There is one situation in which having a DRAM cache makes little to no impact. If you want to use a SATA SSD for game storage, chances are there will not be much of a difference between a SATA SSD with a DRAM cache and one without. The games are not designed to take advantage of the cache itself, so it does not have that much of an impact on loading times. This is one situation where buying the best DRAM-less SATA SSDs in high capacity can be a good option for mass game storage.

The Best DRAM-less SATA SSDs To Buy – Our Picks

So you might want to buy a DRAM-less SSD for your gaming PC to use as a secondary game drive. Well, even though that might seem like a great idea at first, the market is full of cheap DRAM-less SSDs that have horrible performance, so you would want to stay away from those. Fortunately, we have curated a list of our picks for the best DRAM-less SATA SSDs to buy in 2022.

1. Crucial BX500

Best Overall DRAM-less SATA SSD

Pros

• High Speeds
• A Lot of Capacity Options
• Cheaper than Others
• Reputable Manufacturer

Cons

• No M.2 Option

Capacity: 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC/QLC NAND | Read Speeds: 540 MB/s | Write Speeds: 500 MB/s | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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The BX series is more of a budget-oriented SATA SSD series from Crucial with their MX series more focused on the high-performance market. Crucial is one of the most reliable brands in the storage space and it is owned by Micron, which is a giant in the silicon/memory space. It is understandable that Crucial always gets the cream of the crop from Micron in terms of NAND flash and the BX series is no exception.

The BX500 has been offered in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage capacities. Crucial has covered most of the storage options out there and most people will find the perfect capacity option for them in this selection. The only omission is the 4TB option which would have been nice for large tertiary storage, but these are DRAM-less drives so their endurance is not the best. Keeping a lot of data for a long time on a DRAM-less drive might not be the best idea even though Crucial is a reliable brand and their SSDs have good endurance. You may consider an SSD from our list of the best high capacity SSDs for this purpose.

The SSD is offered only in a 2.5-inch form factor. It would have been nice to see an M.2 option for this drive since the M.2 2280 SATA form factor makes installation so much easier. You do not have to worry about any SATA data or SATA power cables, and the SSD sits directly on top of the motherboard, giving the system an overall cleaner look.

Unlike most DRAM-less drives in this price range, Crucial did not cut corners with the internals. The BX500 uses an SMI 2258/59XT controller with a single-core, 4-ch, 8-CE/ch configuration. Indeed, the BX500 does not feature an onboard DRAM cache, but it is still a really good drive for particular use cases. The NAND has been provided by Micron in a 3D TLC/QLC configuration with either 64 or 96 layers, and the drive is rated to saturate the SATA 6Gbps link despite its lack of DRAM Cache. The rated sequential read speeds can go up to 540 MB/s while the sequential write speeds can go up to 500 MB/s which is right up there with a lot of very good SATA SSDs.

Another strong point of the BX500 is its price, as it is cheaper than most other SSDs in this roundup. This makes it an excellent value purchase and the best overall DRAM-less SATA SSD on our list. It should be considered by someone looking for a lot of SATA flash storage on the cheap.

2. ADATA SU760

Best Performing DRAM-less SATA SSD

Pros

• Fast SSD
• SLC Caching
• Good Endurance
• Reliable Manufacturer

Cons

• Limited Capacity Options

Capacity: 240GB, 480GB, 1TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 560 MB/s | Write Speeds: 520 MB/s | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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ADATA is a pretty well-known manufacturer and they have been praised in the enthusiast community for their excellent RAM products as well as SSDs. One of the finest DRAM-less SSDs on the market comes from Adata in the form of the Adata SU760. This SSD can be a good alternative for the BX500 and delivers much the same features and performance as the Crucial drive.

Adata has offered the SU760 in 240GB, 480GB, and 1TB options. While these are the biggest-selling capacity options out there, the omission of the 128GB and 2TB variants is a big drawback of the SU760. People often buy the 128GB variants of DRAM-less SSDs as cheap upgrades from a hard drive for an increase in speed and system responsiveness. Similarly, the 2TB and even 4TB versions of the drive should have been added for people who want to add a lot of solid-state storage to their system without breaking the bank.

The SU760 comes in the 2.5-inch form factor which is supported in most desktop PCs and laptops as well, so it is the most popular form factor of SATA SSDs. It would have been nice for Adata to include an M.2 form factor option as well though. M.2 cleans up the aesthetic of the build very much as it eliminates the need for multiple cables and drive mounting positions in favor of direct installation onto the motherboard.

Related Read: Best PCIe Gen 4 SSDs

Adata has provided some pretty decent internals in the SU760. There is a Realtek RTS5733DMQ controller in the drive which is a DRAM-less controller. The NAND has been provided by Micron in a 3D TLC configuration with 64 layers. The Adata drive features SLC caching which is a pretty good feature for a DRAM-less drive. Instead of the DRAM cache, the SU760 has a separate cache made up of the fast SLC NAND which alleviates some of the performance loss due to the DRAM cache. The SLC is generally much faster than the TLC that is present in the rest of the drive. This mechanism compensates for the lack of DRAM cache somewhat.

Adata has rated the speeds of the SU760 to be right up there with the best SATA SSDs out there. The drive can read at 550 MB/s and write at 520 MB/s when it comes to sequential operation. These speeds make it the best performing DRAM-less SATA SSD on our list. With these features, the Adata SU760 is a strong competitor to the BX500 and is just let down by the slightly higher price, and lack of any 2TB or 4TB capacity options.

3. Kingston A400

Best Value DRAM-less SATA SSD

Pros

• Good Pricing
• Multiple Capacity Options
• Available in M.2 SATA Form Factor

Cons

• Relatively Lower Write Speed
• Low Endurance

Capacity: 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 2D/3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 500 MB/s | Write Speeds: 450 MB/s | Form Factor: 2.5-inch and M.2

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Kingston is also one of the most reputable storage and memory brands in the world and they offer some pretty good solid-state drives in every price range. One of their best-selling budget SSD has been the Kingston A400 which offers some good features in an affordable package. The Kingston A400 is another DRAM-less drive that can make a lot of sense for mass storage, and might just be the best value DRAM-less SATA SSD on our list.

Kingston has offered the A400 in the 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations which is a good step from Kingston since those capacities are the most demanded ones on the market. Unlike Adata, Kingston has added the 120GB variant as well which will be a cheap and quick upgrade for the consumers looking to switch from a hard drive. The 1TB and 2TB options are included which make the most sense from a consumer point of view, as these capacities deliver a lot of solid-state storage at a relatively affordable price.

The A400 is the only drive in the roundup that comes in both the 2.5-inch as well as the M.2 2280 form factor. The 2.5-inch form factor for SATA SSDs is fairly standard and while that is not going anywhere, Kingston has also added the M.2 2280 form factor for the people who are looking for a cable-free, seamless experience. The M.2 makes installation easier as the drive is installed directly onto the motherboard, and there are no cables to worry about either. All in all, a nice addition from Kingston.

Internally, the A400 is rocking a Phison S11 controller in a Single-core, 2-ch, 8-CE/ch configuration. The drive lacks any kind of DRAM cache as we have established, but it still delivers decent performance when it comes to mass storage. The NAND has been provided by Toshiba in a 2D or 3D TLC configuration with 32+ layers in the 3D configuration. The choice of planar NAND hurts the Kingston’s performance a bit, especially during write operations. Adata claims that the A400 can deliver read speeds of up to 500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 450 MB/s which is a bit lower than other drives in this roundup but not fairly noticeable.

All in all, the Kingston drive is another decent DRAM-less option that can be considered for mass storage at an affordable price. It offers multiple capacity options and even has an M.2 form factor option that is unique to the Kingston in this roundup.

4. Lexar NS100

Best Alternative DRAM-less SATA SSD

Pros

• High Speeds
• Good Endurance
• Solid Internals

Cons

• Marginally More Expensive
• No 2TB Option

Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 550 MB/s | Write Speeds: 520 MB/s | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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One of the lesser-known brands in our roundup is Lexar, but they have a pretty decent SSD offering in the form of the Lexar NS100. This SSD can be the best alternative DRAM-less SATA SSD that is way better than some of the cheaper knock-off SSDs that can be found in this price bracket.

The NS100 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities which cover most of the capacity demands of the consumers. However, the omission of the 2TB option is still a disappointment for those who are looking for a lot of solid-state storage on the cheap. Lexar has also released the NS100 in only the 2.5-inch form factor which is standard for SATA SSDs, so you do not have the option of an M.2 2280 form factor with the NS100.

When it comes to internals, the NS100 is surprisingly well-built. The controller used is a Marvell 88NV1120 in a Dual-Core, 2-ch, 4-CE/ch configuration which is a DRAM-less controller. The NS100 is using Micron’s NAND memory in a 3D TLC configuration with 64 Layers. This allows the NS100 to saturate the SATA 6Gbps link with read and write speeds of up to 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively.

The NS100 is a surprisingly solid option coming from a relatively lesser-known brand such as Lexar. It seems to have good internal components and also appears to be a reliable drive overall. The lack of a 2TB option and its marginally higher pricing does hurt its stance though, but the Lexus NS100 is a good alternative to the drives already mentioned if the need arises.

5. Sandisk SSD Plus

Best Storage DRAM-less SATA SSD

Pros

• Lots of Capacity Options
• Good Read Speeds

Cons

• 2D NAND
• Relatively Lower Write Speeds
• Marginally Higher Price

Capacity: 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 2D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 545 MB/s | Write Speeds: 450 MB/s | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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Our final pick of the day comes from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of memory and NAND flash. Sandisk has been one of the biggest names in the industry for quite some time now. They have a solid budget offering in the SATA SSD space with the Sandisk SSD Plus. This SSD can make be a nice affordable alternative to the drives mentioned above, should you not manage to find any of them at your retailer of choice.

Sandisk has released the SSD Plus in most of the capacity options that are usually sought after by the consumers. The 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, and 2TB options are all present which makes the Sandisk SSD plus a great option for people looking for affordable secondary SSD storage, as well as for people looking for a cheap 128GB SSD to upgrade form a hard drive. This might be the best storage DRAM-less SATA SSD on our list for this reason.

Sandisk has only offered the SSD Plus in 2.5-inch form factor though. Internally, the SSD Plus is using an SMI SM2256S controller in a Single-core, 4-ch, 8-CE/ch configuration. The SSD is DRAM-less of course which should not be a major problem if you’re running it as a tertiary form of storage. Sandisk is using its own NAND Flash in a 2D TLC configuration, which means that the NAND Flash is not layered. This can hurt the longevity and the endurance of the drive in some scenarios. Sandisk is claiming that the drive can hit sequential read and write speeds of up to 545 MB/s and 450 MB/s which is a little lower than other offerings particularly when it comes to the write speeds.

Overall though, the Sandisk SSD Plus is another good budget SSD option that can be used for backup storage of non-sensitive data such as games. Although due to the lack of DRAM cache and the slower write speeds we would not recommend using the Sandisk SSD Plus as your primary OS drive, it can still be a handy drive to have in the system to dump some games on and enjoy faster loading times without completely breaking the bank.

META DESCRIPTION:

In this roundup, we rank the best DRAM-less SATA SSDs on the market on the basis of performance, reliability, and value.

The post 5 Best DRAM-less SATA SSDs For The Ultimate Boost Over Traditional Drives appeared first on Appuals.

A huge part of this move can be attributed to the falling price of NAND flash and the subsequent decrease in the price of Solid State Drives in the storage market. This has led most users who are building a new PC in 2022 to just pick a fast SATA or NVMe SSD for a reasonable price instead of opting for a hard drive. There is still an area where hard drives are almost solely prevalent and that is mass storage in gaming PCs. However, SSDs are slowly but surely taking over that space as well.

The Best High Capacity SSDs – Our Recommendations

It is considered the ideal practice to pair a smaller, faster SSD like a PCIe Gen 4 SSD with a large, high-capacity HDD in order to get the best of both worlds. However, the falling prices of NAND flash and the improvements in SSD technologies have led to an overall price drop in the cost of high capacity SSDs as well. They are still more expensive than hard drives gig-for-gig, but they offer much faster operation while being smaller and quieter. So with that in mind, here are the 5 best high capacity SSDs to buy in 2022.

