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Short on time? Our top pick is Kingston NV3 500GB NVMe SSD, TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB takes Best with Heat Spreader, while SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB takes Worth Stretching For.
- Best Under $100 Kingston NV3 500GB NVMe SSD Check price
- Best with Heat Spreader TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB Check price
- Worth Stretching For SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB Check price
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Looking for the best PCIe 4.0 SSD under 100 dollars? Here is the honest picture first: SSD prices update in real time, and in our October 2026 check we found no 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD from a known brand listed under $100 on Amazon. Under $100, your options were 500GB and 512GB Gen4 drives.
That is still a useful size for a boot drive, a fast drive for a few favorite games, or a first SSD in an older PC. We compared the 500GB-class Gen4 drives listed under $100 when we checked, plus one just over the line. We do not list exact prices because Amazon prices change in real time; use the buttons to see the current price. Scores are our editorial scores out of 10, not Amazon customer ratings.
Best PCIe 4.0 SSDs Under $100 at a Glance
| Award | Drive | Max Read / Write | Best For | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Under $100 | Kingston NV3 500GB NVMe SSD | 5,000 / 3,000MB/s | A known-brand boot drive | 9.0/10 |
| Best with Heat Spreader | TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB | 5,000 / 2,500MB/s | Extra cooling | 8.8/10 |
| Worth Stretching For | SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB | Not listed for 500GB | A major brand | 8.7/10 |
| Fastest Under $100 | fanxiang S880E 500GB SSD | 6,300 / 3,100MB/s | Fastest reads | 8.5/10 |
| Lowest Price | Ediloca EN880E 500GB SSD | 6,300 / 3,100MB/s | Lowest price | 8.3/10 |
| Best 5-Year Value | Fikwot FN950 500GB SSD | Up to 5,000MB/s read | 5-year coverage | 8.1/10 |
Kingston NV3 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4
A known brand, Gen4 reads up to 5,000MB/s, Acronis cloning software and a 5-year warranty, listed under $100 in our check.
TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 Gaming SSD
512GB of Gen4 storage with an ultra-thin graphene heat spreader, 3D TLC NAND and a 5-year warranty.
SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
Listed just over $100 in our check. A known-brand Gen4 drive with a power-efficient design and SanDisk Dashboard.
fanxiang S880E 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe Gen 4, M.2 2280
The fastest reads in this group at up to 6,300MB/s, with a graphite and copper foil label and 5-year service.
Ediloca EN880E 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe Gen 4x4, M.2 2280
Among the lowest prices in our check, with reads up to 6,300MB/s and HMB plus SLC cache.
Fikwot FN950 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe Gen4x4, M.2 2280
Tied for the lowest price in our check, with reads up to 5,000MB/s and a 5-year quality assurance.
In-Depth Reviews
1. Price Update: Why Only 500GB Fits Under $100
SSD prices change in real time, and through 2026 they have been higher than in past years. In our October 2026 check, the 1TB PCIe 4.0 drives from established brands we found were all listed well above $100, so a 1TB Gen4 SSD under $100 was not available.
The button on each product shows Amazon's current price. We will update this guide if 1TB Gen4 drives fall under $100.
2. Kingston NV3 500GB: Best Under $100
The Kingston NV3 500GB was listed under $100 in our check and comes from a well-known brand. It reads at up to 5,000MB/s and writes at up to 3,000MB/s, with Acronis cloning software and a 5-year limited warranty.
It is our pick for a reliable boot drive on a tight budget.
3. TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB: Best with Heat Spreader
The TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB adds an ultra-thin graphene heat spreader and uses 3D TLC NAND with SLC caching. It reads at up to 5,000MB/s and writes at up to 2,500MB/s, with a 5-year limited warranty.
It also gives you 12GB more space than 500GB drives.
4. SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB: Worth Stretching For
The SanDisk Optimus 5100 500GB was listed just over $100 in our check. SanDisk lists its top speeds for the 1TB and larger models, not the 500GB, so we do not quote a 500GB figure.
If you prefer a major brand and can spend a little more, it is worth a look.
5. fanxiang S880E 500GB and Ediloca EN880E 500GB: Fastest Reads
Both the fanxiang S880E 500GB and the Ediloca EN880E 500GB list reads up to 6,300MB/s and writes up to 3,100MB/s. The fanxiang has 5-year service and is listed as PS5 compatible; the Ediloca uses HMB and SLC cache with a 3-year or 300TBW limit.
These are smaller brands, so weigh warranty and support. For PS5, any drive must also have a heatsink, as Sony's PS5 M.2 SSD guide explains.
6. Fikwot FN950 500GB: Best 5-Year Value
The Fikwot FN950 500GB was tied for the lowest price in our check. It reads at up to 5,000MB/s and comes with a 5-year quality assurance.
The listing does not state a write speed.
How to Choose a PCIe 4.0 SSD Under $100
Is 500GB Enough?
500GB works well as a boot drive with a few games. Large modern games can take 100GB or more each, so plan to add storage later.
Brand and Warranty
Known brands like Kingston and SanDisk have longer support track records. Smaller brands can offer good specs; check warranty terms such as TBW limits.
Gen4 in a Gen3 Slot
Gen4 drives work in Gen3 slots at Gen3 speed, around 3,500MB/s.
PS5
For PS5, choose a drive with 5,500MB/s or faster reads and add a heatsink. Most drives here are below that speed, except the 6,300MB/s models.
Prefer 1TB?
See our best budget 1TB SSD guide.
Quick Setup Tips
- Check the live price: use the buttons to see the current price on Amazon
- Use it as a boot drive: put Windows and a few favorite games on the Gen4 drive
- Keep a second drive: store older games on a larger, slower drive
- Update firmware: check the maker's site after installing
- Watch sales: SSD prices can drop during major sales
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best PCIe 4.0 SSD under 100 dollars?
The Kingston NV3 500GB, a known-brand Gen4 drive with a 5-year warranty.
Is there a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD under $100?
Not from a known brand in our October 2026 check. The 1TB Gen4 drives we found were listed well above $100.
Which Gen4 SSD under $100 is fastest?
The fanxiang S880E 500GB and Ediloca EN880E 500GB list reads up to 6,300MB/s.
Can I use a 500GB Gen4 SSD in a PS5?
The PS5 accepts drives from 250GB, but Sony recommends 5,500MB/s reads and requires a heatsink.
Will prices drop?
We cannot predict prices. We will update this page if 1TB Gen4 drives fall under $100.
The Bottom Line
In our October 2026 check, the best PCIe 4.0 SSD under $100 was the Kingston NV3 500GB. Choose the TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 512GB for a heat spreader, or the fanxiang S880E 500GB for faster reads. A 1TB Gen4 SSD under $100 was not available in our check.
