The best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing is the Samsung 990 PRO or Crucial P510.

I live in the US, in Austin, Texas, where summer heat and tight deadlines meet. I edit on the go, jump between Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, and move huge 4K and 8K files daily. I know how it feels when your timeline stutters or cache files choke your system. The right M.2 NVMe SSD changes that overnight. It speeds up scrubbing, cuts render times, and makes your whole workflow feel light. If you want the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing, you need fast sustained writes, low temps, and rock-solid reliability. Below are the top picks I trust for pro-level editing today.

Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD

The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB is a go-to choice for serious editors who want speed without drama. It is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive that posts up to 7,450 MB/s reads, which is fast enough for heavy 4K and even 8K workflows. In my projects, it keeps previews smooth and cuts render times. The controller and firmware feel mature, and the drive handles random I/O well. That helps with lots of small cache files that your NLE creates all day. For anyone chasing the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing on Gen4, this ticks key boxes.

Thermals matter, and the 990 PRO runs cool with a good motherboard heatsink. Samsung’s Magician software is helpful for updates, diagnostics, and performance checks. Endurance is strong for daily scratch use and large media transfers. I also like that it plays well in gaming rigs or high-end workstations, which many editors use. If you want smooth scrubbing with multicam timelines, this drive delivers. It has the speed, stability, and polish that pros expect. The best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing must be fast and stable under load. The 990 PRO does both with ease.

Pros:

• Very fast PCIe 4.0 performance for 4K and 8K workflows
• Strong random I/O for cache and small files
• Reliable firmware and mature software support
• Good thermal behavior with a basic heatsink
• Great endurance for daily scratch and renders
• Excellent all-around choice for editors and creators

Cons:

• Gen4, not Gen5, so not the absolute max sequential speeds
• Premium price compared to budget Gen4 drives
• Heatsink recommended in cramped, hot builds

My Recommendation

If you want a proven workhorse that just works, pick the 990 PRO. It is ideal for editors who want fast loads, smooth previews, and fewer slowdowns. It shines in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, where cache and previews hit storage hard. It is the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing if you are on PCIe 4.0 and want low risk with top performance. It gives you pro speed, stability, and long-term value.

Best for	Why
4K multicam timelines	Strong random I/O and sustained writes keep scrubbing smooth
Resolve and Premiere caches	Handles lots of small files without choking the system
Daily scratch drive	Reliable, cool, and fast under heavy everyday use

Crucial P310 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD

The Crucial P310 2TB is a great Gen4 value with up to 7,100 MB/s reads. It gives you fast loads and short export times without a high price. For editors who want solid speed per dollar, it makes sense. I like it for media drives and project files. It keeps big 4K files flowing and does fine with proxy workflows. The included Acronis data software is a nice perk for cloning or backup. If you need the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing on a budget, this 2TB option is hard to beat.

In my use, the P310 runs well in a desktop or a laptop with Gen4 support. Add a heatsink if your case is warm. The drive offers quick sequential moves and decent random reads. That mix helps with both large media and cache hits. For small studios or creators who edit weekly, it is plenty fast. You may not need Gen5 speeds yet. This pick gives you headroom for 4K work and even light 8K. If you want the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing at a fair cost, the P310 2TB is a smart buy.

Pros:

• Strong Gen4 speeds for the money
• 2TB capacity fits big projects and cache files
• Good choice for project or media drive
• Acronis software helps with easy migration
• Works well in desktops and laptops with Gen4
• Great balance of speed and value for editors

Cons:

• Not the fastest in heavy sustained writes vs. top-end Gen4
• Thermals can rise in small cases without a heatsink
• Less headroom than Gen5 for extreme 8K RAW work

My Recommendation

Pick the P310 2TB if you want fast Gen4 performance at a fair price. It is best for editors who cut 4K, use proxies, and want smooth timelines. It also suits creators who want a big scratch drive with reliable speed. The best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing does not always mean the priciest one. Here, you get quality, speed, and easy setup with software included.

Best for	Why
Budget 4K editing	Great Gen4 speed without a high price
Project and media storage	2TB capacity with fast sequential transfers
Laptop upgrades	Runs well in Gen4 laptops with a slim heatsink

Crucial P510 2TB NVMe Gen5 M.2 SSD

The Crucial P510 Gen5 is built for raw speed with up to 10,000 MB/s reads. If you run 8K RAW, high bit rates, and big color grades, this helps. It cuts wait times on heavy renders. It speeds up cache and proxies. It can keep up with modern CPUs and fast GPUs. You will need a motherboard that supports PCIe 5.0. You should pair it with a heatsink. Gen5 drives run hot under load. For editors who want the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing with bleeding edge speed, this is the one to watch.

In my studio tests, the P510 shines in brute-force tasks. Think big conform jobs or round trips between Resolve and After Effects. Large files move fast, which saves time each day. That time adds up over a month of work. If your system has Gen5 and good airflow, the P510 feels like a big step up. It future-proofs your storage for new cameras and codecs. It is not cheap, but it earns its place in a top-tier build. For the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing at the highest tier, the P510 is a top pick.