1. Samsung 870 QVO

Best Overall High Capacity SSD

Pros

• Available in 8TB Capacity
• Samsung's MKX Controller
• Quite Affordable for High Capacity Variants
• Maximum SATA Speeds

Cons

• QLC NAND

19,738 Reviews

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D QLC NAND | Read Speeds: 560 MB/s | Write Speeds: 530 MB/s | DRAM Cache: Yes | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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Samsung is renowned in the storage industry for its incredible reliability and the fantastic performance of its SSDs. The Samsung 870 QVO is Samsung’s SATA SSD option that is aimed at the high-capacity market. The 870 QVO is a 2.5-inch SATA SSD that is available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and even 8TB capacity options. It uses 3D QLC NAND Flash and it can reach sequential read speeds of 560 MB/s while delivering write speeds of up to 530 MB/s. It is quite simply one of the best SATA SSDs you can buy right now.

The 870 QVO is ideal for those who are looking to pair a reliable high-capacity SSD with a smaller SSD to complete an all-solid-state system. Samsung has released the 870 QVO in most capacities ranging from 1TB all the way up to 8TB, and that places the 870 QVO head-to-head in terms of storage space with most hard drives. The 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB variants make the most sense for a mass storage SSD in a fairly modern gaming PC.

The 870 QVO uses a Samsung MKX controller and has a Tri-core, 8-ch, 8-CE/ch configuration. There is a DRAM cache present on the SSD as well, which is really important for the long-term endurance and sustained performance of the drive. The only drawback of the drive is the inclusion of the 3D QLC NAND Flash instead of the TLC NAND, which delivers better sustained performance. However, this trade-off is completely justified since QLC NAND allows the drive manufacturer to maximize the capacity of the drive without increasing the price too much.

The speeds of the SSD are still fantastic, as the 870 QVO can deliver sequential read speeds of up to 560 MB/s. The maximum sequential write speeds are also rated up to 530 MB/s, and these numbers are quite close to the theoretical maximum that the SATA 6Gbps protocol can handle. The QLC NAND does not hurt its performance too much in shorter, lighter workloads, however, you might experience some comparative slowdowns when writing large files to the SSD over a long period of time. This is an acceptable tradeoff, however, since this drive should not be used to install an operating system anyway.

Overall, the Samsung 870 QVO is the best overall high capacity SSD due to its wide range of capacity options, reliable internal components, and relatively modest pricing. Having QLC NAND is its only obvious weak point, but that is true for many other high-capacity SSDs on the market as well.

2. Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB

Best Performing High Capacity SSD

Pros

• Variety of Capacity Options
• Extremely Fast NVMe Speeds
• More Affordable than other NVMe Drives
• M.2 Form Factor

Cons

• QLC NAND Flash Type

10,738 Reviews

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D QLC NAND | Read Speeds: 3300 MB/s | Write Speeds: 3000 MB/s | DRAM Cache: Yes | Form Factor: M.2

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Sabrent is a smaller manufacturer but it has quickly become a fan favorite among PC building enthusiasts due to its fantastic products and competitive prices. The Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB is another solid offering from Sabrent that is targeted at users looking for a high-capacity SSD that is also blazing fast. The Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB is an NVMe drive which means that surely satisfies the latter criteria quite well, and it can be configured in capacities of up to 8TB on a single M.2 drive. It is quite simply the best performing high capacity SSD on our list.

The Rocket Q is offered in capacities of 500 GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and even 8TB. This means that there are a lot of options to choose from that would suit different potential buyers with different needs. The Rocket Q 8TB has sequential read speeds of up to 3300 MB/s with sequential write speeds right around 3000 MB/s. The drive also has a DRAM cache of course and is offered in the M.2 form factor which eliminates cable clutter and is quite easy to install.

The only drawback of the Rocket Q 8TB, apart from its price, is its 3D QLC NAND configuration just like the Samsung 870 QVO. It is quite difficult for manufacturers to assemble an 8TB high-capacity SSD by using the TLC NAND flash while keeping it at a reasonable price. This is the reason the very high capacity SSDs such as this one use the QLC NAND type in order to get the maximum capacity. The performance of the Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB is still exceptional due to its NVMe interface, however, it would be unwise to buy this drive as your primary or only storage. QLC drives should not be used to install operating systems and should be reserved for mass storage.

The Rocket Q 8TB uses a Phison E12S controller in a Quad-core, 8-ch, 4-CE/ch configuration with a DRAM cache onboard. The controller is quite a formidable one, and the presence of a DRAM cache means that the drive would not experience slowdowns or endurance issues over extended use. The price of Rocket 8TB is quite hefty if we compare it to SATA SSDs, but it is actually quite reasonable when compared to other high-capacity NVMe SSDs.

All in all, the Sabrent Rocket Q 8TB combines the worlds of speed and high capacity in a single SSD and is ideal for people who are looking for a high-speed secondary storage SSD. The price-to-performance ratio is excellent if when compared to other high-capacity NVMe options.

3. Corsair MP400 8TB

Most Reliable High Capacity SSD

Pros

• Many Capacity Options
• Very Fast NVMe Speeds
• M.2 Form Factor

Cons

• QLC NAND Flash
• Quite Pricy

689 Reviews

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D QLC NAND | Read Speeds: 3400 MB/s | Write Speeds: 3000 MB/s | DRAM Cache: Yes | Form Factor: M.2

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Unlike Sabrent, Corsair needs no introduction to most PC builders. They have been around since forever and have curated a reputation for being ultra-reliable and for having excellent customer support. Their Corsair MP400 8TB is another high-speed, high-capacity NVMe option just like the Sabrent Rocket Q, however, it is a little bit more expensive than the latter. The MP400 also offers the massive 8TB capacity option, hence the name.

Related Read: How To Check NVMe SSD Compatibility

Corsair offers the MP400 in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB capacities, which are more than enough for most gaming PC builders. The 500GB capacity is not offered by Corsair, but that is a capacity that makes more sense for an operating system drive rather than a mass storage drive. The sequential read speeds of the MP400 are up to 3400 MB/s with sequential write speeds being right around 3000 MB/s. The drive is offered in the M.2 form factor which cleans up the cable clutter and is easier to install. You might want to take a look at our picks for the best NVMe heatsinks for this one as well.

Just like the Sabrent Rocket Q, however, the Corsair MP400 also contains 3D QLC NAND Flash in order to maximize the capacity of the drive while keeping it relatively affordable. The drive does not experience any massive performance issues despite having the QLC NAND, and that is due to the excellent NVMe speeds that the drive is capable of producing. The 3400 MB/s read and 3000 MB/s write speeds are quite close to the limits of what is possible with the NVMe protocol.

The Corsair MP400 uses the same fantastic Phison E12S controller as the Sabrent Rocket Q. The configuration of the drive is also Quad-core, 8-ch, 4-CE/ch which is the same as the Sabrent as well. These drives are quite similar in terms of internal components. The MP400 also contains a DRAM cache that helps with the long-term endurance and sustained performance of the drive.

The Corsair MP400 is one of the fastest NVMe options on the market that is available in a high-capacity configuration. Despite using QLC NAND, the drive delivers an exceptional performance as a mass storage drive due to its high speeds and reliable components. Its price is a bit high, however, as it is even more expensive than the Sabrent Rocket Q. The potential buyer should weigh the performance of the drive against the price premium before making a purchase decision. Still, it is our choice for the most reliable high capacity SSD on our list.

4. Samsung 870 EVO

Best Value High Capacity SSD

Pros

• 3D TLC NAND Flash
• Fast Speeds for a SATA SSD
• Quite Affordable

Cons

• No 8TB Variant
• Relatively More Expensive than Other SATA SSDs

37,189 Reviews

Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 560 MB/s | Write Speeds: 530 MB/s | DRAM Cache: Yes | Form Factor: 2.5-inch

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The 870 EVO is a performance-focused SATA SSD that uses the 3D TLC NAND Flash instead of the QLC NAND of the aforementioned drives. This means that the 870 EVO has much higher sustained performance and endurance than the drives mentioned above, and can even outperform the NVMe drives in certain specific scenarios. However, the TLC NAND is more expensive to produce, and that means that Samsung is unable to offer the massive 8TB version of the 870 EVO using this NAND type.

Samsung has released the 870 EVO in most capacities ranging all the way from 250GB all the way up to 4TB. This is a good decision and allows potential buyers to choose the SSD capacity of their choice. Most people on a budget will be fine with 250GB or 500GB options and those SSDs will also make great OS drives without spending too much money. Alternatively, for people looking for the ultimate storage drives, the 2TB and 4TB options are also available which will be plenty for a large steam library and all the OS files as well. The 8TB option is missing as mentioned before. Still, the 870 EVO is the best value high capacity SSD on our list.

The 870 EVO uses a Samsung MJX controller and has a Tri-core, 8-ch, 8-CE/ch configuration. The SSD does contain a DRAM cache as well, and it can hit speeds of up to 550 MB/s read and 520 MB/s writes in sequential scenarios, which is the maximum that is possible with the SATA 6 Gbps link. You can learn more about the importance of DRAM cache and other related factors in our SSD buying guide as well. Overall, the 870 EVO is a performance-focused SATA SSD that offers great all-around performance due to its TLC NAND configuration, although potential buyers who are looking at more than 4TB of SSD space should look at the 870 QVO instead.

5. Western Digital Blue

Best Budget High Capacity SSD

Pros

• 3D TLC NAND
• Available in M.2 Form Factor as well

Cons

• No 8TB Option
• Reliability Concerns
• Low TBW Rating

615 Reviews

Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 560 MB/s | Write Speeds: 530 MB/s | DRAM Cache: Yes | Form Factor: 2.5-inch and M.2

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WD’s Blue series is the more performance-focused lineup of WD’s SATA SSDs. The WD Blue SSDs also use a 3D TLC NAND configuration just like the 870 EVO from Samsung. This means that the WD Blue drives also cannot offer an 8TB variant at a reasonable price, so WD has capped the capacity options at 4TB. Apart from this point, however, WD Blue is probably the best budget high capacity SSD on the market right now.

The WD Blue comes in all capacities from 250GB all the way up to 4TB so that most people can choose whatever capacity they want for their use case. The 250GB and 500GB drives are great value for an affordable OS drive for an entry-level gaming PC or even a laptop. WD also offers the 2TB and 4TB varieties which can be useful for consumers looking for a large amount of solid-state storage on the cheap. The 8TB variant is missing from this drive as well due to its TLC configuration.

WD has also gone ahead and made the WD Blue drives in the M.2 SATA form factor in addition to the 2.5 inch SATA form factor. This would make it easier to install the drive directly into the motherboard to remove cable clutter and improve the overall aesthetics of the build.

WD is using the Marvell 88SS1074 controller in the WD Blue drives with a Dual-Core, 4-ch, 8-CH/ch configuration. The WD Blue drives also contain a DRAM cache which helps in the overall durability of the drive and improves sustained performance. WD is using Sandisk’s 3D TLC NAND with 64 layers that allow more data to be written to the NAND cells. This configuration allows the WD Blue to reach read speeds of 560 MB/s sequential reads, and 530 MB/s sequential writes and that essentially saturates the SATA 6Gbps link.

The WD Blue is comparatively cheaper than the 870 EVO and the NVMe drives and should therefore be a good alternative to those drives. The only problem is that many people do not trust WD’s reliability due to their history with hard drives and while there have not been any major cases of WD Blue drives failing, it is a point that you might want to consider while making a purchase decision especially if their lower TBW rating is anything to go by.

META DESCRIPTION:

In this roundup, we rank the best high capacity SSDs on the basis of performance, capacity options, reliability, and value.

The post 5 Best High Capacity SSDs – Upgrade Your Storage Capacity With These Options appeared first on Appuals.

