Over the last few years, more and more laptops feature a Solid State Drive as a storage option. And if you’re here, chances are that you already have some knowledge about SSDs and all the advantages they offer in comparison to traditional hard drives. However, not all SSDs are the same, and if you want the fastest storage option available today, laptops with PCIe SSD are the way to go. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best laptops with PCIe SSD, and in order to help you make the best choice, we’ll also point out the differences between the most popular types of SSD storage. If you already know the know what M2, Nvme, PCIe…mean; then you can skip this part and go directly to the list!
What is a Solid State Drive (SSD)?
A solid-state drive is a storage device that uses flash memory to store files. SSDs have no moving parts, unlike traditional mechanical hard drives which contain spinning disks and movable read/write heads: put simply, an SSD is a term that’s used to describe and hard drive that doesn’t have moving parts. It is the same technology used to make regular USB flash drives, since both SSDs and flash drives currently use the NAND-based flash memory, which can retain data even when powered off.
SSDs are generally more expensive than HDDs, but the superior boot and shutdown speed makes them a must-have in a laptop nowadays. You can continue reading here, if you want to read more about the advantages of SSDs.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you might have come across product descriptions with the PCIe SSD acronym, among many others. Not all SSDs are equal, and PCIe SSDs are the fastest kind of SSD available! We’ve put together a handy list of good laptops with PCIe SSD below. Make sure to check our top picks in every category! Before moving on, though, you might want to read along our guide to understand what is that you’re buying, exactly.
In addition to that, you will also see other terms when it comes to SSDs, and non tech savvy people can get headaches over numerous acronyms like NVMe, M.2, SATA …etc . Most of these either describe the connection interface, the data transfer protocol, or the form factor of the drive. We’ll give you more details below!
What is PCIe, and what’s a PCIe SSD?
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) can be a complicated computer term for a lot of people. PCIe is a connection interface that is used to plug different devices into the motherboard of your computer. A PCIe connection consists of up to sixteen, at the moment, data-transmission lanes, connected serially, and which can be used to plug different types of devices such as GPUs, CPUs, sound and network cards, Thunderbolt 3 Ports , and of course PCIe SSDs. PCIe was especially designed for cards that needed fast data transfer the most. The data transfer speed is determined by the number of PCIe lanes: x1, x2, x4, x16 etc. Most consumer PCIe SSDs are either x2 or x4 lanes.
So, what’s a PCIe SSD? Simply put, a PCIe SSD is an SSD that’s connected to the motherboard via PCIe interface, and not SATA interface. If you want to know some of the advantages fo PCIe SSD, keep reading.
PCIe vs SATA interface: which one should you choose?
PCIe SSDs are much faster than SATA SSDs. While the latest SATA 3.0 SSDs cap at 550 MB/s of read/write speed, PCIe SSDs max at 3500 MB/s. The difference is simply outstanding! Truth is, PCIe SSDs are so fast that there’s a chance the overall performance will be bottlenecked by weaker components of the PC. Both SATA 3.0 and PCIe SSDs will feel lightning fast compared to a traditional hard drive. If you’re an average user, using your PC for browsing and streaming, or you play videogames on it, you won’t really feel the difference between the two of them.
A PCIe SSD truly shines when it comes to transferring large files, like in a photo or video editing routine. SATA 3.0 SSDs are already more expensive than HDDs, but PCIe SSDs will cost you even more. So, you should avoid spending that extra money unless you regularly transfer large files or want your next computer to be futureproof.
So now that you have an idea about the advantages of PCIe SSDs, you probably still have questions about terms like NVMe, M2, mSATA…etc.
Let’s look at each of these individually:
NVMe vs AHCI protocol
Both NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and ACHI (Advanced Host Controlled Interface) are read/write protocols for storage drives. NVMe is the newest of the two, specifically designed to complement the PCIe technology. AHCI, on the other side, is usually a protocol used with SATA drives. In terms of speed, PCIe SSDs with NVMe protocol are the fastest out there, the ones with older protocols ranking second place.
