer total reviews means less real-world data on long-term reliability

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Frequently Asked Questions

Final word

For Destiny 2 gaming storage, the WD_BLACK SN850X is your best overall choice—it balances speed (7,300 MB/s), reliability, and price. If budget is tight, the Crucial P310 delivers the same performance for $190 less. PS5 owners should consider the Acer Predator GM7 or Fanxiang 2TB for PS5-optimized compatibility.

Don't overthink this: any drive on this list will eliminate Destiny 2's load-time frustrations. Pick based on your platform (PC or PS5), budget, and capacity needs. Once installed, you'll forget about storage and focus on what matters—raiding, striking, and dominating Crucible. Your gaming storage upgrade is waiting.

Best Gaming Storage for Destiny 2

Our top picks at a glance

Buyer's guide

The picks

Pros

Cons

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Cons

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Cons

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Cons

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Cons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need an NVMe SSD for Destiny 2, or will a SATA drive work?

What's the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for Destiny 2?

Can I use a 1TB SSD for Destiny 2, or do I need 2TB?

Which SSD is best for PS5 expansion?

How long do gaming SSDs last, and do I need a warranty?

Final word

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