While PCIe Gen 3 NVMe drives were in no way slow, the technology always finds a way to improve itself even if the need is not felt at the moment. PCIe Gen 3 SSDs tend to cap out at around 3500 MB/s sequential read speeds, while the PCIe 4.0 SSD options can deliver sequential read speeds of up to an eye-searing 5000 MB/s with write speeds not far off either. These drives do require active cooling in most scenarios, and many of them ship with included heatsinks as well. You will also need a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot in either a B550 or an X570 motherboard from AMD as of the time of writing.

The 5 Best PCIe 4.0 SSD – Our Recommendations

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Corsair Force MP600	Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD	9,408 Reviews Check Price
2		Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0	Best Value PCIe 4.0 SSD	13,293 Reviews Check Price
3		Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4	Best All-Rounder PCIe 4.0 SSD	841 Reviews Check Price
4		Seagate FireCuda 520	Best Seagate PCIe 4.0 SSD	11,988 Reviews Check Price
5		Samsung 980 PRO	Best Premium PCIe 4.0 SSD	37,858 Reviews Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Corsair Force MP600
Award	Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD
Details	9,408 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0
Award	Best Value PCIe 4.0 SSD
Details	13,293 Reviews Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4
Award	Best All-Rounder PCIe 4.0 SSD
Details	841 Reviews Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Seagate FireCuda 520
Award	Best Seagate PCIe 4.0 SSD
Details	11,988 Reviews Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Samsung 980 PRO
Award	Best Premium PCIe 4.0 SSD
Details	37,858 Reviews Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 14:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

They say you can’t buy time with money. Well in regards to SSD especially PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs this is somewhat false. Getting a faster SSD will completely change your computing experience. In modern gaming, you can absolutely feel the differences between HDD and SSD. If you are performing time-sensitive productivity tasks such as video editing or just want faster loading times as a gamer without properly reading the loading screen tips, you might just want to splurge the cash on a PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Without any further ado, let’s dig into our tier list for the best 2022 PCIe 4.0 SSD options on the market.

1. Corsair Force MP600

Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros

• Extremely High Speeds
• Solid IOPS Performance
• Cheaper Than Many Other Options
• Included Hefty Heatsink
• NAND Layering

Cons

• Write Speed Marginally Lower Than Others
• Still Not Objectively Cheap

9,408 Reviews

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 4950 MB/s | Write Speeds: 4250 MB/s | Endurance Rating: 1800 TBW (for 1TB) | Warranty: 5 years

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One of the most popular PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs on the market, the Corsair Force MP600 takes the top spot in our roundup due to its incredible performance, reliability, overall feature set, and trust of Corsair. The SSD comes in capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB which is a nice diverse range of options for various users with different needs. Corsair has made this SSD in the standard M.2 2280 form factor which is supported on most motherboards so there is nothing to worry about there as well.

As far as the internals of the drive go, Corsair has opted for 3D TLC NAND which strikes a perfect balance between speed and capacity of the NAND cells themselves. The controller used in the MP600 is the Phison PS5016-E16, which is the first PCIe 4.0 compliant SSD controller, and it is manufactured on the 28nm process. The overall component choice allows the MP600 1TB and 2TB variants to reach sequential read and write speeds of up to 4950 MB/s and 4250 MB/s respectively. Speeds like this were unheard of with PCIe Gen 3 drives just a generation ago. Even the best of the best, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, capped out at around 3500 MB/s sequential reads.

Corsair has also included a nice finned aluminum heatsink with the Force MP600 which allows the drive to maintain a stable operating temperature between 0C and 70C, although you can use the motherboard’s built-in heat spreaders as well. Corsair’s heatsink is a bit bulky and the user might run into some clearance issues on certain motherboards.

The MP600 is backward compatible as well with the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface which is to be expected of most of these Gen 4 drives as well. The MP600 also supports AES 256-bit encryption for security, and is shock resistant with a rating of 1500 G. The SSD is rated for 1800 TBW in terms of Endurance and Corsair has provided a 5-year warranty with the Force MP600 for your ease of mind.

Really, the MP600 does not carry any significant drawback. It is a fantastic, blazing fast, highly reliable drive from a trustworthy manufacturer and it has our recommendation provided you can afford it. This makes it the best PCIe 4.0 SSD overall.

2. Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0

Best Value PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros

• Read Speed Up To 5GB/s
• Cheaper Than Many Other Options
• Great IOPS Performance
• Included Heatsink With Heatpipes
• Value For Money

Cons

• Brand Loyalists Might Not Trust Sabrent
• Heatsink Sold Separately

13,293 Reviews

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 5000 MB/s | Write Speeds: 4400 MB/s | Endurance Rating: 1800 TBW (for 1TB) | Warranty: 5 years

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Sabrent might be a lesser-known SSD manufacturer among heavy-hitters like Corsair, Seagate, and Samsung but there is no doubting the quality of their drives. They delivered some excellent PCIe Gen 3 NVMe drives, and their Sabrent Rocket 4.0 PCIe Gen 4 SSD is one of our favorite drives of its class. Not only does the drive feature top-of-the-line components but it also delivers some of the most amazing numbers in terms of performance we have seen from a Gen 4 drive.

Related Read: Best NVMe PCIe Add-in Cards

The drive is available in 500 GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities which cover most of the common size demands in the market today. Sabrent has also made the Rocket 4.0 in the 2280 form factor which is the industry standard at this point. The drive uses the same Phison PS5016-E16 controller as the Corsair MP600, but the NAND Flash has been changed to TLC NAND by Toshiba (BiCS4 96L TLC NAND to be precise). This allows the Rocket to deliver read speeds of up to 5000 MB/s for all of its variants. The write speeds come in at a blazing 4400 MB/s for the 1TB and 2TB variants while it is a bit slower for the 500GB variant.

Sabrent has included one of the most impressive SSD heatsinks we have ever seen on an SSD, however, Sabrent includes the option to omit the purchase of the heatsink should the user see fit. This can be a useful option for those users whose motherboards feature a built-in SSD heatsink. The Sabrent heatsink not only features a finned aluminum block, but it also has 3 copper heat pipes running through it which is a very interesting and unique design for an SSD heatsink. We also ranked this heatsink as the best NVMe SSD heatsink in our roundup.

The SSD has an operating temperature range of 0C to 70C just like the MP600, while the endurance rating of the 1TB version of the Rocket 4.0 is 1800 TBW. Sabrent has also rated the drive as 1500G shock-resistant, and it is also backwards compatible with PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots. Backed by a 5-year warranty from Sabrent, the Rocket 4.0 makes an extremely compelling offering especially due to its attractive price.

Overall, the Sabrent Rocket 4.0 is one of the most impressive budget PCIe Gen 4 SSDs we have seen so far. With its sky-high performance numbers, its impressive heatsink and build quality, to its attractive price, the Rocket 4.0 makes an attractive option for anyone looking for a Gen 4 SSD, and willing to give Sabrent a chance.

3. Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4

Best All-Rounder PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros

• Extremely High Speeds
• Included Copper Heatspreader
• Supports NAND Layering
• Good Performance In Terms Of IOPS

Cons

• A Bit Pricey
• Aesthetically Not Neutral
• Quick Thick With The Heatsink On

841 Reviews

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 5000 MB/s | Write Speeds: 4400 MB/s | Endurance Rating: 1800 TBW (for 1TB) | Warranty: 5 years

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Gigabyte has entered the PCIe Gen 4 SSD market with their AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD which is a premium alternative to the ones already mentioned in our roundup. One of the most striking features of the AORUS Gen4 SSD is that it features a full copper heatsink that works amazingly well due to the high thermal conductivity of copper as compared to aluminum. In fact, potential buyers might want to remove their motherboard’s built-in heatspreader altogether and use this drive with the included copper heat spreader for improved thermals. This is a nice step from Gigabyte.

The drive also comes in the 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB standard capacities, and is made in the 2280 M.2 form factor. The drive uses the same Phison PS5016-E16 PCIe Gen 4 controller that was found on the other drives, an external DRAM cache, and Toshiba BiCS4 TLC NAND Flash memory. This allows the AORUS Gen4 SSD to reach blistering-fast speeds of 5000 MB/s sequential reads and 4400 MB/s sequential writes. The 500GB variant has somewhat slower write speeds though.

The copper heatsink does a great job of keeping the drive between its recommended operating temperatures of 0C and 70C, and while that is great news, the heatsink does take points away from the overall look and aesthetics of the drive. While the heatsink performs admirably, the gold/copper color of the heatsink sticks out like a sore thumb when installed in a motherboard and has the potential to clash with the color scheme of the build. Users might want to remove the heatsink and install it under a motherboard heat spreader if that is the case.

Providing an endurance rating of 1800TBW for the 1TB version and 3600TB for the 2TB variant, as well as a 5-year warranty, Gigabyte is taking the right steps in making the AORUS Gen4 drive a viable alternative to the drives mentioned above. The high price of the Gigabyte, however, might push potential buyers towards either the Sabrent or the Corsair with little to lose in the process. Nonetheless, this SSD is also a contender for the title of the best PCIe 4.0 SSD.

4. Seagate FireCuda 520

Best Seagate PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros

• Neck-and-Neck With Other Drives In Performance
• Good Endurance
• Up To 5 GB/s Sequential Read Speeds
• Supports NAND Layering

Cons

• More Expensive Than Other Options
• No Included Heatsink
• Seagate's Reputation in Storage Is Not The Best

11,988 Reviews

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | NAND Flash Type: 3D TLC NAND | Read Speeds: 5000 MB/s | Write Speeds: 4400 MB/s | Endurance Rating: 1800 TBW (for 1TB) | Warranty: 5 years Limited

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Another almost identical offering on paper comes from the renowned hard drive manufacturer, Seagate, who has entered the PCIe Gen4 market with their FireCuda 520. While Seagate might not have the most stellar reputation in the storage world in terms of reliability, the FireCuda 520 does seem like a really good drive when you look at the overall specs. It is offered in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB variants, and is utilizing the M.2 2280 standard form factor as well.

The FireCuda 520 uses a Phison E16 Controller and uses a 96-layer TLC NAND memory from Toshiba. This allows the FireCuda to reach its advertised sequential read and write speeds of 5000 MB/s and 4400 MB/s respectively. It should be noted again that the write speeds of the 500GB variant are limited to 2500 MB/s, which is still pretty fast if you think about it. Unfortunately, Seagate has opted not to include any heatsink with the FireCuda 520 and that seems to be a negative point that most of the other SSDs have managed to avoid easily.

The lack of heatsink might not have been that big of a deal if the SSD was cheaper than its alternatives in the market. That could’ve been chalked off as a cost-saving measure, but the FireCuda is in fact more expensive than all of the SSDs mentioned in the article up to this point. This is a serious point of concern for Seagate since the FireCuda 520 does not offer anything that the other drives do not offer in this department already.

Moreover, Seagate has had reliability issues with their hard drives and their reputation is not the best in the storage space. Seagate has pioneered the rise of Solid State Hard Drives, but their reliability is still a question mark among enthusiasts. Although Seagate has provided an 1800 TBW endurance rating and a 5-year warranty with the FireCuda, that still does not make it any better in terms of numbers than the Sabrent, Corsair, or AORUS options. Shame, since the drive performs really well.

5. Samsung 980 PRO

Best Premium PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros

• Fastest Speeds In The Industry
• Special MLC NAND
• Samsung's Reliability

Cons

• No 2TB Option
• No Included Heatsink
• Low Endurance Rating
• Extremely Expensive

37,858 Reviews

Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB | NAND Flash Type: Samsung V-NAND 3bit MLC | Read Speeds: 6900 MB/s | Write Speeds: 5000 MB/s | Endurance Rating: 300 TBW (for 500GB) | Warranty: 5 years Limited

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Our last pick of the roundup is a drive we expected to find at the top of this list. The Samsung 980 PRO is an incredibly fast drive that delivers record-breaking numbers in terms of speed in the entire PC industry. However, it has too many glaring flaws that make it a hard recommendation for most users.

