Welcome to my latest tech review, where today we’re diving into the world of NVMe drives. I’m Jon, “The Net Guy,” and I’m excited to share my findings on four popular budget-friendly NVMe drives, comparing their performance to see which drive takes the speed and performance crown. If you find any of these drives intriguing, consider using my affiliate links to support the channel. Let’s jump in!
The Kingston NV3: An Overview
First up is the Kingston NV3, a drive I recently got my hands on. It boasts an impressive read speed of up to 6,000 megabytes per second, making it one of the fastest options in its category. This drive utilizes PCI Express 4.0 technology, which is crucial for achieving high transfer speeds.
The Kingston NV3 is surprisingly compact, roughly the size of a stick of gum, yet it packs a whopping 1 terabyte of storage. With such small dimensions, it’s perfect for those looking to save space in their setups. I’m testing it on my Intel 12400 system, which supports PCI Express Gen 4, ensuring we can unlock the drive’s full potential.
Testing Methodology
Now, let’s discuss how I’m testing these drives. Each drive will undergo a series of tests including:
- Sequential Write for 30 seconds with a 10GB file
- Sequential Read for the same duration
- Random 4K Write
- Random 4K Read
The goal here is to determine which drive performs best under various conditions, particularly for tasks like gaming or data-heavy applications.
Kingston NV3 Performance Results
Starting with the sequential write test, the Kingston NV3 achieved a maximum speed of 3,411 MB/s. While this is impressive, it falls short of the advertised 6,000 MB/s read speed, which came in at 3,623 MB/s.
Now, let’s move on to the random write test. Here, the performance dropped substantially, hitting a max of 1,220 MB/s. This is crucial for gaming and other applications where data isn’t written in large sequential blocks. Random read performance also lagged, with results showing 1,687 MB/s.
In terms of memory types, the Kingston NV3 uses QLC (Quad-Level Cell) flash memory, which allows for more data per cell but can affect performance and reliability. It’s important to note that while QLC drives are cheaper to manufacture, they often compromise on speed and durability compared to other memory types.
Teamgroup MP44Q: A Strong Contender
Next up, we have the Teamgroup MP44Q. This drive also supports PCI Express Gen 4 and is known for its solid performance. After installation, I ran the same tests as the Kingston NV3.
The MP44Q started strong with a sequential write speed reaching 3,422 MB/s, and a sequential read speed of 3,612 MB/s. Although these numbers are still below the maximum advertised speeds, they are competitive within this budget range.
In the random write test, the MP44Q outperformed the Kingston NV3, achieving a maximum of 1,543 MB/s. The random read speed also showed improvement, clocking in at 1,795 MB/s. This makes the MP44Q an appealing option for users who require better random performance.
Silicon Power UD90: Value and Performance
Moving on, we examined the Silicon Power UD90. With a price point that often appeals to budget-conscious consumers, it’s essential to see if it holds up against the competition.
In the sequential write test, the UD90 achieved 3,526 MB/s, making it the fastest in this category so far. However, its sequential read speed was slightly lower than the others at 3,368 MB/s.
When it came to random writes, the UD90 struggled, only managing 512 MB/s, which is concerning for those who need efficient performance with multiple small files. The random read performance was also lower, coming in at 700 MB/s.
Western Digital SN580: A Familiar Name
Lastly, we have the well-known Western Digital SN580. This brand has a reputation for reliability, but can it compete with the others in terms of speed?
The SN580 achieved a sequential write speed of 3,482 MB/s and a sequential read of 3,619 MB/s, which puts it right in the mix with the other drives. However, when testing random writes, it excelled, reaching 1,784 MB/s, making it the leader in that category.
Unfortunately, its random read performance was not as strong, only managing 786 MB/s, which is significantly lower than the competition.
Summary of Performance
Now that we’ve tested all four drives, let’s summarize the results:
| Drive | Sequential Write (MB/s) | Sequential Read (MB/s) | Random Write (MB/s) | Random Read (MB/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston NV3 | 3,411 | 3,623 | 1,220 | 1,687 |
| Teamgroup MP44Q | 3,422 | 3,612 | 1,543 | 1,795 |
| Silicon Power UD90 | 3,526 | 3,368 | 512 | 700 |
| Western Digital SN580 | 3,482 | 3,619 | 1,784 | 786 |
As you can see, performance varies significantly across these drives. The Teamgroup MP44Q emerged as a strong contender, particularly in random write and read tests, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators alike.
Considerations Beyond Speed
While speed is critical, it’s also essential to consider factors like total bytes written (TBW) and warranty. The Kingston NV3, for instance, has a TBW of 320 TB, which is lower than the competition. This could lead to concerns regarding longevity if you plan on writing a lot of data to the drive.
In contrast, the Western Digital SN580 and Teamgroup MP44Q offer more robust warranties, making them more reliable for long-term use. Always check these specifications before making a purchase to ensure you choose the right drive for your needs.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly NVMe drive, you can’t go wrong with any of these options, but the Teamgroup MP44Q stands out for its overall performance. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these drives, please consider using my affiliate links below. Your support helps me continue to bring you these reviews!
- Kingston NV3 1 TB Gen 4×4
- Silicon Power UD90 1 TB Gen 4×4
- Teamgroup MP44Q 1 TB Gen 4×4
- Western Digital SN580 1 TB Gen 4×4
Thank you for reading! If you found this review helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel at The Net Guy Reviews for more tech insights and reviews. Happy computing!
