Looking to upgrade your PC’s storage without breaking the bank? A 4TB NVMe SSD is a fantastic sweet spot for capacity, offering ample space for games, large files, and demanding applications, all while delivering lightning-fast speeds. But with so many options out there, finding the best budget 4TB NVMe SSD can feel like a quest.
Fear not, fellow PC enthusiast! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to some of the most compelling 4TB NVMe SSDs available. Whether you’re a gamer needing more room for your ever-growing library, a content creator handling massive video files, or just someone tired of slow load times, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore drives that offer a great balance of performance, reliability, and value, helping you make an informed decision for your next storage upgrade. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks for 4TB NVMe SSDs
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus aims to be a versatile performer, bridging the gap between high-speed Gen4 drives and the emerging Gen5 standard. It’s designed to offer a significant boost over older SSDs, making it a great choice for users who want modern performance without necessarily investing in a full PCIe 5.0 setup. Its blend of speed, capacity, and thermal efficiency ensures your system stays responsive and cool even under pressure.
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Key Features:
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance
- Nickel-coated controller for exceptional thermal control and power efficiency
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2
- Magician Software for drive health monitoring and firmware updates
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for its class
- Strong thermal management
- Good power efficiency
- Future-proofed with PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility
- Reliable Samsung software support
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Cons:
- PCIe 5.0 x2 isn’t full Gen5 speed
- May still be a bit premium for a strict “budget” category
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the 990 EVO Plus for its noticeable speed improvements in everyday tasks and gaming, often highlighting its cool operation and the helpfulness of Samsung’s Magician software. It’s seen as a strong value proposition for its performance tier.
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Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re looking for the absolute peak of PCIe 4.0 performance, the Samsung 990 PRO is often considered the gold standard. This drive pushes the boundaries of Gen4 speeds, making it perfect for hardcore gamers, professional content creators, and anyone who demands the fastest possible data transfer. It’s built for heavy workloads and delivers exceptional performance per watt, ensuring efficiency alongside its blistering speed.
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Key Features:
- Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- Over 55% improvement in random performance vs. 980 PRO
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO
- From the world’s #1 Flash Memory Brand
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Pros:
- Top-tier PCIe 4.0 speeds
- Highly power efficient
- Excellent for demanding gaming and creative applications
- Renowned Samsung reliability
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Cons:
- Premium price point, less “budget” but high value for performance
- Requires a motherboard with PCIe 4.0 support to reach full speeds
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User Impressions: Gamers and professionals rave about the 990 PRO’s blazing speeds and rock-solid reliability, especially noting the reduction in load times for large games and applications. Many consider it a worthwhile investment for high-performance systems.
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Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 positions itself as a power-efficient PCIe Gen4 option. While not aiming for the absolute fastest speeds, it provides a solid upgrade over older Gen3 drives and even some Gen4 counterparts, especially for users conscious about energy consumption. This makes it a great choice for laptops or systems where battery life and efficiency are key considerations, while still offering the speed benefits of the NVMe Gen4 standard.
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Key Features:
- Up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs
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Pros:
- Excellent power efficiency
- Reliable Crucial brand backing
- Good value for entry-level Gen4 performance
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Cons:
- Likely not the fastest Gen4 drive on the market
- Limited feature details provided
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the Crucial P310 for its reliable performance and energy savings, finding it a dependable upgrade for general use and gaming without a hefty price tag. It’s often recommended for those seeking a balance of efficiency and speed.
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WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN850X is designed with gamers in mind, offering ridiculous speeds and features to enhance your gaming experience. With incredibly fast load times and ample capacity for a vast game library, this SSD is a powerhouse. The optional heatsink version is a huge plus for maintaining peak performance during intense gaming sessions, making it a serious contender for any gaming PC or workstation.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Capacities up to 8TB with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND
- Optional heatsink version for thermal management
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring and customization (Windows only)
- Game Mode 2.0 and other future-forward features like Predictive Loading
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Pros:
- Exceptional gaming performance and load times
- Optional heatsink is highly beneficial
- Large capacities available
- Dedicated gaming features via Dashboard software
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to performance focus
- Heatsink version might not fit all laptop configurations
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the SN850X for its incredibly fast load times and smooth gameplay. The optional heatsink is a popular choice, ensuring sustained performance even during marathon gaming sessions.