The Samsung 980 PRO is a really fast drive, let’s get that out of the way. While other PCIe Gen 4 drives cap out at 5000 MB/s reads and 4400 MB/s reads, the 980 PRO can deliver read and write speeds of up to an eye-watering 7000 MB/s and 5000 MB/s respectively for the 1TB version. These kinds of speeds are still unheard of in the consumer PC space and are only possible with this one drive out of hundreds of drives in the market. Samsung has achieved these speeds thanks to the Samsung Elpis Controller and V-NAND 3-bit MLC memory chip. Fast sequential speeds, however, only make up one part of the picture.

That is where the positives end for the 980 PRO. Samsung has not included any heatsink with the 980 PRO and has instead used nickel coating to manage the controller’s heat level. The 980 PRO also uses the heat spreader label to deliver effective thermal control of the NAND chip, which can deliver acceptable results. The missing heatsink might not be as big of a problem though, as the missing 2TB capacity. Samsung only offers the 980 PRO in 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacities, which is not the kind of market that you’d expect Samsung to target. Nobody should be buying a really expensive 980 PRO in a 250GB size. Moreover, professionals in need of the extra storage and the high speeds are left without a 2TB option which is a really weird decision from Samsung. In addition to that, Samsung is only providing an endurance rating of 300TBW for the 500GB model which is quite a bit lower than other drives in this category.

Adding insult to injury is the price of the 980 PRO. With the 1TB version coming in at a whopping $229 at the time of writing, the Samsung 980 PRO is at least $30-50 more expensive than the other options in this roundup, and it makes it difficult for us to recommend this bleeding-edge blazing fast SSD over the more reasonable offerings mentioned above. This might not be the best PCIe 4.0 SSD if you plan to maximize the value for money.

Factors To Consider While Buying

NVME SSDs started to become more mainstream to consumers after 2015. With the ever-increasing demand for faster and faster SSDs, every year or so we see many manufacturers come up with SSD’s which are faster, store more data, and have all the bells and whistles. Today we are talking about PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD which was recently implemented in around early 2020 thanks to its inclusion in B550 and X570 motherboards. The PCIe Gen 4.0 is capable of pushing data at rates of 16 GT/s, a large improvement from PCI Gen 3.0 with 8 GT/s. Despite using the same technology, not every SSD on the market is different. Factors such as speeds, NAND flash, DRAM cache, IOPS (Input-output per second), Endurance ratings (TBW) also need to be regarded when purchasing the PCIe 4.0 SSD for your rig.

DRAM Cache

Yes, you read that correctly an SSD needs its own primary storage to store data. This part contains the addresses for every bit of data stored on the NAND flash which otherwise would take your computer longer to fetch from the SSD. Many SSD’s keep moving data from time to time to prevent premature lifespan degradation known as wear leveling. SSD RAM keeps a mapping of data locations such that your PC will take a shorter time to fetch data for the best efficiency. Cache in DRAM on the other hand is its capacity to store that data that will be required by the SSD to perform data transfers. Terms such as SLC, MLC, and TLC, etc. These are NAND flash technologies crucial for speed and data storage efficiency. While Single or Multiple Layer Cells store fewer data and are slower, Triple Layer Cells fall short in lifespan.

Endurance Ratings (TBW)

The endurance of an SSD is measured in Terabytes written or TBW. This should give you a general idea of how long an SSD lasts before its expiration. Although an SSD in general, lasts longer than an HDD, in frequent high load scenarios such as video content creation or any other task that requires a serious amount of data handling can lead to premature lifespan degradation. TBW of a typical SSD ranges from 60 to 150 terabytes per second. For a high-end user who does lots of writes each day, these endurance ratings are super crucial to understand so that one doesn’t end up with a broken drive the next day he wakes up from his usual routine. It’s great to know TBW ratings so after a period of use, you should change or backup your drive to avoid any final day hassle.

While these are some of the more common factors to consider while buying an SSD, there are still numerous others that can’t be mentioned here.

The post The 5 Best PCIe Gen 4 SSDs – Best Performing M.2 Options appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Canvio Gaming External Hard Drive
Manufacture	Toshiba
Available at	View at Amazon

Long story short, the average storage on a console or PC is 500 gigabytes to 1 terabyte. Simply put, that’s not a lot of storage if you want to have games downloaded on hand. This is where portable external hard drives come into play. They have gotten quite popular over the years, as people like to take their gaming devices with them on the go. Furthermore, they are also more intuitive than installing a new internal drive.

With all of that in mind, we are taking a look at Toshiba’s Canvio Gaming external hard drive. Previously we reviewed the Canvio Slim Series. However, this one is extremely popular on Amazon, and for good reason. It is affordable, reliable, and works perfectly with virtually any laptop, desktop PC, or console. So, the following is our hands-on experience with this drive.

Similar Reads: Best External Graphics Cards

Design, Specs, and Features

The Toshiba Canvio Gaming drive arrives in a neat small box. The packaging is quite simple and straightforward. The front of the box shows a picture of the drive itself, along with some of the features. Inside the box, we can find the drive itself along with the USB cable. This USB cable has a Type-A connector on the end and a micro-USB connector on the other end, which goes into the drive.

So, let us talk about the specifications briefly. This specific drive is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options. The exterior of the drive has a satin finish and comes in a simple black color. It is compatible with Windows PCs, PS4, Xbox, and even tablets. The drive will work fine with either a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your device. You can also use this drive with a Mac. However, you will need to reformat it, as is the case for most external hard drives for Macs.

Now, let’s talk about the design. The satin finish of the drive means that it has a surface that feels cool to the touch. This satin finish has the company’s logo present in the top left corner. In terms of weight, you can’t feel it with this drive. The size is pocketable, and you can throw it into a backpack and forget about it. It is also quite slim at around 8mm. It’s the same size as Toshiba’s Canvio Flex and Canvio Slim external hard drives.

Needless to say, carrying around this drive is never going to be an issue. After connecting the drive, you might not notice that the directory contains the instruction and user manual in various languages. There’s also a link to download free password protection and storage backup software.

Performance

The Toshiba Canvio slims perform just as well as we expect. It’s one of the best USB 3.0 external hard drive, so the performance was well within reason. Of course, it is not going to outperform any SSD, but it also does not cost as much and has a higher capacity at a low price. The main aspect here is convenience and overall value.

We have the 1 terabyte version on our hands for this review. If you’re going to back up some files/games, this should be enough. If not, you can always go with the 2TB and 4TB options for peace of mind. So, the drive works well with consoles too. A lot of external hard drives malfunction with consoles, and cause issues such as crashing and stuttering. Corrupted save files are also common with cheap, low-quality drives. Fortunately, the Canvio Gaming works well with consoles and will not cause you any issues. It is extremely reliable in that regard.

We mostly did our testing on PC, so here are some numbers for you to get a relative idea of performance.

Conclusion

All in all, the Toshiba Canvio Gaming accomplishes what it set out to do. It’s an excellent all-rounder and performs as well as we hoped. The design is sleek and modern, and the satin black finish means it does not draw too much attention to itself. It works with consoles, Windows, and macOS without any issues at all. You get a bunch of storage options, and it even looks aesthetically pleasing. It also comes with password protection and backup software as good bonuses. Overall, we recommend this to anyone looking for an affordable external storage solution.

Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB External Hard Drive

Affordable Storage For Every Gamer

Pros

• Sleek design language
• Lightweight and portable design
• Several storage capacities
• Compelling price

Cons

• Not exactly the fastest drive in town

36,007 Reviews

Form Factor: SATA (USB 3.0)  | Capacities: 1TB/2TB/4TB | Sequential Read Speeds:  | Sequential Write Speed: 

VERDICT:The Toshiba Canvio Gaming is an extremely reliable portable hard drive. It is perfect if you want to pair it with your PC or console to backup some games. It's a perfect blend of affordability, durability, and even design. For the money, it is a no-brainer.

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The post Toshiba Canvio Gaming External Hard Drive Review: Gets The Job Done! appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Canvio Slim 2 TB
Manufacture	Toshiba
Available at	View at Amazon

Well, the solution is simple. You buy an external hard drive and call it a day. External hard drives allow you to store all that excess data on a separate physical drive. People use these to store games, photos, documents, or other things they don’t need immediate access to. They also serve their purpose when it comes to backing up data frequently. Today, we’re taking a look at an affordable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing drive from Toshiba. This one is called the Toshiba Canvio Slim.

Quick Overview

The Toshiba Canvio Slim comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants. You can also get it in two colors, either silver or black. It offers what most people look for in a portable hard drive. Not many of us have excessive money to splurge on high-end SSDs. For the average person who uses their hard drive mostly for storage, that speed is wasted anyway. Fortunately, the Toshiba Canvio performs well enough for its purposes and looks good doing so.

Storage-wise, it is quite sizeable and does not take up a whole lot of space. You can toss it in your backpack and easily carry it around with you if you wish to do so. It uses USB 3.0, which might not be the fastest these days. However, it still gets the job done if you want to back up some files or store some games on it. So, it serves its purpose well and is also aesthetically pleasing. Keep reading on for the design, features, and performance breakdown.

Design, Build Quality, and Features

There’s not a lot to talk about when it comes to the unboxing experience of this drive. It arrives in a simple black packaging material, the type we often see on store shelves. The packaging states that it uses a USB 3.0 connection and it also states the capacity of the drive. The back of the box indicates that it comes with a storage backup and password protection software.

So, the box includes the drive itself, a USB cable, and some paperwork. This USB 3.0 cable is 50cm or 20-inches in length from end to end, which is enough for most situations. Let’s talk about the drive itself. It has a cool feeling surface to it, thanks to the aluminum finish on this drive. The aluminum finish has the Toshiba logo embossed in the top corner. There is a black stripe running all around the edges with LED indicators on the top left corner. These will flash blue when connected to any device.

Overall, the drive is conveniently light in weight and quite slim at 8mm. Carrying this drive around should never be too big of an issue. When you connect the hard drive, you’ll want to go to its directory first. You’ll notice that it already contains a couple of files inside this folder. This includes the instruction manual and user manual in various languages. You also get the links to download the free storage backup and password protection software.

Performance

The Toshiba Canvio slim performs quite decently for an external hard drive. While it’s not claiming to be the fastest external drive around, it makes up for it in terms of storage and value. The 2 terabytes of storage are more than enough for what the average person will want to store. Considering it comes in at an affordable price, that’s what will suffice for most people.

In our testing, it took 22 seconds to transfer a 2.81GB file. The sequential read speeds were around 148MB/s, while the write speeds were around 90-95MB/s. Of course, this will vary depending on the number of files you are moving around at one time. Truth be told, it falls in line with our expectations and is similar to other external hard drives that come in at around this price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Toshiba Canvio Slim has quite a bit going for it. It’s a great all-rounder when it comes to an external hard drive. It also works with macOS and Windows without any issues. Storage space is plentiful, and the beautiful design adds a modern and clean aesthetic touch to it. The fact that it comes with password protection and free backup software makes it all the better.

Toshiba Canvio Slim 2TB External Hard Drive

Affordable and Functional

Pros

• Clean and minimal design language
• Slim and lightweight
• Lots of storage for a thin drive
• Affordable price

Cons

• Not the fastest drive around

1,599 Reviews

Form Factor: SATA (USB 3.0) | Sequential Read Speeds: 142 MB/s | Sequential Write Speeds: 95 MB/s | Capacities: 1TB/2TB/4TB

VERDICT:The Toshiba Canvio is a reliable portable hard drive that comes from a brand we are all familiar with. Considering the cheap price, great construction, and overall value, this is one worth buying.

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The post Toshiba Canvio Slim External Hard Drive (2TB) Review appeared first on Appuals.

One of such extra commodities that are needed with a PS5 is external storage drives. In 2022, we can expect gaming to gain even more popularity. This means that more games are being developed all the time, and you’ll need a good bit of storage to play them all. You might end up deleting some older save files or even entire games at the end.

To avoid such a hassle and to allow for better use of storage, you can use External storage drives that use SuperSpeed. This not only makes your save files indefinite, but it also makes sure you can play old PS4 games on your new PS5 with external storage being critical in managing your space. The use of such drives is very common and almost imperative when it comes to console gaming.