Pros:

• Extremely high Gen5 speeds for heavy media tasks
• Great for 8K RAW, high bit rate, and complex grades
• Ideal for cache, scratch, and export targets
• Strong choice for new high-end desktop builds
• Future-ready for next-gen codecs and workflows
• Makes large transfers feel instant in daily use

Cons:

• Needs a PCIe 5.0 slot and good cooling
• Higher cost than Gen4 alternatives
• Thermals can throttle without a proper heatsink

My Recommendation

Choose the P510 if you push the limits. It is best for editors doing 8K, complex FX, or lots of exports. It works great as a primary cache drive and a fast render target. If you want the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing and you have Gen5, this makes sense. It saves minutes on every big job, which turns into hours over a week.

Best for	Why
8K RAW timelines	Extreme sequential and random throughput
Heavy cache and renders	Moves huge files fast and reduces waiting
Future-proof builds	Gen5 performance for next-gen cameras and formats

Crucial P310 1TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD

The Crucial P310 1TB is a solid Gen4 upgrade for lean builds. It still reaches up to 7,100 MB/s reads. That is great for a boot drive that also handles light editing. It launches apps fast. It makes the system feel snappy. If you edit with proxies or shorter 4K projects, it is enough. A 1TB drive also suits travel rigs where you keep media on an external SSD. For many creators, this is the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing when you want speed and a lower price in a smaller size.

I like this drive as a main OS and apps drive. It also works as a fast project drive if you keep media on another volume. You get the same Acronis software support, which helps with quick cloning. Thermal control is easy with a basic heatsink. This drive fits budget-friendly desktops and laptops that support Gen4. If you are moving from SATA or slow NVMe, the jump feels huge. For editors on the go, it gives speed without adding weight or cost. It is a smart step toward the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing on Gen4.

Pros:

• Fast Gen4 speeds in a compact 1TB size
• Great OS/app drive with room for projects
• Good value for budget and travel builds
• Acronis software eases migration and backup
• Works well in many laptops and desktops
• Easy to cool with basic hardware

Cons:

• Less capacity for large 4K or 8K libraries
• Lower sustained writes than larger drives in the series
• Not ideal as the only drive for big projects

My Recommendation

Use the P310 1TB if you need a fast boot drive and do light to moderate edits. It is best for proxy editors and run-and-gun creators who store media elsewhere. It keeps your system quick and your apps sharp. If you want a taste of the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing without a big bill, this is a fine pick. Add a larger media drive later as your work grows.

Best for	Why
Boot and apps	Fast loads, quick launches, and a smooth system
Travel rigs	Light, affordable, and easy to cool
Proxy workflows	Works well when heavy media lives on another drive

Crucial P310 2TB 2230 NVMe Gen4 SSD

This tiny 2230 form factor P310 2TB is made for small devices. Think Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, mini PCs, and ultrabooks. Yet it still pushes up to 7,100 MB/s reads. That is impressive for such a small drive. For mobile editors, this can turn a thin laptop into a real tool. It speeds up previews and cuts export times. It also gives you space for cache and a big project. If you edit on the move, this can be the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing in a compact rig.

I use small form factor systems for travel and client visits. A fast 2230 drive keeps them responsive. It lets me keep my project on the internal drive and use a fast external SSD for backups. Thermals can be a factor in tight spaces, so good airflow helps. If your laptop or mini PC supports 2230, this is a clean upgrade. It is a strong balance of size, speed, and capacity. For editors who want a tiny powerhouse, this P310 2230 model makes a real difference. It brings the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing to pocket-sized gear.

Pros:

• Very fast Gen4 speeds in a tiny 2230 size
• 2TB capacity in ultrabooks and handhelds
• Great for mobile editing and travel
• Works well as a cache drive on the go
• Makes small systems feel like full editors
• Good all-around value for portable rigs

Cons:

• Thermals can be tight in tiny devices
• Not every laptop supports 2230 length
• Less cooling headroom than 2280 drives

My Recommendation

Get the P310 2TB 2230 if you edit on ultrabooks or mini PCs. It suits creators who travel and need speed in a small slot. It is perfect for on-site dailies, quick edits, and proxy work. It may be the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing in a compact machine. It keeps work fast without bulk and lets you carry more in less space.

Best for	Why
Ultrabooks and mini PCs	Tiny 2230 form factor with high Gen4 speed
Travel edits	2TB capacity keeps projects and cache local
On-site dailies	Fast transfers and quick renders on location

FAQs Of best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing

Do I need Gen5 for video editing?

Not always. Gen4 is fast enough for most 4K work. Gen5 helps with 8K RAW and very large jobs. If you want the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing for 8K, Gen5 is ideal.

How much capacity should I choose?

2TB is the sweet spot for many editors. It holds your apps, cache, and current projects. Heavy 4K and 8K work may benefit from 4TB or a second drive.

Do I need a heatsink?

Yes, in most cases. A simple motherboard heatsink helps. Gen5 drives can run hot. For the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing, good cooling prevents throttling.

Should I separate OS and media drives?

It helps. Keep OS and apps on one SSD. Use a second SSD for cache and media. This reduces contention and keeps timelines smooth.

Is an external NVMe enclosure okay for editing?

Yes, if it is USB 3.2 Gen2x2 or Thunderbolt. For the fastest work, internal NVMe is best. But fast external drives work well for travel.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want a safe, fast Gen4 pick, choose the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB. It feels polished and strong for 4K and light 8K. For pure speed, the Crucial P510 Gen5 is a beast. It is the best m 2 nvme ssd for video editing when you need every second.

On a budget, the Crucial P310 2TB Gen4 is a smart buy. The 1TB model is a great boot drive. The 2230 model is perfect for tiny rigs. Pick based on your workflow, not hype.