M.2 vs mSATA SSD
M.2 and mSATA are different form factors, describing the size and shape of an SSD. They were both designed to fit into portable devices with little space. While mSATA is exclusive to SATA interfaces, M.2 is available both with SATA and PCIe connections. Typically, though, NVMe SSDs use the M.2 form factor. This difference won’t affect you, unless you’re looking for a new drive for replacement or to upgrade your laptop. In that case, make sure to double check if the M.2 SSD is SATA or NVMe.
Now that we’ve shed some light on such a complicate matter, let’s get to the best laptops with PCIe SSD available right now. Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions, ask us in the comments!
Best Laptops with PCIe SSD:
Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ
Looking for the cheapest laptop with PCIe SSD? Then consider the Aspire 5. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ is a 15.6” Full HD laptop, featuring an 8th generation Intel Core i5 8265U processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The slightly narrow bezels make the IPS display even wider than that of a traditional 15” laptop. Considering all the specifications, it’s rare to find such value in this budget range, including a fast PCIe SSD.
The Aspire 5 also offers a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. It also comes with a USB Type-C port, and 2 USB 3.1 ports with one of them with power off charging capability. The biggest compromise of its design, though, is the battery life, maxing five real hours of usage.
| Processor | Intel i5 8265U Processor |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB , PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 Type C
2- USB 3.1port 1- USB 2.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Ethernet Card reader, Bluetooth |
| Battery | up to 9,5 hours battery life |
Acer Spin 3 SP314-53N-77AJ
The Acer Spin 3 SP314-53N-77AJ is a 14” Full HD convertible laptop with a touchscreen IPS display. It’s packed with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 PCIe NVMe SSD. The high specifications and included active stylus pen make it one of the best 2-in-1 laptops in its budget range.
The Spin 3 offers a full backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader for a fast and secure login into your system. The Acer Spin 3 SP314-53N-77AJ is also one of the best laptops for Digital Artists, thanks to its active stylus, meaning you’ll be able to sketch and take notes right out of the box. With up to 12 hours of battery life, as per the manufacturer’s statement, the Spin 3 just lacks one of the new USB Type-C ports for your modern peripherals. But that’s easily fixed through using a compatible adapter!
| Processor | Intel i7 8565U Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB , PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 14 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port
1- USB 2.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Card reader, Bluetooth |
| Battery | up to 12 hours battery life |
Asus Vivobook S15 S512FA-DB71
The Asus Vivobook S15 S512FA-DB71 is a 15.6” Full HD thin and light laptop. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD coupled with a 1 TB HDD for the storage space. This machine is surely eye-catching with its silver metal body and narrow bezel display. With a double option for storage, you can choose where to store files depending on your needs.
The Vivobook S15 comes with a hinge that slightly lifts the keyboard up, for an improved typing position. The keyboard is also backlit, including a fingerprint reader as a premium feature. There’s plenty to enjoy in a 0.7” thin machine like this, with comprehensive connectivity including a USB Type-C port.
| Processor | Intel i7 8565U Processor |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe Nvme SSD + 1TB HDD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port Type C
2- USB 3.1 Ports 1- USB 2.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Card reader, Bluetooth |
| Battery | up to 8 hours battery life |
Lenovo Thinkpad E590
The new Lenovo Thinkpad E590 is a 15.6” Full HD laptop that is suitable for businesses. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. It also comes with the Windows 10 Professional operating system included.
Thinkpads are usually praised for their sturdy design and excellent keyboards; this model doesn’t come with any less. Powered through a USB Type-C port, it includes comprehensive connectivity with HDMI and USB ports, as well as a Micro SD reader. The extremely fast speed of its drive makes it suitable for professionals and small businesses who deal with a lot of large files. If there is one to dislike about this laptop is would be the display’s resolution; 1366×768 displays should be banned in 2019! But while that would be a deal breaker if you’re looking for laptop to edit photos or do graphic design, the E590 is an excellent option for businesses looking for a cost effective device.
| Processor | Intel i5 8265U Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Nvme SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1366×768 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port Type C
2- USB 3.1 Ports 1- USB 2.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Ethernet Card reader, Bluetooth |
| Battery | up to 8 hours battery life |
Lenovo Yoga 730
The Lenovo Yoga 730 is a 15.6” Full HD convertible laptop with a touchscreen display. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB PCIe SSD. Its 2-in-1 design is packed into a 0.7” midnight blue body. With many ways to make use of it, the Yoga 730 is surely a premium choice for home and entertainment; it is also one of the cheapest laptops with Thunderbolt 3.