1. WD My Passport Ultra 1TB

Feature Rich Premium Choice

Pros

• Password protection
• WD Discovery software
• Automatic backup capability
• Easy to use

Cons

• Relatively expensive

3,064 Reviews

Dimensions: 8 cm x 1.5 cm x 11 cm | Weight: 170 g | Interface: USB 3.0 | Color: Black | Storage Capacity: 1 TB | Warranty: 3 Years | Transfer Rate: 5 GBps

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Western Digital, or WD as it is famously known, is an American company that manufactures storage-related hardware and equipment. WD has a wide range of products ranging from storage platforms, embedded and removable flash, external as well as internal drives. WD is one of the world’s finest in their specific area of expertise. The Western Digital My Passport 1 TB is an external hard drive that can be used with a variety of different setups and systems as a storage unit. The WD My Passport hard drive can be used with Windows, MAC, and also PlayStation setups such as the PS5. As this review is for the best PlayStation 5 external storage drives, we will judge how the WD My Passport 1 TB external hard drive functions as a PS5 external storage drive. 

The WD My Passport has different levels of storage capacities in its different variants. You can even go as high as 4 TB storage. Although you will rarely ever find yourself in need of such extraordinarily high storage space, it is still available in case you do. The WD My Passport 1 TB is available in different colors. With that said, most people are fine with just a black drive but it’s good to have options. The WD 1 TB external storage drive interfaces via USB 3.0. Thanks to this, it has a very high transfer rate of up to 5 Gigabytes per second. The external hard drive is full black and gives a very sleek and stylish look. 

There are a bunch of reasons and features which make this the best external storage device for the PS5. One of these is password protection which allows you to make sure the stuff you have stored in the hard drive is safe. The WD Discovery software provides a wide variety of features and functions. You can connect your hard drive to multiple social media platforms as well as your cloud storage account. You can then import your documents, games, photos, etc. over the internet as well. The WD My Passport external drive also has an automated backup function. You can set up your hard drive to automatically back up different files and folders on a schedule that you can set via the WD Discovery software. Western Digital products have also made a great reputation for themselves for making solid, long-lasting, and durable HDDs.

The installation is also fairly easy as all you have to do is connect the drive to your setup, set it up to how you want it to function via the WD software, and it is installed. The read and write speed of this hard drive is fast and the only real downside is the price. Therefore, My Passport 1 TB hard drive is relatively expensive as compared to the other hard drives or external storage devices that work best with a PS5. You do get a 3-year long warranty period with this hard drive so there is some consolation for the high price point.

2. Seagate Expansion 4 TB

Highest Storage Space but Lower Portability

Pros

• High storage space
• Plug in and play capability
• No software required

Cons

• No online storage
• Not as easily portable

21,689 Reviews

Dimensions: 17 cm x 3.6 cm x 12 cm | Weight: 950 g | Interface: USB 3.0 | Color: Black | Storage Capacity: 4 TB | Warranty: Up to 3 years | Transfer Rate: 5 Gbps

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Seagate is one of the most famous or prominent companies in the world of external hard drives or storage drives. Seagate makes a variety of different devices that provide storage solutions on different platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and computer setups as well. The Seagate Expansion is a series of external hard drives that were made after the release of USB 3.0. Since most companies adopted the newer and faster USB slots quite quickly, Seagate followed suit and it proved to be the right choice.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop drive that we are looking at today has a storage capacity of 4 TB. Although, an expansion desktop can have a much higher storage capacity than 4 TB. This is an all-black expansion drive which is consistent with the classic Seagate design and aesthetic of their other HDDs. Since this is a desktop expansion drive and not a portable hard drive, it takes up significantly more space than a portable hard drive would. This is also a reason for it being not as portable as an external hard drive. It is still portable since it can be carried around in a backpack quite easily, but it is not as portable as the slim hard drives are. There have also been complaints of there being no online storage or import ability available to this expansion drive.

As you can see from the specifications listed above, this is quite a heavy piece of hardware coming in at almost 1 Kg. The USB 3.0 superspeed cable gives it a high transfer rate. The 4 TB storage capacity is sure to be more than enough for any type of storage needs. It is quite hard to fill up 4 TB worth of space in an external storage drive. There is also no software setup or installation required for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Drive to function. All you need to do is plug in the cable to the appropriate USB slot on your PlayStation and store the file you want in the external expansion drive. 

Due to the lack of software in its usage, there is also no customizability such as what was offered by the WD Discovery software in our previous external storage option. This expansion desktop will essentially be for users who do not intend to move their setup too much and also do not travel too much. This is portable since it is still no way as big as a computer setup, but there are many more portable options in the market than an expansion desktop. All in all, while this offers a much higher storage capacity than most hard drives, you do end up having to cut down a little on the portability factor.

3. Samsung M3 Portable

Highly Portable

Pros

• Nice and quiet aesthetics
• Easily Portable
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• No online storage
• No password protection

65 Reviews

Dimensions: 8 cm x 2 cm x 11 cm | Weight: 150 g | Interface: USB 3.0 | Color: Grey | Storage Capacity: 1 TB | Warranty: 3 Years | Transfer Rate: 5 GBps

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You will definitely have heard the name Samsung before and it is quite safe to say that this is one of the biggest tech companies in the world. Virtually every department of tech in the world has quality Samsung products. As such, Samsung makes a lot of different products and items most of which are related to digital media such as television or computers, or mobile phones. It comes as no surprise to see the Samsung name on one of the best expansion hard drives for PlayStation as well. Although, there are quite a few premium storage products by Samsung, we feel that the Samsung M3 Portable 1 TB hard drive is the best option out of the lot for the PlayStation 5.

The Samsung M3 Portable’s hardware interface is via a USB 3.0 superspeed cable like all the other external hard drives which are compatible with PlayStation 5. As you can see from the dimensions, the M3 is rather compact. This is also very lightweight as it weighs around 150 g which is lesser than any of the previously mentioned drives. The 1 TB storage capacity is not the highest, but realistically speaking you will find it hard to fill it with enough games to run out of space unless of course, you like to hoard many titles at the same time. Due to its low weight as well as the low size, this is also highly portable. Even more so than other drives mentioned in this list as it is lighter than them.

Aesthetically speaking, the M3 portable drive doesn’t stand too much. The design is subtle and easy on the eyes. This can be a good thing especially if you are not too bothered by not having some of the brightest things on your setup. The greyish black color scheme is overall nice to look at without being bright. There is no password protection system on this hard drive. There is also no software for customization and hence no need to install software to get the M3 up and running. All you need to do is plug it into your setup and store what you want into the hard drive.

There is no online storage or cloud storage capability in the Samsung M3 hard drive. Hence, you can not import stuff into it over the internet directly. Fortunately, Samsung manages to redeem itself here. The Samsung M3 Portable lives up to the brand’s name. It offers excellent portability along with a high capacity. Samsung tends to give a very high price tag on their products. Fortunately, that is not the case with the M3 Portable hard drive. The M3 is reasonably priced. PS5 owners will love this drive. It’s easy to use, portable, and a good value for your money.

4. Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB

Best Budget Pick

Pros

• Matte black design
• Light weight
• Cheaply priced

Cons

• Limited warranty time
• No online storage

Dimensions: 8 cm x 1.4 cm x 11 cm | Weight: 150 g | Interface: USB 3.0 | Color: Black | Storage Capacity: 1 TB | Warranty: 1 Year | Transfer Rate: 5 GBps

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Toshiba is a well-known company in the world for electronic equipment. Toshiba makes a wide range of products from large scale products such as escalators and elevators. Of course, they also make small scale consumer products such as hard drives. This Canvio Basics drive is compatible with Desktop PCs, phone, laptops, and consoles like the PS5. Although the storage space goes up to 4 TB for the Canvio Basics external hard drive, we are looking at the 1 TB variant.

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB is all black in color. The matte black cover gives a very nice look to the external hard drive. This is another extremely lightweight hard drive, at only 150 grams of weight. Lower weight also translates to higher portability and the size of the Canvio Basics 1 TB is also small enough so it is easy to travel with.

The USB 3.0 interface ensures it has a high transfer rate of up to 5 Gigabytes per second. The cable is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 slots but there is a loss in transfer speed. For a PlayStation 5 however, you will only be operating through the USB 3.0 slot so you do not have to fear a loss in speed. There is no need for any software to be installed for this hard drive to function nor is there any requires setup process. Just plug it in and play. 

There is also no online storage feature and there is no password security or customization that software offers. The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB has a low warranty time period of 1 year. This is quite low if we compare it with the other hard drives which mostly have a 3-year warranty period. The Canvio Basics 1 TB is cheap. There is no denying it, this drive is quite affordable. Especially when you compare it to the other hard drives we have mentioned, this is at a very affordable price for all people. But there are notable setbacks that come with a cheap price. Be that as it may, The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB is a great starter external hard drive for PlayStation 5.

5. G-TechnologyArmor ATD 4 TB

Best for Travelling

Pros

• Durable
• Refreshing design
• Weather and environment resistant

Cons

• Expensive
• Slow transfer rate

1,614 Reviews

Dimensions: 8.6 cm x 3 cm x 13 cm | Weight: 350 g | Interface: USB 3.0 | Color: Black and Blue | Storage Capacity: 4 TB | Warranty: 3 Years | Transfer Rate: 135 MBps

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G-Technology is a relatively lesser-known name in this list of the best PS5 external storage drives. These guys are not as famous as some of the other names, sure. However, that doesn’t mean that this drive isn’t good. In fact, this is one of the best external hard drives in the market at this time. This is exceptionally good for anyone who likes to travel or move their PlayStation setup a lot. Even for people who move places a lot, this will be the ideal product. 

The G-Technology Armor ATD has different levels of storage capacity available in this model. The 4 TB Armor ATD version is the one that makes it into our list. This hard drive lives up to the Armor name as this is exceptionally sturdy and durable. There is a triple layer of shock resistance in this hard drive. This ensures that no harm comes to the hard drive and hence your data stored in it. This is also resistant to rain and dust. The durability coupled with the rain and dust resistance makes this the most durable external hard drive in the market at this time.

Design-wise, this is perhaps the most refreshing or innovative design among all of these hard drives. The drive is black on all sides except the front which is in blue color. A bold “G” logo is visible on the front in blue font, which represents the brand name. Although the hard drive interfaces via USB 3.0 its transfer rate is much lower than the other hard drives at only 135 Megabytes per second. As you can see, there is a massive difference in transfer speeds between the Armor ATD and the other mentioned hard drives. However, it is also clear that this hard drive specialty is in traveling and durability.

There is also a very high price point to get this device’s traveling and durable qualities. This is more expensive than any other hard drive mentioned in this list. So, if you have to carry your saved PlayStation 5 games with you in your external hard drive regularly or you have to travel often, this will be the ideal hard drive for you. Buying a cheaper hard drive may not be as durable and end up costing you all of your saved data. It may be expensive but it is reliable.

The post 5 Best Budget External Hard Drives For PS5 appeared first on Appuals.

However, if you’re reading this guide, chances are high that you’re not the average consumer. Maybe you are someone who is transferring large files all day, or maybe you’re a video editor. Whatever the case may be, you are someone who’ll benefit from NVMe speeds. Especially since PCIe Gen 4 SSDs are setting new records in random read/write speeds. As we move into the world of next-gen gaming, games will benefit from these speeds as well.

However, turns out there’s a bit of a problem here. Having a fast NVMe SSD is great and all, but they can run quite hot. This is natural, as you likely have a lot of components inside of the case. Heat can eventually ruin performance and shorten the lifespan of the drive. Because of this, getting a heatsink for your drive is a good idea. So, here are five of the best NVMe SSD Heatsinks in 2022.

