Are you tired of constantly juggling files, uninstalling games to make room for new ones, or waiting ages for your applications to load? It sounds like you’re ready for a serious storage upgrade, and a 4TB M.2 2280 SSD might just be the perfect solution. These compact powerhouses offer incredible speed and vast capacity, making them ideal for serious gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands top-tier performance from their PC.
Choosing the best 4TB M.2 2280 SSD can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! We’ve hand-picked five of the very best models that combine blistering speeds, robust reliability, and excellent value to help you find your next storage hero. Let’s dive in and get you that much-needed performance boost!
1. 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 SSD is a “cheat code” for speed, designed for those who won’t settle for anything less than near-max performance. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer needing lightning-fast load times or a tech guru crunching massive data sets, the 990 PRO delivers exceptional power efficiency alongside its incredible speed, making every task feel snappier and more responsive.
Key Features:
– MEET THE NEXT GEN: Reaches near max performance with lightning-fast speeds.
– REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Offers more than 55% improvement in random performance over the 980 PRO.
– THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
– PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Ample storage capacities up to 4TB for gaming, video editing, data analysis, and more.
– IT’S A POWER MOVE: Up to 50% improved performance per watt compared to the 980 PRO, ensuring efficiency.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast sequential and random read/write speeds.
– Excellent power efficiency.
– Highly reliable and durable.
– Ideal for high-end gaming and professional workloads.
Cons:
– Premium price point.
– Requires a good cooling solution for sustained heavy loads.
User Impressions:
Users consistently rave about the 990 PRO’s phenomenal speed and how it transforms their system’s responsiveness. Many highlight its exceptional performance in gaming, reducing load times dramatically, and its reliability for intensive tasks. While the price is a common point, most agree the performance justifies the investment.
2. Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD Up
The Crucial P310 offers a compelling package, especially if power efficiency is high on your priority list. This drive distinguishes itself by providing an impressive performance-to-power ratio, making it an excellent choice for laptops or systems where battery life and thermal management are crucial. While perhaps not the absolute fastest in the PCIe Gen4 lineup, its efficiency means you get solid performance without draining your power too quickly.
Key Features:
– POWER EFFICIENCY: Provides up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than Crucial’s previous Gen4 SSDs.
– Gen4 Interface: Leverages the speed of PCIe Gen4 for improved data transfer.
– NVMe M.2 2280 Form Factor: Compact and widely compatible.
– 4TB Capacity: Ample space for large applications and extensive media libraries.
Pros:
– Excellent power efficiency, great for laptops.
– Reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
– Competitive pricing for a Gen4 4TB drive.
Cons:
– Not as fast as top-tier Gen4 drives like the Samsung 990 PRO or WD_BLACK SN850X.
– Features list is less extensive than other premium models.
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the Crucial P310 for its consistent performance and value, especially for those upgrading from older SATA SSDs or Gen3 NVMe drives. Its power efficiency is a frequently praised aspect, making it a favorite for laptop users seeking more storage without sacrificing battery life.
3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus carves out its niche by offering a fantastic balance of groundbreaking speed, smart thermal management, and future-ready compatibility. It’s a great choice for users who want premium performance without quite reaching for the absolute pinnacle of expense. With impressive read/write speeds and enhanced thermal control thanks to its nickel-coated controller, this drive keeps its cool even during intense operations, all while supporting both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 for forward compatibility.
Key Features:
– GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s.
– LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Features Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance, available in 4TB.
– EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Nickel-coated controller ensures less power consumption and prevents overheating.
– OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, offering more bandwidth.
– NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Magician Software provides firmware updates, encryption, and drive health monitoring.
Pros:
– Excellent speeds for its price segment.
– Superb thermal efficiency for sustained performance.
– Future-proof with PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility.
– Samsung Magician software is a valuable utility.
Cons:
– Not as fast as the non-EVO 990 PRO, particularly in random performance.
– PCIe 5.0 compatibility is limited to x2, not full x4.
User Impressions:
Users frequently comment on the noticeable speed increase and the impressive thermal stability of the 990 EVO Plus. Many find it to be an ideal upgrade, especially given its balance of price and performance. The Magician software is also a big hit for its utility and ease of use.
4. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
For the discerning gamer, the WD_BLACK SN850X is more than just an SSD; it’s a performance enhancer designed to transform your gaming PC. This drive is built for blistering load times and seamless gameplay, boasting insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. With its gaming-centric features like an optional heatsink for peak performance under pressure and the Game Mode 2.0 in the WD_BLACK Dashboard, it truly stands out as one of the best 4TB M.2 2280 SSD options for dedicated players.