This model also comes with plenty of premium features, including a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. It also shines in the connectivity department, offering a Thunderbolt 3 port and a USB Type-C port as well.
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8265U Processor |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, PCIe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD 620 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – Thunderbolt 3
1 – USB Type C 2- USB 3.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Fingerprint Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Battery | up to 8 hours battery life |
Asus ZenBook 13 UX331FA-AS51
The Asus ZenBook 13 UX331FA-AS51 is the last of our recommended budget laptops with PCIe SSDs. It offers a 13.3” Full HD and wide-view display, an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB M.2 PCIe SSD. This machine makes the most out of its lightweight and thin body, resulting in a great laptop of choice for people who’re always on the go.
Premium features of the ZenBook 13 include a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader and a USB Type-C port. While battery life might not reach the stated 12 hours, it’s more than enough for the workday in a laptop this fast.
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8265U Processor |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512 GB, PCIe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD 620 |
| Screen | 13,3 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB Type C
2- USB 3.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Fingerprint Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Battery | up to 14 hours battery life |
Best Gaming laptops with with NVMe SSD:
If you’re looking for laptop to edit videos or play the latest games, then the good news is most of them come with PCIe SSD nowadys. Here are some suggestions:
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614
First on our list, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614 is a perfect all rounder laptop. It comes with a 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, Processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card.The MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614 is one of the best gaming laptops under 800 dollars you can find, not only does it offers good specs for the money, but it also comes in a rather professional design.
The 15,6 inch IPS display is actually decent for gaming and watching movies; but it’s not an ideal laptop if color accuracy is critical to your work.The bezels around the screen are also quite thin, which helps contain the overall footprint. The Chassis is made of brushed aluminum. This laptop comes with an NVMe SSD, and also offer a free SATA slot to add a second drive.
| Processor | Intel Core i5-9300H Processor |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Nvme SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, NVIDIA GTX 1650 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port
3 – USB 3.1 ports 1 – HDMI port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 7 hours battery life |
Asus ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim GX531GW-AB76
The Asus ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim GX531GW-AB76 is a 15.6” Full HD gaming laptop with a 144Hz IPS display. It features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The dedicated graphics card is one of the most performant in the market, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070, with 8 GB of VRAM. It’s no wonder such high specs come at a reasonable price.
The Zephyrus S is not only eye-catching for its unique design, with a customizable backlit keyboard and touch number keypad. You have to consider all of its perks come in a 0.62” thin body, which isn’t something you might be used seeing in a gaming laptop. Make the best of the fast SSD connecting your devices through the USB Type-C ports.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Nvme SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 2 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port
1 – USB 3.1 ports 2 – USB 2.0 port 1 – HDMI port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours battery life |
Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-52-72EV
The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-52-72EV is a lower priced 15.6” Full HD gaming laptop, with a 144 Hz IPS display. It features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. It comes with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 dedicated graphics card, with 6 GB of VRAM.
If you see the need to upgrade the storage space, there’s an open M.2 slot and a hard drive bay as well. With superior specifications and dedicated GPU, a gaming laptop like this one is suitable for intensive photo and video editing tasks, with the fast SSD upping the game even more. The Helios 300 offers a four-zone customizable backlit keyboard and plenty of connectivity options, including a USB Type-C port.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Nvme SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port
3 – USB 3.1 ports 1 – HDMI port, MiniDisplay port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 6 hours battery life |
Gigabyte AERO 15-X9-RT5W
The Gigabyte AERO 15-X9-RT5W is a perfect gaming laptop for want the best value for their bucks. Starting from the 15,6 Full HD 144 Hz display, it’s packed with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, and dedicated Nvidia NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070.
There are lots of reasons to choose the Gigabyte AERO 15-X9-RT5W whether you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop or a work laptop to perform intensive tasks such as video editing, CAD, or 3D modelling. The display is X-Rite Pantone Certified for color calibration, and offers amazing visuals; battery life is excellent for a laptop of this class, and most of all, it comes in a rather professional look, and if it wasn’t for the RGB keyboard, you wouldn’t find anything that indicates a gaming laptop!