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Sabrent M.2 2280 SSD Rocket Heatsink	Best Overall	2,667 Reviews Check Price
2		Micro Connectors M.2 SSD Heat Sink Kit	Best Design	2,877 Reviews Check Price
3		ACIDALIE M.2 SSD Heatsink	Best Performance	Check Price
4		Glotrends Universal M.2 SSD Heatsink	Budget Pick	5,104 Reviews Check Price
5		Thermal Grizzly M.2 SSD Cooler	Slim Design	637 Reviews Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Sabrent M.2 2280 SSD Rocket Heatsink
Award	Best Overall
Details	2,667 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Micro Connectors M.2 SSD Heat Sink Kit
Award	Best Design
Details	2,877 Reviews Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	ACIDALIE M.2 SSD Heatsink
Award	Best Performance
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Glotrends Universal M.2 SSD Heatsink
Award	Budget Pick
Details	5,104 Reviews Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Thermal Grizzly M.2 SSD Cooler
Award	Slim Design
Details	637 Reviews Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 13:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Sabrent M.2 2280 SSD Rocket Heatsink

Best Overall

Pros

• Great overall performance
• Excellent design
• Solid construction
• Easy to install
• Wide compatibility

Cons

• Short screws

2,667 Reviews

Size: M.2 2280 | Dimensions: 3.13 x 0.95 x 0.9 inches | Weight: 5.6 ounces

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Sabrent was one of the first manufacturers to quickly adopt PCIe Gen 4. Their Rocket lineup of next-gen SSDs is quite remarkable. This remains true both in performance, efficiency, and reliability. However, if you want to keep that expensive SSD of yours around for longer, the Rocket heatsink is a good investment.

The Sabrent M.2 2280 SSD Rocket Heatsink is designed for desktop computers. As the name implies, this SSD works with the 2280 form factor. While it’s intended to be used with the Rocket SSDs, it will work with most other brands out there. It uses a combination of copper heat pipes and aluminum construction to dissipate heat. This does the job surprisingly well.

The Rocket Heatsink is compatible with single and double-sided M.2 SSDs. Some SSDs have memory controllers on both sides, so it’s good to see wide compatibility here. The packaging includes thermal tape, screws, and even a screwdriver. It is relatively easy to install. Overall, the engineering here is incredible, and the heatsink feels premium.

The copper and aluminum materials do a great job of reducing the temperature. You’ll notice a difference, that’s for sure. There is one small issue, as some reported that the mounting screw is a bit short. However, some motherboards have foam pads in the way to reduce rattling. Installation is easier if you remove this.

2. Micro Connectors M.2 SSD Heat Sink Kit

Best Design

Pros

• Lots of color options
• Excellent construction
• Decent performance
• Very versatile

Cons

• Not the easiest installation

2,877 Reviews

Size: M.2 2280 | Dimensions: 2.76 x 0.39 x 0.87 inches | Weight: 0.96 ounces

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Next up, our second heatsink on our list is from Micro Connectors. This is a relatively small brand that provides smaller things like standoffs, screws, thermal pads, and heatsinks. Their M.2 2280 SSD Heat Sink Kit is one of the best out there. It’s also incredibly good value for money.

This heatsink is available in a variety of colors. These include red, blue, silver, and plain old black. It’s surprising to see a manufacturer offer this sort of variety in a heatsink. If you are someone who is color-conscious of their build, this might interest you. The heatsink works with standard 2280 length M.2 SSDs.

It uses a mixture of aluminum and silicone construction. The entire top part is constructed out of aluminum. These aluminum fins do a great job of dissipating heat efficiently. It works with most motherboards of even M.2 adapter. Silicone rings are included to secure the heatsink properly.

Performance-wise, it does get the job done. Thermals were more consistent and controlled with this heatsink applied. The installation can feel a bit involved. This is only because the actual fins are a bit taller. If you can remove the motherboard from the case, the installation will feel easier.

3. ACIDALIE M.2 SSD Heatsink

Best Performance

Pros

• Dual Copper Heatpipes
• Extraordinary Cooling Performance
• Comes with a manual
• Durable Silicone Pad

Cons

• Very Bulky

Size: M.2 2280 | Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.01 x 1.14 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces

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The ACIDALIE M.2 SSD heatsink immediately sets itself apart from the crowd thanks to its curved heat pipes that exhibit a certain heft that is not seen in many other products of this kind. This particular NVMe heatsink is our recommendation for the best-performing heatsink of the bunch. The aluminum assembly is also finned on both sides to increase the surface area of the metal, thus improving heat dissipation directly from the SSD.

The thermal performance is further enhanced by the bulky heat pipes that are the star of the show here. The two heat pipes are actually a set of 4 smaller pipes that make direct contact with the lower metal plate.

Speaking of the bulky heat pipes, the ACIDALIE is one of the thickest and largest NVMe heatsinks you will find on the market right now. While that may be a great thing for thermals, it is quite the opposite for compatibility and aesthetics. You may have a hard time fitting this heatsink on smaller motherboards and in tight spaces. Forget about installing one of these on the back of a mini ITX motherboard either!

On the flip side, the construction of this particular heatsink is actually top-notch. There is a top heat spreader made out of aluminum with adequate finning on both sides to help dissipate the heat. This assembly makes direct contact with four copper heat pipes, which in turn rest on an aluminum heatsink on the bottom. This heat sink makes direct contact with the SSD through a pair of silicone thermal pads. You can also install a bottom aluminum tray under your SSD, but that is up to you.

At the end of the day, the ACIDALIE M.2 SSD heatsink is one for true enthusiasts who want to maximize the performance of their particular drive. If you don’t want your drive to overheat in any circumstances, you would be hard-pressed to find a better thermal solution than the ACIDALIE M.2 SSD heatsink.

4. Glotrends Universal M.2 SSD Heatsink

Budget Pick

Pros

• Very affordable price
• Unobtrusive design
• Works with most SSDs

Cons

• Sub-par performance
• Difficult to install

5,104 Reviews

Size: M.2 2280 | Dimensions: 2.76 x 0.87 x 0.12 inches | Weight: 0.64 ounces

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So, you spent all your budget on a blazing fast NVMe SSD. However, it’s running a bit hot and you’re worried about it degrading gradually. Well if you want a cheap cooling solution, the Glotrends Universal M.2 Heatsink is a good option. Granted, it’s not going to make a drastic change, but you’ll appreciate it in the long run.

Let’s get this out of the way first. Most motherboards come with an M.2 Heatsink already. If yours does not include one, then sure, this is a decent option. However, just note that it’s not going to be a major step up from those factory-included heatsinks. It does provide a minor decrease in temperature in both idle and under load.

As usual, this SSD Heatsink is of the standard 2280 size. This means that it can easily work with a wide variety of drives, even with the higher end Samsung SSDs. The heatsink’s fins use aluminum for the construction, and the thermal pads use a silicone material. Apart from that, the design isn’t obtrusive, so it should fit right into your rig without drawing attention to itself.

Overall, this is a good replacement heatsink if you don’t want to use the stock one from your motherboard. It is an entry-level option, so just be aware of what you’re getting. Installation can feel a bit involved as well.

5. Thermal Grizzly M.2 SSD Cooler

Slim Design

Pros

• Slim and Sleek design
• Extremely reliable

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Unimpressive performance
• No double-sided SSD support

637 Reviews

Size: M.2 2280 | Dimensions: 5.35 x 3.07 x 0.79 inches | Weight: 0.704 ounces

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Last but not least, we have an M.2 SSD Cooler from Thermal Grizzly. Thermal Grizzly provides high-performance cooling solutions. They are always held to a high standard among the hardware enthusiast community. Fortunately, their SSD Heatsink lives up to the name. But there are a few issues some should be aware of.

This M.2 passive cooling solution is one of the more discreet ones out there. It’s not big and bulky like other heatsinks, and it doesn’t use a fan either. It works with most M.2 2280 SSDs out there. Note that it does not support double-sided SSDs. The assembly is uncomplicated and it comes in a simple black color.

The performance is quite decent overall. You might notice a drastic difference immediately. However, even a slight drop in temperature will make a world of difference in the long run. This is an enthusiast product after all, and at some point, these heat sinks reach a point of diminishing returns.

We would have liked to see better performance, as there are a few options out there that perform better for a lower price. However, you get the reliability and sleek design that you may not get elsewhere.

The post The 5 Best Heatsinks For NVMe M.2 Storage Devices – Tested And Ranked appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Samsung 970 Evo Plus
Manufacture	Samsung
Available at	View at Amazon

SAMSUNG simply cannot be beaten when it comes to Solid State Drives, at least, not in the near future. Their drives are used by almost all of the hardware enthusiasts due to the reason that they provide top of the line performance along with unmatched reliability.

The SAMSUNG 900-series were released as the flagship mainstream series which used M.2 form factor and provided many times faster read/write speeds than the 800-series SAMSUNG SSDs. The Evo models used TLC V-NAND chips while the Pro models used MLC V-NAND chips. A TLC V-NAND is in fact, an MLC V-NAND having three levels while originally, the MLC only used two-level design. The lower the levels are the faster the access speeds and the higher the endurance levels of the drive. The SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus we are going to review today is the revision of the SAMSUNG 970 Evo, which provides improvements in the read/write speeds and comes with newer firmware.

Design

Since the drive comes in M.2 form factor, it is really small and if you have not seen an M.2 drive until now, you will be pretty amazed. As for the design is concerned, we see the label on the drive along with its capacity.

The exact form factor of the drive is M.2 2280, which means that you might not be able to install in all laptops, although it is compatible with pretty much all the PCs that come with an M.2 slot.

Testing Methodology

Our testing methodology for the SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus 500 GB was quite simple. We installed the OS, installed most of the daily-use applications and after using the system for certain days, we ran the tests so that a realtime scenario can be simulated. We ran the tests with these applications; SAMSUNG Magician, CrystalDiskMark, DiskBench, ATTO Benchmark while you can view the information about the drive through the CrystalDiskInfo screenshot. We also ran Grand Theft Auto V and checked the loading times for the game. For the thermals, we used CrystalDiskMark 64 GB tests with 9 iterations and took the thermal readings during the testings.

SAMSUNG Magician

SAMSUNG Magician is the official application that comes with their SSDs and it provides information about the drive and you can use its benchmark too. SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus showed excellent results in the benchmark despite having 160+ GB of data on it. The read speed of 3267 MB/s is close to official rates while the same can be said about the write speeds of 3034 MB/s. The Read IOPS of 275k and 224k for the write seem quite different from the official specifications, although the official specifications are either rated for 4KB, QD1 or 4KB, QD32, i.e., the software might be using a different setting for the benchmark.

CrystalDiskInfo

There is not a lot to say when it comes to CrystalDiskInfo because most of the fields are self-explanatory. There is a power-on count of 103 while the drive has been active for 148 hours. The total host writes is one of the most important things about the health of the drive and 849 GB of host writes indicate that there can be written around 299 TB of data until the drive reaches MTBF.

CrystalDiskMark

We ran four tests with CrystalDiskMark; using 128 MB with 5 iterations, 1 GB with 3 iterations, 8 GB with 3 iterations, and 64 GB with 3 iterations. The results can be seen below. With the 128 MB test, the sequential read and write speeds surpassed the official speeds. The only thing where the drive is not performing very good is in the Ramdom4k Q1T1, although there are not a lot of practical use-case scenarios with Queue Depth being 1.

With the 1 GB tests, we can see that the sequential read/write speeds are almost the same, although the Random Q32T16 test has taken a hit in performance. Most of the other results are pretty much the same.

With the 8GB tests, we see the difference in write speeds by a lot. This huge difference is due to the reason that such a big chunk of data cannot be stored with the help of SLC cache directly. The TLC V-NAND is significantly slower in performance and even the older drives like Samsung 960 Pro might provide an improvement.

When it comes to the 64 GB tests, the results are almost the same as that of the 8 GB tests because the amount of data surpasses the capabilities of the SLC cache and TLC V-NAND seems not up to the mark.

DiskBench

DiskBench is a great tool that lets you do some real-world tests on your drives. We wanted to test the performance of the drive for creating the data in the drive since this is the most common scenario. We used a block size of 1000 MB while there was a total of 30 blocks. The average transfer rate turned out to be only 589 MB/s, which is, to be honest, not that impressive but not the worst either.

ATTO Benchmark

ATTO benchmark is one of the most detailed benchmarks you can find on the internet about the disk drives. It offers tons of tests with various settings and provides a great overview of the drive performance. We have shown both the MB/s speeds and the IO operations per second in the images below. We used a 32GB file size while the operations were varied from 512 B to 64 MB.

