Will SSDs work better if you have an NVIDIA graphics card?

Having a little extra performance in games is always a welcome improvement, especially when it comes at no additional cost. One such technology that offers this advantage is DirectStorage. The latest NVIDIA drivers have effectively optimized compression technology for PCIe 5.0 SSDs, resulting in enhanced performance.

DirectStorage, initially introduced on the Xbox Series X, is a Microsoft technology designed to improve load times. It enables direct communication between the graphics card and the SSD, bypassing the processor. As a result, loading times are reduced, and gamers can experience a slight boost in performance.

It’s important to note that the activation of DirectStorage is not something users can control. Its availability and utilization depend on game developers integrating the technology into their games.

nvidia-rtx-ssd-crucial-t700

Little extra performance, which is always appreciated

The latest NVIDIA drivers have successfully reduced loading times, resulting in a slight increase in FPS (frames per second). However, it’s important to manage our expectations, as the improvement is modest, typically around a maximum of 5 FPS.

In a comparison conducted by Compusemble, the NVIDIA GeForce 532.03 drivers, which incorporate DirectStorage 1.1, were compared to the GeForce 535.50 Beta drivers, which integrate DirectStorage 1.2. The focus of the comparison was on the performance difference between two controllers: the Crucial T700, utilizing PCIe 5.0 SSD technology, and the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus-G, based on PCIe 4.0. The findings of this comparison provided valuable insights.

Let’s see the more detailed data:

  • Driver NVIDIA 532.03
    • Crucial T700: 28.09 GB/s bandwidth and a load time of 0.24 seconds
    • Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus-G: 22.3 GB/s bandwidth and 0.3 second load time
  • Driver NVIDIA 535.5 Beta
    • Crucial T700: 33.1 GB/s bandwidth and a load time of 0.20 seconds
    • Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus-G: 22.8 GB/s bandwidth and a load time of 0.29 seconds

We can observe a noticeable improvement in bandwidth, resulting in reduced loading times. This enhancement brings a slight boost in performance, although it shouldn’t be overly significant.

In terms of pricing, the 1 TB Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus-G PCIe 4.0 SSD with a heatsink is priced at approximately 145 euros. This drive offers impressive read speeds of 7,300 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s.

As for the Crucial T700 PCIe 5.0 SSD, it is currently not available in the market, but we do have some preliminary information. The estimated cost for the 1 TB variant with a heatsink could be around 250 euros. This SSD offers remarkable read speeds of 11,700 MB/s and write speeds of 9,500 MB/s.

Crucial T700 PCIe 5.0

How much do these few extra FPS cost?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that the Crucial T700 SSD is currently unavailable in the market. While it is expected to be officially launched soon, it is not yet widely available for purchase.

When comparing both SSD units, there is a price difference of approximately 100 euros. Considering the additional cost, gaining 1-5 FPS may be difficult to justify, even though it provides a slight performance boost.

The intriguing aspect lies in the potential of DirectStorage 1.2 to deliver extra performance. However, it is crucial to highlight that this technology is only accessible if game developers integrate it into their titles. It is reassuring that NVIDIA supports and continues to enhance the functionality of this exciting technology.