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Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus offers a compelling entry point into the world of PCIe Gen4 SSDs, providing significant speed improvements over older Gen3 drives without breaking the bank. With solid sequential read speeds and ample storage up to 4TB, it’s a great all-around performer for upgrading your system, whether for general use, light gaming, or content creation. Its focus on longevity also provides peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Random read/write 650K/900K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
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Pros:
- Good value for Gen4 performance
- High reliability rating (MTTF)
- Backward compatible for older systems
- Ample storage capacity
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Cons:
- Not the fastest Gen4 drive compared to premium options
- Random IOPS could be higher
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User Impressions: Many users find the P3 Plus to be an excellent value upgrade, noting substantial speed improvements over their old drives. It’s praised for its reliability and ease of installation, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious builders.
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WD_BLACK 4TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed for PlayStation 5
For PlayStation 5 owners, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a dream come true. This SSD is not just fast; it’s officially licensed by PlayStation, guaranteeing seamless compatibility and performance right out of the box. With an optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5, you can effortlessly expand your console’s storage and play directly from the drive without worrying about overheating or compatibility issues.
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Key Features:
- ONLY Officially licensed 4TB M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles
- Capacities up to 4TB (stores up to 100 games)
- Optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5
- Play directly from the drive
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s (PCIe Gen 4)
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe
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Pros:
- Guaranteed PS5 compatibility and performance
- Integrated, optimized heatsink for PS5
- Massive storage for games
- Blazing fast load times
- Easy installation
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Cons:
- Primarily marketed for PS5, potentially overkill for PC-only users if budget is very strict
- Value added for PS5 users, less so if purely for PC
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User Impressions: PS5 owners absolutely love this drive for its “plug and play” compatibility and excellent performance, making it the top choice for expanding their console’s game library. The inclusion of the heatsink is a huge convenience.
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Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB, PCIe 5.0×4 M.2 2280
Stepping into the future, the Samsung 9100 PRO is a groundbreaking PCIe 5.0 SSD that redefines speed. While it might stretch the “budget” definition for many, its sheer performance and efficiency make it an incredible value for cutting-edge systems and professionals who demand the absolute fastest storage. It’s designed to turbocharge workflows, AI applications, and gaming with speeds twice as fast as even the highly acclaimed 990 PRO.
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Key Features:
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 performance: up to 14,800/13,400 MB/s sequential read/write
- Random read/write speeds up to 2,200K/2,600K IOPS
- 5nm controller for up to 49% power efficiency over 990 PRO
- Advanced thermal control
- Magician Software for optimal performance and health monitoring
- Up to 8TB storage available
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Pros:
- Unmatched PCIe 5.0 speeds for gaming and professional tasks
- Extremely high random IOPS
- Exceptional power efficiency
- Future-proof investment
- Trusted Samsung reliability and software
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe 5.0 compatible motherboard (and often a heatsink)
- Significantly higher price point, definitely a “premium budget” pick for the performance tier
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User Impressions: Early adopters and high-end users are blown away by the 9100 PRO’s incredible speeds and responsiveness, citing unparalleled performance in professional applications and next-gen gaming. It’s seen as a true next-generation storage solution.
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fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD
The fanxiang S880E offers a surprisingly powerful punch for its price, making it a strong contender for the title of best budget 4TB NVMe SSD. Designed for gamers, it boasts impressive PCIe Gen 4 speeds, NVMe 2.0 support, and even compatibility with PS5 and DirectStorage. Its efficient thermal control solution ensures consistent performance, even during intense gaming sessions, proving that high performance doesn’t always come with a high cost.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller, NVMe 2.0 support
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s
- Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory
- Graphite coated copper foil and aluminum foil for efficient thermal control
- 5-year after-sales service
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for a budget-friendly option
- PS5 and DirectStorage compatible
- Effective thermal management
- Good warranty and support
- Great value for performance
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Cons:
- Lesser-known brand compared to industry giants
- “Not for Mac OS” (minor specific limitation)
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User Impressions: Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the fanxiang S880E’s performance, given its competitive pricing. It’s praised for being a reliable and fast upgrade, particularly appealing to gamers looking for high-capacity, high-speed storage without overspending.
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WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN8100 throws its hat into the PCIe Gen 5 ring, delivering astounding speeds that push the limits of modern storage. This drive is built for the most demanding users, from competitive gamers to professional content creators, offering breakneck sequential speeds and high IOPS. Its impressive power efficiency and endurance ratings further solidify its position as a top-tier storage solution for future-proof systems.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 5 technology
- Sequential speeds up to 14,900MB/s read, 14,000MB/s write
- Over 2,300,000 IOPS (2TB – 4TB models)
- TLC 3D CBA NAND for exquisite experience
- Over 100% more power efficiency than PCIe Gen4
- Up to 2,400 TBW (4TB model) endurance
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Pros:
- Extreme, bleeding-edge PCIe 5.0 performance
- Exceptional endurance for intense workloads
- Highly power-efficient
- Ideal for professional content creation and competitive gaming
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen 5 compatible motherboard
- Premium price, certainly not a traditional “budget” drive but offers immense value for its class
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User Impressions: Users report a transformative experience with the SN8100, citing instantaneous load times and unparalleled responsiveness in the most demanding applications and games. Its power efficiency is also a frequently highlighted benefit for high-performance systems.