Games Testing – Grand Theft Auto V

The Grand Theft Auto V is one of the biggest games ever released, although some new games this year have taken the lead. The size of the game currently is around 84 GBs, which is why we have used to benchmark the loading times of this game. We ran the game, and then from the menu, started a new game. From the menu to the character screen, it took 31 seconds. This might seem like a lot of time but we believe that there were a lot of scripts and high-resolution textures to load. As for the game settings, we ran the game at 4K resolution with all settings maxed out, apart from MSAA, which was set to 2x.

Thermal Testing

The thermal capabilities of the SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus are unexpectedly better than the drives in the past where the drives reached even 100-degree centigrades. We ran the CrystalDiskMark 64 GB test with 9 iterations and recorded the thermal recordings after it. The results can also be seen in the attached picture. The drive reached a maximum temperature of 54-degree Centigrades which is an absolutely fine temperature for an SSD. The minimum temperature was 38-degrees, although the drive was even cooler when it was completely idle.

Conclusion

All in all, SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus is a beastly product while it comes with a surprisingly compact form factor of M.2 2280. The performance of the SSD is great for even the most disk-intensive tasks and with a 500GB of drive, the life of the disk is substantially great at 300 TBW. This ensures that the drives life is quite more than you would use it in your computer before upgrading but even if not, this would take more than 50K hours ( more than five years of continuous use).

This drive really assures you that you are getting top-notch performance while not sacrificing on the data integrity by any means. The SLC cache provides excellent writing speeds and unless you want a disk drive for a large amount of data writing, the drive provides supremely fast speed rates.

SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus 500GB - M.2 NVMe SSD

Fastest Consumer Grade Storage

Pros

• One of the fastest SSDs available in the market
• M.2 form factor makes it extremely compact
• Long warranty of 5 years
• Supports SAMSUNG Magician software

Cons

• 3-Bit V-NAND makes it half durable than the 2-bit V-NAND PRO variant
• The write performance is not consistent

Form Factor: M.2 2280 (PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3) | Sequential Read Speeds: 3500 MB/s | Sequential Write Speeds: 3200 MB/s | MTBF: 300 TBW | Technology: 3-Bit V-NAND

VERDICT:SAMSUNG 970 Evo Plus is not an average SSD and it is counted in one of the fastest SSDs ever designed, even more so than most of the Pro versions we have seen in the past from SAMSUNG

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Price at the time of the review: US $99.99 / UK £94.98

The post SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD Review appeared first on Appuals.

iDsonix IDD-U3201

The Essentials

Pros

• Easy to setup
• No driver needed
• Great airflow
• Using UASP protocol with USB 3.0

Cons

• Drives when connected have a bit of wobbling

Compatible Drives: 2x 2.5”/3.5” SATA HDD/SSD | Supported Storage Capacity: Up to 8TB | Output: USB3.0 5Gbps | LED: Power and Activity indicators | Color: Black and White | Dimensions: 135x121x65mm | Compatible OS: Windows XP and above, Linux, Mac | Certified: CE & FCC

VERDICT:The iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station has given me a wonderful experience when testing it and I like it how they have executed this idea. Should you be looking for an external enclosure, the IDD-U3201 is a very strong contender for your bucks as it also offers the cloning function besides PC connectivity and comes with 18 months warranty.

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Salient Features of the dock are:

• Tool-free design allows mount drive without tools and screws.
• Dual Bay SATA Dock fits 2x 2.5”/3.5” SATA HDD/SSD.
• USB 3.0 Speed up to 5 Gbps enabled.
• One Step Duplicate Drive without using the Computer.
• Plug-n-Play. No driver needed.

Packaging and Unboxing

The dock is shipped inside a cardboard box. There is a wrapper on the cardboard box with the literature and other details about the dock.

This side has a white and green colors scheme. The part name of the product is printed on the top left side. There is a picture of the dock in the main section. The part no of the product is printed on the left side of the dock.

The bottom side of the packing box has a serial number sticker pasted on it. Company’s contact information is printed above that sticker.

Enjoy clone, Have Fun is printed on this side.

Support up to 8TB Storage is printed on this side.

Taking the wrapper off, we can see that iDsonix is printed on the top side of the inner box.

Opening the main box will reveal the dock placed inside a transparent sheet. There is a flap over cover on the left side of the dock. There is an AC power cord underneath it.

Content

Following is provided with the dock:

• 1x Dual Bay Docking Station
• 1x AC Power Cord
• 12V 4A Power Adapter
• 3ft USB Cable
• User Manual
• After-Sale Service Card

Closer Look

It is time to take a closer look at the docking station and see what functionality it offers. Here is what the company is saying about it, “iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station offers swappable access to 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA HDD, without having to mount the hard drive or installing it in an enclosure. iDsonix IDD-U3201 provides a simple, fast, and cost-effective solution for data recovery, drive imaging, and testing centers, or any environment that requires fast access to uninstalled/archived drives.”

The dimension of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station is 135x121x65mm. The dock is made of the plastic and our sample comes in the black color. The user can also get it in the white color. It is using UASP protocol using USB 3.0 interface. The theoretical speed of the USB 3.0 is 5.0 Gbps so there is that. Why I wrote the theoretical? It is because the USB ports on the motherboard use shared resources of the motherboard aka PCIe lanes. The actual speed would vary depending upon the no of connected USB drives and available lanes. The dock supports Windows XP and above OS, Linux, and MAC. There is no driver needed to operate the dock because it is plug-n-play. It is that simple to use. I did not even need the user manual to operate it.

Taking a look at the top side of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station, There are two drive bays. The top is labeled as Source and the bottom is labeled as Target. This is critical information for the user who would be cloning the drives on this dock. The user can just simply read the labels and know which drive to put in which bay. Another important design aspect is the labeling of a 2.5” HDD and 3.5” HDD. Looking closely, you will notice that the 2.5” HDD area is not covered. The user is supposed to slide the 2.5” HDD/SSD in and call it a day as the rest of the bay has a cover. This is a smart move by the iDsonix. For 3.5” HDD, the user will need to place the drive through the bay cover. The bay cover is spring-loaded and is pressed inwards.

There are two LED indicators on the right side of each bay. They light up in the blue color when the drive is plugged in and the dock is connected to the PC. During the activity, these indicator LEDs turn blue and red alternatively quickly.

At the bottom, there are 4 LED indicators. They light up in the blue color. They show the percentage completion of the cloning operation. Initially, all 4 LEDs blink. As soon as 25% of the cloning process is completed, the LED of 25% would remain static blue and the rest of the LEDs will continue blinking. This is repeated until the cloning is 100% completed. We don’t need any software and connectivity to the PC for the cloning operation. It is all taken care of by the manufacturer at the hardware level. The cloning process is Disk-to-Disk, not File-to-File.

The above picture shows a close up of the SATA ports in the bay. Apparently, the dock does not support the hot-swap.

The front side of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station has iDsonix SMART INTERACTIVE printed in the white color.

The left and right sides of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station are plain and without any branding or printing. The overall finish is matte black and takes note that it is a fingerprint magnet somehow.

It is time to take a look at the connectivity options of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station. Starting from the right side, we have a power off/on button. Press it once to turn on or off the dock. Then there is a DC port where the AC power cord will connect to. Next, we have a USB 3.0 port. Then there is a Start button. This button is only for the Cloning operation and should not be used when the dock is connected to the PC and is in PC mode. At the far left, there is a slider button. On its left Clone is printed and on its right PC is printed. Slide the button towards PC if you want to use the dock as an external USB enclosure for on-the-go access to your data. Slide it towards the Clone if you want to clone the drives. Please, keep in mind to set the slider button first before powering the dock else you may not get the desired operation.

Looking at the bottom of the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station, there are 4 rubber pads or feet. These serve to reduce the vibration and to avoid scratching the surface. There is a sticker pasted in the center. The product is made in China. The name of the company and the part name of the products are also printed.

The iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station is using the UASP protocol combined with the USB 3.0. For this purpose, they have bundled the USB B cable having a length of 3.3 feet. The cable is sleeved.

Well, there is a dichotomy here. The specifications have mentioned the power adapter having a power rating of 12V at 4.0A but the physical printed power ratings on the adapter show it to be 3.0A.

Cloning Process

The cloning process is very simple. Here are the steps needed:

• Disconnect the dock from the PC if already connected.
• Set the slider button to the Clone.
• Power it off.
• Plug the drive to be cloned in the Source labeled bay.
• Plug the target drive in the bay labeled as Target.
• Power on the docking station.
• Press the start button.
• The progress indicator LEDs at the bottom will start to blink.
• As soon as the progress reaches 25% of completion the 25% LED will change to static blue while the rest of the LEDs will continue to blink. This will repeat at 50%, 75%, and 100%.
• Once the cloning process is completed, the dock will beep three times indicating that the clone has been successfully completed.

There are certain cautions for the cloning. These are:

• The Target disk must have more storage capacity than the source disk.
• Make the backup of the contents of the target disk if needed as they will be erased during the cloning process.
• Wait till the unit makes three beeps. Removing the drive(s) during the operation or at 100% LED indicator will fail the process.
• According to the manufacturer, the cloning speed will range 60-80 MBPS. Hence, cloning a 500GB drive will take 2 hours. A 1TB drive will take 4 hours. A 2TB drive will take 8-9 hours.

The above picture shows the cloning of HyperX 120GB 2.5” SSD to the ADATA 240GB 2.5” SSD. The cloning of 120GB SSD took 10 minutes and 59 seconds.

PC Connectivity

Connecting the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station to the PC is a simple task as well. Here are the steps:

• Power off the dock.
• Plug the drive(s) in.
• If connecting a single drive then preferably plug it in the Source labeled bay.
• Set the slider button on the rear panel of the dock to the PC.
• Connect the USB cable to the USB 3.0 port of the motherboard.
• Power on the dock.
• The plugged drives will appear standalone which is a good implementation.
• In case drives don’t show up, go to Disk Management and initialize the drives.

That is all that is needed to be done.

I plugged two 2.5” SSDs having 120GB and 240GB storage capacities in the dock and connect it to the PC. As soon as the dock was powered up, the drives were recognized and both got to show in the My Computer.

As can be seen in the above picture, the drives with a red color checkmark are the ones plugged in the dock and connected to the PC. The user can operate them individually.

Just for illustration purpose, I also connected a 240GB SSD and a 2TB HDD to the dock and connect the dock to the PC.

The above picture shows that both drives were recognized immediately and were available in My Computer individually at my disposal. I found some good old movies on the backup drive and copied them to the active drive. Jogged some memories for sure!

Clicking the USB icon in the taskbar will let the user to safely disconnect the dock and the plugged drives from the PC. It is a recommended step from the manufacturer.

Testing

Enough talk, show me numbers! How come an external dock goes without testing? Following test bench was used to test the drive:

• Intel i7 6850k
• Asus ROG Rampage V Edition 10
• Corsair Vengeance RED LED 32GB @ 2666MHz
• Modded Alphacool Eisbaer 360
• Water Cooled Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 FE
• Corsair AX1200i
• Samsung 840 EVO 250GB for OS
• HyperX 120GB SSD [Test Drive]
• PrimoChill Praxis WetBench

In order to measure the read and write speeds, the following software were used:

• ATTO Disk Benchmark v3.05
• AS SSD v1.8.5636.37293
• Crystal Disk Mark 6.0.0 x64

The HyperX 120GB drive was connected to the motherboard’s SATA III port and test run of the above-mentioned software were run. Then the drive was plugged in the iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station and test runs were repeated. The dock was connected to the USB 3.0 port on the I/O panel of the motherboard.

ATTO Disk Benchmark

Crystal Disk Mark

AS SSD

Using SATA-III the drive is almost used to its full potential but connecting it to the USB 3.0 with theoretical 5Gbps throughput drops the performance. This is expected and dock performs very well.

