The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use CompactGUI if you want a graphical, game-folder workflow; use Windows’ built-in NTFS compression if you want to work through File Explorer or the command line. Neither option guarantees a particular space saving or faster loading, and CompactGUI warns against compressing Windows 11 games that use DirectStorage. Try one game, check its actual size on disk, and test loading before applying compression to a whole library.
What is the difference between NTFS compression and CompactGUI?
NTFS compression is a Windows file-system feature. Microsoft describes compact.exe as its command-line version. You can also access ordinary NTFS compression through a folder’s Properties in File Explorer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CompactGUI is a graphical tool for selecting a folder and applying Windows compression functionality. Its project README says it uses the Win32 API and algorithms exposed by the Windows Overlay Filter driver. It does not turn a game into a separate archive: files remain accessible through Windows as the game uses them. See the CompactGUI README.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOne terminology distinction matters: ordinary NTFS compression and the executable-oriented /EXE algorithms documented for compact.exe are not the same setting. CompactGUI offers those algorithm choices through a graphical workflow; do not assume that every CompactGUI mode is identical to ticking the compression checkbox in folder Properties.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Which option should you choose?
| What matters | Windows NTFS compression | CompactGUI |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow | File Explorer folder Properties or compact.exe. |
A graphical, folder-focused workflow. |
| Compression choices | Ordinary NTFS compression is available; Microsoft also documents executable-oriented /EXE modes for the command-line tool. |
Offers algorithm selection through Windows compression functionality; its README says the default is XPRESS8K. |
| Best fit | You want a built-in Windows option or need command-line control. | You want to select a game folder and prefer a GUI. |
| Expected space saved or performance effect | Depends on the game files and system; no universal result is established. | Depends on the game files and system; no universal result is established. |
Choose based on workflow, not on an assumption that one method always compresses games better. The available sources do not provide a controlled, current head-to-head benchmark of ordinary NTFS compression versus CompactGUI across games and hardware.
How do CompactGUI’s compression modes compare?
Microsoft lists XPRESS4K, XPRESS8K, XPRESS16K and LZX as /EXE modes. Microsoft describes XPRESS4K as the fastest and the default for that command-line path, and LZX as the most compact. CompactGUI’s README instead says its own default is XPRESS8K, describing it as a balance between speed and compression; it characterizes XPRESS16K as slower but stronger and LZX as the slowest but strongest option.
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
These are trade-offs, not a universal ranking for every game. More compression can mean more work when data is read, while file composition and hardware affect both the space saved and the experience. If you use compact.exe, confirm which compression path and mode you are invoking rather than treating its defaults as CompactGUI’s defaults.
Will compression save space or improve game performance?
It may save space, but the result varies by game and by the data in its folder. CompactGUI’s README includes examples and a broad claim that folders can shrink by up to 60%; those are project-published illustrations without a stated measurement protocol, not a forecast for your installation.
Rank #3
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
The same caution applies to load times and in-game performance. Compressed data is decompressed as Windows uses it, so the effect depends on the game, CPU and storage behavior. CompactGUI specifically warns against using it on Windows 11 games that use DirectStorage: its stated concern is that decompression before assets reach the GPU can negate the intended benefit. The project guidance does not establish a current, authoritative compatibility list by game, so check the game’s current documentation rather than assuming a particular title is affected or safe.
CompactGUI’s undated README also says its compression-estimation feature was built from more than 100,000 community submissions. That is a project-reported submission count, not a count of controlled or independently verified game tests.
Rank #4
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs and notebook PCs. Ideal for power users who are looking for market-leading speeds.
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection. Capacities of up to 4 TB are available, providing ample storage space and eliminating the anxiety of insufficient storage.
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of power distribution, and effectively extends the durability of the SSD. Moreover, it is equipped with a 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink to prevent overheating with excellent heat dissipation performance and maintain stable top performance.
- 【Enhanced System Stability】The NV7400 delivers stable performance for demanding applications. Enhanced by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, it ensures stable operation even under heavy workloads. The integration of Smart Cache optimizes data retrieval, while Zip data compression maximizes storage efficiency.
- 【Free Biwin Intelligence Software】Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Biwin consumer-brand storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, firmware update, and more.
How to try compression safely on one game
- Choose a game folder you can restore or reinstall. Do not start by compressing your entire library; a single game makes it easier to assess the result and recover if it misbehaves.
- Record its starting size on disk. In File Explorer, open the folder’s Properties and note the size-on-disk value so you can compare after compression.
- Check for DirectStorage use. If the game uses DirectStorage on Windows 11, follow CompactGUI’s warning and do not compress it with this tool.
- Apply one method. Use CompactGUI to select the game folder and choose a mode, or use Windows’ folder Properties or
compact.exe. Avoid mixing methods until you know what state the files are in. - Test the game. Launch it, observe loading and play normally for a while. If it hangs, loads poorly or otherwise behaves unexpectedly, uncompress the folder and retest.
- Compare the outcome. Check size on disk again and decide whether the space saved is worth any change in loading or compatibility on your machine.
What happens when games update or move?
Microsoft notes that compact.exe can set a directory’s compression behavior for future files, but changing the directory state does not necessarily compress files already in it. The /C and /U switches compress and uncompress files or directories, and /S applies an operation through a directory tree. For example, to compress a directory tree on an NTFS volume, the documented form is compact /c /s:"C:GamesExample". To uncompress it, use compact /u /s:"C:GamesExample". These operations apply to NTFS partitions, not FAT or FAT32. See Microsoft’s compact command reference.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The CompactGUI project wiki, edited in 2018, warns that game updates can add or replace files and that compression may then decay; it also describes limitations in automatically compressing subsequent files. Its guidance says copying or moving files can remove the compressed state, and cautions that compressed files on an external drive may only be readable on a Windows 10 PC until uncompressed. Because those statements are dated, verify current behavior before relocating an installation or relying on access from another operating system. The same wiki reports that Guild Wars 2 was observed to hang while decompressing at launch; treat that as a project-reported, game-specific warning, not a general compatibility result. See the CompactGUI Important Information wiki.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and gaming with PCIe 5.0, boasting up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s* sequential read/write speeds. Tackle massive files and power up your gaming with Gen5—twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD.
- EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits. With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking. Virtually no lag, no limits—just nonstop performance.
- THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds of up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, the 9100 PRO SSD fuels seamless AI content creation, swift loads, and smooth gameplay. Work, play, and create at lightning speed.
- SPEED, WHENEVER YOU NEED: From laptops to desktop PCs, experience blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds and up to 8TB of storage. Perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative tasks, with the compatibility to match your device.
- STAY COOL, RUN FAST: Push limits, not temperatures. A 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO SSD*, while advanced thermal control keeps performance smooth and reliable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