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Silicon Power 4TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD
The Silicon Power UD90 is a reliable and feature-rich PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD that offers excellent value for a 4TB NVMe SSD. It leverages the increased bandwidth of Gen4 to deliver faster load times and improved multitasking capabilities. Beyond speed, the UD90 emphasizes data integrity with features like SLC Caching, LDPC coding, RAID support, and E2E data protection, making it a secure and dependable choice for your storage needs, backed by a solid 5-year warranty.
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Key Features:
- NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD
- Nearly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0
- Supports SLC Caching for improved performance
- Supports Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding for data accuracy
- Supports RAID for data protection
- Equipped with built-in E2E data protection
- 5-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Solid PCIe 4.0 performance at a competitive price
- Strong focus on data integrity and protection
- Good for multitasking
- Excellent 5-year warranty
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Cons:
- Not the fastest PCIe 4.0 drive on this list
- Performance might vary under sustained heavy loads compared to premium drives
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User Impressions: Users commend the Silicon Power UD90 for its strong performance-to-price ratio and the peace of mind offered by its data protection features and lengthy warranty. It’s often recommended as a robust and affordable upgrade option.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 4TB NVMe SSDs
Q1: What exactly is an NVMe SSD and why should I choose one?
A: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol specifically designed for SSDs to communicate with your computer’s CPU directly over the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) bus. This allows for significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to older SATA SSDs, leading to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and much smoother handling of large files and games. If you want top-tier performance, an NVMe SSD is the way to go.
Q2: Is a 4TB NVMe SSD truly “budget-friendly”?
A: While 4TB NVMe SSDs are generally more expensive than smaller capacities or traditional HDDs, “budget-friendly” in this context refers to finding the best value for money. This means looking for drives that offer excellent performance and reliability at a competitive price point for their capacity, or premium drives that occasionally go on sale, making high-end performance more accessible. For a high-capacity drive, the price per gigabyte often becomes more attractive.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs?
A: The main difference is speed! PCIe Gen 5 drives offer roughly double the theoretical bandwidth of PCIe Gen 4 drives. While Gen 4 drives are already incredibly fast (up to around 7,500 MB/s), Gen 5 drives can push speeds over 14,000 MB/s. However, to utilize Gen 5, you need a compatible motherboard and CPU, which are typically found in newer, higher-end systems. For most users, Gen 4 still offers phenomenal performance at a better price point.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my 4TB NVMe SSD?
A: It depends! High-performance NVMe SSDs, especially Gen 4 and Gen 5 drives under heavy, sustained workloads (like long gaming sessions or video editing), can generate a lot of heat. If they get too hot, they might “throttle” performance to prevent damage. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can buy SSDs with pre-attached heatsinks. For intense use, a heatsink is highly recommended to maintain peak performance and prolong the drive’s lifespan.
Q5: Will a 4TB NVMe SSD make my older PC faster?
A: If your older PC supports NVMe (most modern motherboards do, check your manual) and you’re currently using a slower HDD or SATA SSD, upgrading to an NVMe SSD will provide a dramatic speed boost for anything related to storage. This includes boot times, application loading, and file transfers. However, it won’t magically make your CPU or GPU faster in tasks where they are the bottleneck. It’s a fantastic upgrade for overall system responsiveness.
Q6: Can I use these 4TB NVMe SSDs in a PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, many high-performance NVMe SSDs are compatible with the PlayStation 5, but there are specific requirements (like minimum read speed and the need for a heatsink). Drives like the WD_BLACK SN850P are officially licensed and designed specifically for the PS5, offering guaranteed compatibility and performance. Always check the PS5’s specifications and the SSD’s compatibility notes before purchasing for your console.
Q7: How much space do I really need for games and files?
A: This varies greatly! A single modern AAA game can easily take up 100GB or more. If you have a large library of games, edit videos, or work with large design files, 4TB offers a comfortable amount of space, allowing you to install many titles and store significant projects without constantly managing storage. For general use and a few games, 1TB or 2TB might suffice, but for future-proofing and convenience, 4TB is an excellent choice.