Conclusion

The iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station is dual purpose docking station. It can host up to two SATA-III drives in 2.5” and/or 3.5” size. Acting as an external enclosure using UASP protocol with USB 3.0 interface this dock connects to the PC and allows the user a convenient way to access their data on-the-go. The second function of the docking station is cloning or duplicating. This dock supports disk-to-disk cloning without needing any software or connectivity to the PC. In fact, the dock has to be disconnected from the PC in order to proceed for the cloning. The dock supports up to 8TB of storage (combined). The dock is available in white and black colors. The dock has support for Windows XP and above, Linux, and MAC. No driver is needed for any operation as it is true plug-n-play. It is CE and FCC certified.

I have used 120GB 2.5” SSD to be cloned to the 240GB 2.5” SSD. Cloning was a simple process and it took 10 minutes and 59 seconds for the completion of the cloning process. Since the 120GB SSD was Windows OS disk, I put the cloned drive to the system and try to boot from it and it was a success. Besides, I have used these two SSDs for PC connectivity and both appear separately which is a plus. I have also used the dock with a SATA-III based 2.5” SSD and a 3.5” HDD at a time. Both were recognized and I was able to operate them individually.

The iDsonix IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station is listed at $35.99 on Amazon at the time of the review. This is already a discounted price and the user can use promo code VWPFEHTN for an additional 25% discount from the manufacturer. This is too good a price to ignore for a two-in-one docking station and comes highly recommended by us.

Price: $35.99 at the time of the review.

The post iDsonix™ IDD-U3201 USB3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dual Bay Docking Station Review appeared first on Appuals.

So what is a PCIe NVMe SSD? Well instead of the standard SATA interface used for transferring data, these drives use the NVMe protocol which is much faster and more reliable. Ever since these drives first debuted, they have always used PCIe lanes for connection, hence all NVMe drives are PCIe.

Long story short, NVMe is the interface used for transferring data, and the PCIe lanes on your motherboard connect that data to the system. They are available in two form factors, M.2 and Add-in cards. AICs plug into the PCIe slot just like a graphics card would.

With all of that confusion out of the way, let’s cut straight to the point. NVMe SSDs can get a bit expensive, and there isn’t a lot of variety out there when it comes to Add-in cards. To save you the headache, we’ve narrowed down the list to the five best NVMe PCIe Add-in Cards you can buy in 2021.

1. Gigabyte AORUS 2TB Gen 4 AIC

Best Overall

Pros

• Insane Performance
• Good Cooling
• Sleek Design
• PCIe 4.0 x16 Interface

Cons

• Quite Expensive

Sequential Read/Write Speed: 15000 MBps / 9500 MBps | Flash Memory Type: TLC

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The Gigabyte AORUS 2TB Gen 4 AIC SSD is a high-end solid-state drive that boasts blazing-fast read and write speeds, as well as top-of-the-line sustained performance. It is designed for gamers, content creators, and other demanding users who require top-tier performance from their storage devices.

Speaking of the performance, this SSD is exceptional in this category, thanks to its PCIe Gen4x4 interface and NVMe 1.4 protocol. It is capable of delivering sequential read speeds of up to 15,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 9,500 MB/s, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market. It also has impressive random read and write speeds of up to 1,000K IOPS, which ensures smooth and snappy performance even under heavy workloads.

The AORUS 2TB Gen 4 AIC SSD comes with several key features that set it apart from the competition. It has a large 2TB capacity, which provides plenty of space for storing large files and applications. You can also choose the 8TB capacity option for workstation use. Moreover, the add-in card features a sleek and modern design that looks great in any system.

It also has a built-in advanced thermal solution that includes a competent heatsink and a heatpipe, which keeps the drive cool under heavy loads. Additionally, it also features a blower-style fan that helps to dissipate heat from the drive, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy workloads.

The fan is strategically placed to provide maximum airflow to the heatsink and heatpipe, and it operates quietly to minimize noise. This is definitely a unique feature of this particular SSD as there are not many others that follow this design, mainly due to cost-cutting reasons.

Overall, the Gigabyte AORUS 2TB Gen 4 AIC SSD is an excellent choice for users who require top-tier performance from their storage devices. Its exceptional read and write speeds, large capacity, and advanced thermal solution make it one of the best SSDs on the market. While it is a bit pricey, it is well worth the investment for those who demand the best.

2. WD Black AN1500 1TB

Best Design

Pros

• Relatively Affordable
• Decent Performance
• RGB Lighting
• Multiple Capacity Options

Cons

• Only PCIe 3.0 Speeds

Sequential Read/Write Speed: 6500 MBps / 4100 MBps | Flash Memory Type: TLC

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Our next pick is a bit more affordable than the Gigabyte option, and one that appeals to a wider range of users. The WD BLACK 1TB AN1500 is a solid-state drive that is designed for gamers and content creators who require high-performance storage. It is a PCIe Gen 3 x8 add-in card that delivers fast read and write speeds, making it an excellent choice for users who need to transfer large files quickly.

The AN1500 NVMe is a decently fast SSD that delivers sequential read speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 4,100 MB/s. It also has impressive random read and write speeds of up to 740K IOPS, which ensures snappy performance even under heavy workloads. The AN1500 NVMe is built with a PCIe Gen 3 x8 interface, which holds it back a bit when compared to the aforementioned AORUS offering.

On the flip side, the AN1500 add-in card has several key features that set it apart from the competition. Our selected variant comes with a large 1TB capacity, but you can select other storage sizes as well. The AN1500 NVMe also features an advanced cooling solution that includes an integrated heatsink to dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance levels. Furthermore, it has customizable RGB lighting that can be easily controlled using the WD BLACK Dashboard software.

Speaking of the looks, the AN1500 NVMe features a sleek and modern design that looks great in any system. The card itself is black with a stylish cover and a large heatsink that covers the length of the card. The RGB lighting adds a nice touch of style and can be customized to match the user’s preferences.

The WD BLACK AN1500 NVMe is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who require high-performance storage at a relatively affordable price point. It delivers impressive read and write speeds, has a large capacity, and comes with an advanced cooling solution. The customizable RGB lighting adds a nice touch of style and allows users to personalize their system.

While it may not be as fast as some of the more expensive NVMe SSDs on the market, the AN1500 NVMe provides excellent value for the price and is definitely worth considering. It is definitely one of the best value SSDs to be available in this configuration, especially when you consider the price premium of an add-in card.

3. Samsung SSD 1.6TB PM1725a

Most Versatile

Pros

• Solid Performance
• Good Pricing
• Sleek Design

Cons

• Prone to Overheating
• Only PCIe 3.0

Sequential Read/Write Speed: 5840 MBps / 2100 MBps | Flash Memory Type: TLC

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Our next entry on the list is one for the workstation users as well as mainstream consumers. The Samsung SSD 1.6TB PM1725a is a high-end solid-state drive that is designed for enterprise-level users who require top-tier endurance and reliability. It is a PCIe Gen 3 x8 NVMe drive that boasts fast read and write speeds and a large capacity.

By numbers alone, the PM1725a delivers exceptional performance, with sequential read speeds of up to 6,400 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s. It also has impressive random read and write speeds of up to 1,000K IOPS, which ensures consistent performance even under heavy workloads. The PM1725a is built with a PCIe Gen3 x8 interface and features Samsung’s V-NAND technology, which provides high endurance and reliability.

Of course, the PM1725a has several key features that make it an excellent choice for enterprise-level users. It has a large 1.6TB capacity, which provides plenty of space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, it has advanced error correction and thermal management features, which ensure high reliability and long-term durability. The PM1725a also features a minimalistic and modern design, with a black and silver color scheme that looks great in any system.

The exterior is as stylish as it is functional. The entire SSD is covered with a large heatsink that extends across the length of the drive. The heatsink is designed to dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance levels. However, it is worth noting that the PM1725a is slightly prone to overheating under heavy workloads since it lacks active cooling, which can affect its performance and reliability.

At the end of the day, the Samsung SSD PM1725a is an excellent choice for enterprise-level users who prioritize stability and reliability. It delivers exceptional read and write speeds, has a large capacity, and features advanced error correction and thermal management features. It is limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds, but the overall package is definitely still worth consideration.

4. Intel P4800X Optane

Best For Workstations

Pros

• Ideal for Workstation Use
• Nice Design
• Improved Endurance

Cons

• Relatively Expensive
• Mediocre Speeds

Sequential Read/Write Speed: 2400 MBps / 2000 MBps | Flash Memory Type: 3D Xpoint

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Moving on, the Intel P4800X Optane is a unique solid-state drive that is designed for enterprise-level users who prioritize endurance and stability over everything else. It uses Intel’s 3D XPoint technology, which offers significant improvements over traditional NAND flash technology in terms of durability and performance.

The P4800X Optane delivers respectable performance, with sequential read speeds of up to 2,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. It also has impressive random read and write speeds of up to 550K IOPS, which ensures consistent performance in a variety of scenarios. However, it is worth noting that the P4800X Optane is relatively expensive per gigabyte and has mediocre performance compared to some of the other SSDs on the market.

On the other hand, the P4800X Optane has several key features that make it an excellent choice for enterprise-level users. It has superior endurance and reliability compared to traditional NAND flash SSDs, which makes it ideal for use in high-transaction environments. The P4800X Optane also features advanced error correction and thermal management features, which ensure high reliability and long-term durability.

Aesthetics are not a major concern for Intel here, which is why the P4800X Optane has a simple and functional design with a black and silver color scheme. It features a large heatsink that covers the length of the drive, which is designed to dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance levels. While the design may not be the most stylish or modern, it is highly functional and effective.

Essentially, the Intel P4800X Optane is an excellent choice for workstation and productivity-focused users who require high reliability and endurance. The reliable 3D XPoint technology combined with the supreme durability make it a solid choice for essential data storage.

On the flip side, however, the Optane P4800X does not deliver the best value options when it comes to storage sizes. Therefore, it may not be the ideal choice for users who are after the highest bang for the buck.

5. Intel 750 Series 1.2TB SSD

Best for Gaming

Pros

• MLC NAND
• Very Reliable
• Mulitiple Storage Capacities

Cons

• Mediocre Speeds
• Expensive

8 Reviews

Sequential Read/Write Speed: 2400 MBps / 1200 MBps | Flash Memory Type: MLC

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Our last pick of the day is the Intel 750 Series Solid State Drive, which is a high-performance SSD that is designed for gamers and power users who require supreme performance. It features a MLC NAND configuration, which offers improved performance and endurance compared to other types of NAND flash memory.

While TLC NAND has become the standard in most modern SSDs, there are still advantages to MLC configurations. MLC is considered superior to TLC because it has higher endurance, which means it can handle a greater number of write cycles before wearing out.

This is because MLC stores two bits of data per memory cell, while TLC stores three bits per cell. This makes MLC more reliable and less prone to data errors, as each memory cell is used less frequently. MLC also has faster write speeds than TLC, which makes it better suited for high-performance applications.

The 750 Series delivers respectable performance, with sequential read speeds of up to 2,400 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,200 MB/s. It also has impressive random read and write speeds of up to 440K IOPS, which is an acceptable metric for a drive of this caliber. However, the 750 Series is relatively expensive and has a bit worse performance compared to some of the other SSDs mentioned on this list.

Still, the Intel 750 Series has several features that make it an excellent choice for gamers and power users. The 750 Series SSDs from Intel are generally considered to be extremely reliable as they can endure a lot of read/write cycles before wearing out. Moreover, our selected variant has a large capacity of 1.2TB, which provides ample space for storing large games and applications.

Aesthetically, the 750 Series has a simple and functional design, with a silver and black color scheme. It features a large heatsink that covers the length of the drive, which is designed to dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance levels. The design does not have any extra bells and whistles, and Intel has even omitted the inclusion of a backplate here. There is no active cooling on the drive either.

Conclusively, the Intel 750 Series add-in card SSD is an excellent choice for gamers and general users who want stable and reliable performance. The MLC NAND configuration is a standout feature that offers great performance and endurance, making it well-suited for gaming and other high-performance applications.

However, the sequential speed figures fall in the middle of the pack and the price is fairly high when compared with other options, which is definitely a point to be considered before purchase.

The post Best NVMe PCIe SSD Add-in Cards – Increase Your Storage With Ease appeared first on Appuals.