Key Features:
– TRANSFORM YOUR PC: Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
– MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, perfect for large game libraries.
– HEATSINK FOR THE WIN: Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance during intense sessions.
– DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD: Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard for drive health monitoring, RGB customization, and Game Mode 2.0.
– FUTURE-FORWARD FEATURES: Includes Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management.
Pros:
– Exceptional speeds, especially for gaming.
– Optional heatsink is a massive plus for sustained performance.
– WD_BLACK Dashboard with Game Mode 2.0 enhances the gaming experience.
– Robust and reliable for heavy use.
Cons:
– Can run hot without the heatsink.
– Dashboard features are Windows-only.
User Impressions:
Gamers absolutely love the SN850X for its speed and reliability. Many note the significant reduction in game load times and general system responsiveness. The optional heatsink is highly recommended by users to prevent thermal throttling, ensuring consistent top-tier performance during long gaming sessions.
5. Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus offers a compelling entry into the PCIe Gen4 world, making high-speed storage more accessible. While it might not hit the dizzying heights of the premium drives, it delivers a substantial performance uplift compared to Gen3 SSDs, performing up to 43% faster. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a solid, reliable 4TB M.2 2280 SSD upgrade that balances performance, generous storage, and affordability, all backed by Crucial’s reputation for longevity.
Key Features:
– NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology: Up to 5000MB/s sequential reads.
– Spacious storage: Available up to 4TB, providing ample room for all your files.
– Performance boost: Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs.
– Reliability: Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity.
– Backward compatibility: Works with Gen3 systems, offering future-proofing.
Pros:
– Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 drive.
– Significant speed improvement over Gen3 SSDs.
– High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability.
– Backward compatible with Gen3 slots.
Cons:
– Slower than high-end Gen4 NVMe drives.
– Lacks some advanced features found in premium models (e.g., dedicated DRAM cache on all models).
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the Crucial P3 Plus as a great value proposition. It’s often recommended for those making the jump from SATA or older NVMe drives, with many reporting a noticeable improvement in system snappiness and file transfer speeds. Its reliability and ease of installation are also common positive points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a 4TB M.2 2280 SSD?
A1: A 4TB M.2 2280 SSD offers a significant storage upgrade, especially for gamers, video editors, and content creators who deal with large files and numerous applications. The M.2 2280 form factor is compact, and NVMe technology leveraging PCIe Gen4 (or Gen5) provides incredibly fast data transfer speeds, dramatically reducing load times and improving overall system responsiveness compared to traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs.
Q2: What does “M.2 2280” mean?
A2: “M.2” is a form factor specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards, and “2280” refers to its physical dimensions: 22mm wide and 80mm long. This is the most common size for M.2 SSDs found in modern desktops and laptops, ensuring broad compatibility.
Q3: Is PCIe Gen4 really that much faster than Gen3?
A3: Yes, PCIe Gen4 offers double the bandwidth per lane compared to Gen3. For practical purposes, this means top-tier Gen4 SSDs can achieve sequential read/write speeds of up to 7000-7400 MB/s, while Gen3 SSDs typically max out around 3500 MB/s. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like large file transfers, game loading, and professional content creation.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my 4TB M.2 2280 SSD?
A4: For most general use, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary. However, if you plan on performing sustained, heavy workloads (like transferring massive files, long gaming sessions, or intensive video editing), a heatsink is highly recommended. High-performance Gen4 SSDs can generate a lot of heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive’s performance. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Q5: Are these 4TB M.2 2280 SSDs compatible with the PS5?
A5: Many PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSDs, including some of the ones listed, are compatible with the PlayStation 5, provided they meet Sony’s specific speed and physical dimension requirements (including a heatsink). Always check the PS5’s official specifications and the SSD manufacturer’s compatibility notes before purchasing for console use.
Q6: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A6: Both NVMe and SATA are interfaces for SSDs. SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface, which has a speed limit of around 550 MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer protocol designed specifically for flash memory, utilizing the PCIe bus. This allows NVMe SSDs to achieve much higher speeds (thousands of MB/s) by taking full advantage of the PCIe bandwidth, making them significantly faster than SATA SSDs.
Q7: How do I install a 4TB M.2 2280 SSD?
A7: Installation is usually straightforward. For desktops, locate an available M.2 slot on your motherboard, gently insert the SSD, and secure it with a screw. For laptops, consult your laptop’s manual for specific instructions, as access to the M.2 slot can vary. After physical installation, you may need to initialize and format the drive in your operating system’s Disk Management utility before it can be used.