What Is DirectStorage? And Does Your Gaming PC Need It?
Lennon Byatt
Modern games are getting bigger, more detailed and more demanding.
That doesn’t just put pressure on your graphics card - your storage also needs to keep up.
That’s where DirectStorage comes in.
But what actually is it, and should the average PC gamer care?
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
What Is DirectStorage?
DirectStorage is a Microsoft technology designed to help games access data from fast storage drives more efficiently.
Normally, your PC has to move game files through several stages before your graphics card can use them.
DirectStorage is designed to make this process more efficient, allowing modern games to take better advantage of fast NVMe SSDs.
In simple terms:
Your game can get the files it needs faster.
What Difference Can It Make?
DirectStorage is mainly designed to improve the way games load large amounts of data.
That can potentially mean:
- Shorter loading screens
- Faster loading of large game worlds
- Better asset streaming
- Less work for the CPU when loading game data
- More detailed environments without traditional storage becoming as much of a limitation
It isn't designed to suddenly double your FPS.
Instead, it helps your PC move gaming data around more efficiently.
Instead, it helps your PC move gaming data around more efficiently
Why Are NVMe SSDs Important?
Modern games constantly load things such as textures, environments and objects while you're playing.
Traditional hard drives are much slower at handling this amount of data.
NVMe SSDs can transfer significantly more information, which makes them much better suited to technologies such as DirectStorage. Microsoft currently lists an NVMe SSD and a compatible DirectX 12 GPU among the requirements for DirectStorage functionality in Windows 11.
If you're still gaming from an older hard drive, upgrading to an SSD can be one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make.
Does DirectStorage Increase FPS?
Not really.
Your graphics card and processor are still the main components responsible for gaming frame rates.
DirectStorage is more focused on getting game data where it needs to go quickly.
So instead of thinking:
DirectStorage = More FPS
Think:
DirectStorage = Faster, more efficient game loading
Games need to be specifically designed to take advantage of DirectStorage
Does Every Game Use DirectStorage?
No.
Games need to be specifically designed to take advantage of DirectStorage.
So simply owning a fast NVMe SSD doesn't mean every game in your library will suddenly load instantly.
However, as modern games become larger and more detailed, fast storage is becoming increasingly important regardless.
Microsoft originally introduced DirectStorage with the goal of reducing loading times and allowing games to handle larger, more detailed worlds more efficiently.
Average FPS vs 1% Low
Here’s a simple example:
| Gaming PC | Average FPS | 1% Low |
|
PC A
|
160 FPS
|
65 fps
|
|
PC B
|
145 FPS
|
110 FPS
|
At first glance, PC A looks faster because it has the higher average FPS.
But PC B maintains much stronger performance during demanding moments.
For someone actually playing the game, PC B may therefore provide the smoother and more consistent experience.
This is one reason AWD-IT's existing performance guides sometimes refer to maintaining strong 1% lows alongside average FPS.
Check Your Monitor Refresh Rate
It is also worth making sure your monitor is actually running at its advertised refresh rate.
A 144Hz, 165Hz or 240Hz monitor may not always automatically run at its maximum setting when first connected.
Checking your Windows display settings can help make sure you are getting the full benefit of your monitor.
Does Your Gaming PC Matter?
Yes.
Your graphics card, processor, monitor and game settings all work together to create the final gaming experience.
A powerful GPU paired with an older low-refresh-rate monitor may not feel as smooth as expected, while a balanced setup can make a noticeable difference.
If you’re considering an upgrade, explore AWD-IT’s range of gaming PCs built for different resolutions, games and performance levels.
Your graphics card, processor, monitor and game settings all work together to create the final gaming experience.
What About 0.1% Lows?
If you've watched detailed PC benchmark videos, you might have also seen 0.1% low FPS.
This looks at even rarer slow frames.
For the average customer comparing gaming PCs, you don't need to obsess over it.
The easiest way to think about the numbers is:
Average FPS = How fast does it normally run?
1% low = How well does it hold up when things get demanding?
That's really all you need to know.
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
Don't Forget Your Monitor
Your PC can produce hundreds of frames every second, but your monitor also needs to be capable of displaying high refresh rates for you to fully benefit from them.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
If you're unsure what Hz means, read AWD-IT's guide to why monitor refresh rate matters, or browse the latest gaming monitors.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
1440p Gaming
1440p provides a sharper image than 1080p but requires additional graphics power.
The AWD-IT Ares Ryzen 5 RX 9060 XT Gaming PC is a suitable option for players who want higher graphical settings, stronger frame rates and the ability to move into 1440p gaming.
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
High-End Gaming
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.
These cards provide the additional performance needed for demanding modern games, detailed graphical settings and higher-resolution monitors.
Browse AWD-IT’s range of RX 9070 XT gaming PCs.
Should You Pair Radeon with Ryzen?
A Radeon graphics card does not need an AMD Ryzen processor, but pairing the two can create a well-balanced all-AMD gaming system.
The most important consideration is balance. Your processor should be powerful enough to support the graphics card, while sufficient RAM, SSD storage and cooling will help the entire system perform reliably.
You can explore AWD-IT’s AMD Ryzen and Radeon gaming PCs for complete systems using both technologies.
Prebuilt or Build Your Own?
Building a PC gives you control over every individual component, but it also requires additional research, assembly and troubleshooting.
A prebuilt gaming PC arrives assembled and tested, making it a more convenient option for many first-time buyers.
It also gives you one main point of contact if you require technical support or warranty assistance.
Which Radeon Gaming PC Should You Choose?
Before choosing, consider:
- The games you want to play
- Your target resolution
- The frame rates you expect
- Your monitor’s refresh rate
- How long you want the PC to last
An RX 9060 system can be a strong choice for 1080p gaming, while the RX 9060 XT provides more room for higher settings and 1440p. The RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are better suited to demanding high-resolution gaming.
Do You Need to Upgrade?
If you're already using a modern gaming PC with an NVMe SSD, you may already have the hardware needed to benefit from DirectStorage-supported games.
If you're still using an older hard drive, moving to an NVMe SSD gives you benefits beyond DirectStorage too, including faster Windows boot times, quicker game launches and improved general system responsiveness.
Not sure which type of SSD you need? Read our guide to M.2 vs SATA SSDs for gaming.
The Simple Answer
DirectStorage helps modern games access data from your storage more efficiently.
It won't magically give you another 100 FPS, but it can help reduce loading times and make better use of the speed offered by modern NVMe SSDs.
For gamers buying a new system, an NVMe SSD is now an important part of a balanced setup - alongside your CPU and GPU.
Browse AWD-IT's latest gaming PCs or explore our range of SSD storage if you're looking to upgrade.
Related Guides
- Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
- Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Best CPU for RTX 5070
- What Is Resizable BAR?
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- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