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8750H Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port // THunderbolt 3
3 – USB 3.1 ports 1 – HDMI port, Ethernet, Minidisplay port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 9 hours battery life |
MSI GS65 Stealth-432
Next, the MSI GS65 Stealth-432 is a 15.6” Full HD gaming laptop, with a 240 Hz and thin bezel display. It features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD. The graphics are powered by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 dedicated card, with 8 GB of VRAM.
The 240 Hz display is best enjoyed with fast-paced videogames. The powerful specifications of the MSI GS65 Stealth-432 will take care of the rest. This 0.7” thin laptop includes a customizable backlit keyboard and is part of the growing base of devices featuring Thunderbolt 3. Coupled with the PCIe SSD, the challenge is up to you to figure out how fast you can transfer your files. There is also a free M2 slot, in case you want to add a second hard drive.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H Processor |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port // THunderbolt 3
3 – USB 3.1 ports 1 – HDMI port, Ethernet, Minidisplay port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 6 hours battery life |
Best ultrabooks and professional laptops with NVMe SSD:
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX333FA-AB77
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX333FA-AB77 is a 13.3” Full HD business laptop with a wide-view narrow bezel display. The screen-to-body ratio is a stunning 95%! This 2.6 lbs light ultrabook features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe SSD with TPM chip for added hardware security. It comes with the Windows 10 Professional operating system.
The ZenBook 13 offers an innovative design, including a touch numeric keypad that you can enable as a mode of the touchpad. The hinge slightly lifts the backlit keyboard up for a better typing comfort. With a military grade all metal body and a battery life that can carry you through the whole workday, the ZenBook 13 is a fast and reliable business companion.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8565U Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 13,3 inch, 1920X1080 |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1 – USB 3.1 (Type C) port
1 – USB 3.1 ports 1 – USB 2.0 ports 1 – HDMI port Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | Up to 14 hours battery life |
Dell XPS13 9380
The Dell XPS13 9380 is a premium laptop that we’ve recommended countless times before. One of the first manufacturers to adopt the narrow bezel display design, Dell has overdone themselves with the newest generation XPS 13. This 13.3” 4K machine features a touchscreen display, an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a whopping 1 TB PCIe SSD.
Cut from a single block of aluminum, the XPS 13 is 0.46” thin and weights 2.7 lbs. For the sake of its portability, it comes with USB Type-C ports only, to handle both the charging as the peripherals. Featuring Thunderbolt 3 and a backlit keyboard, the XPS 13 is one of the best laptops for professional users.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8565U Processor |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 1TB, PCie SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 13,3 inch, 3840×2160 IPS |
| Connectivity and Ports | 2- Thunderbolt 3 ports
1- USB Type C Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | up to 9 hours battery life |
Lenovo Thinkpad T580
The 2019 Lenovo Thinkpad T580 is a 15.6” Full HD business laptop. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD. It doesn’t stop there: with the entry-level Nvidia GeForce MX150 graphics card, the Thinkpad T580 will give you better support in photo and video editing. This laptop includes the Windows 10 Professional operating system.
Thanks to the spectacular amount of RAM, the Thinkpad T580 is a suitable companion for professionals who use particularly demanding software. With Thunderbolt 3 and a USB Type-C port, it surely makes a worthy and futureproof business companion.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8650U Processor |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB, NVMe PCIe SSD |
| Graphics | Dedicated, Nvidia Geforce MX150 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 IPS |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB Type C // Thunderbolt 3 port
1- USB Type C 2- USB 3.1 1- HDMI, Ethernet Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | up to 9 hours battery life |
HP Probook 450 G6
Last but not the least, we have the HP Probook 450 G6, a 15.6” Full HD business laptop. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD coupled with a 1 TB HDD for the added storage space. This laptop also comes with the Windows 10 Professional OS installed.
Despite its rather classic design, the Probook 450 offers all kinds of premium features, including a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader, and a USB Type-C port for your peripherals. A day-long battery life is the cherry on the top, making it an arguably affordable device for your high education and productivity.
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8665U Processor |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD +1TB HDD |
| Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Screen | 15,6 inch, 1920X1080 IPS |
| Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB Type C
3- USB 3.1 1- HDMI, Ethernet Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1, |
| Battery | up to 9 hours battery life |
