Are you tired of sluggish load times, constantly deleting files, or simply running out of space on your PC? If you’re looking to supercharge your system with both immense storage and blazing-fast performance, then a 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD is exactly what you need. These drives aren’t just about capacity; they leverage cutting-edge PCIe Gen4 technology to deliver incredible speeds, making them perfect for gamers, content creators, and power users alike.
With so many options on the market, finding the best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, reviewing some of the top contenders that offer a fantastic blend of speed, reliability, and value. Get ready to transform your computing experience!
Why Upgrade to a 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why investing in one of these drives is a smart move:
- Blazing Fast Speeds: Unlike older SATA SSDs, NVMe drives connect directly to your motherboard via the PCIe bus, allowing for incredibly high data transfer rates. PCIe Gen4 drives, in particular, offer sequential read/write speeds often exceeding 5,000 MB/s, dramatically reducing load times for games, applications, and large files.
- Massive Storage: A 4TB capacity means you can store your entire game library, extensive video projects, huge design files, and a ton of applications without worrying about running out of space. It’s truly a game-changer for those with demanding storage needs.
- Improved System Responsiveness: Beyond just loading times, an NVMe SSD improves overall system responsiveness, making everything from booting up your PC to opening multiple applications feel snappier and smoother.
- Compact Form Factor: M.2 drives are tiny, fitting directly onto your motherboard, which helps keep your case tidy and improves airflow compared to bulkier 2.5-inch SATA drives.
Ready to find your next storage powerhouse? Let’s check out the best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD options available today.
Product Reviews
Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 stands out for its incredible power efficiency, making it an excellent choice for laptops or systems where battery life is a priority. While it offers solid PCIe Gen4 performance, its true appeal lies in delivering impressive speeds without drawing excessive power, allowing you to get more done on the go or with less impact on your energy bill. It’s a fantastic balance for those who prioritize efficiency alongside performance.
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Key Features:
- Up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs.
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface.
- M.2 2280 form factor.
- Designed for extended battery life.
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Pros:
- Excellent power efficiency for laptops.
- Reliable Crucial brand quality.
- Good performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Competitive price point for a 4TB Gen4 drive.
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Cons:
- Not the fastest Gen4 drive on the market for raw speed enthusiasts.
- Lacks a heatsink, which might be a consideration for sustained heavy loads.
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User Impressions: Users often praise the P310 for its noticeable speed improvement over older drives and its cool operation. Many find it to be a perfect upgrade for laptops due to its low power consumption, balancing performance with practicality.
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Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
Stepping up from the P310, the Crucial P3 Plus offers a significant boost in raw speed, making it a formidable contender for those who need faster data transfer without breaking the bank. With sequential reads up to 5000MB/s, it truly harnesses the power of PCIe Gen4, making game loading and large file transfers noticeably quicker. Plus, its robust longevity rating gives you peace of mind for years to come.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads.
- Random read/write up to 650K/900K IOPS.
- Spacious 4TB storage.
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs.
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity.
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for PCIe Gen4 performance.
- Significant speed upgrade over Gen3 SSDs.
- High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability.
- Backward compatibility offers flexibility.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the absolute top-tier Gen4 drives.
- May require an aftermarket heatsink for prolonged heavy use.
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User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the P3 Plus’s fantastic performance for its price, noting the snappy feel of their systems after upgrading. It’s often recommended as a solid all-around choice for a Gen4 upgrade.
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Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4 |
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is an absolute beast when it comes to raw speed and efficiency, making it ideal for professionals and hardcore gamers who demand the very best. With groundbreaking read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s, it chews through huge file transfers and heavy multitasking effortlessly. Samsung’s exceptional thermal control, thanks to a nickel-coated controller, ensures it stays cool under pressure, allowing for sustained peak performance without throttling. This drive is optimized for cutting-edge compatibility with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, ensuring you’re ready for the future.
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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.
- Efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller for exceptional thermal control.
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2.
- Magician Software for firmware updates and drive health monitoring.
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Pros:
- Near top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds for ultra-fast performance.
- Excellent thermal management without an external heatsink.
- Future-proof compatibility with PCIe 5.0 x2.
- Samsung’s renowned reliability and software support.
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Cons:
- Premium price point compared to some other Gen4 drives.
- May be overkill for users with less demanding needs.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the 990 EVO Plus’s speed and reliability, often calling it a “game-changer” for their workflows and gaming experiences. The efficiency and lack of thermal issues are frequently praised, even under heavy loads.
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WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is specifically engineered for gamers and enthusiasts who crave top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times. With insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this drive will transform your gaming PC, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time playing. It also comes with an optional heatsink version to maintain peak performance during the most intense gaming sessions, along with the WD_BLACK Dashboard for advanced control and monitoring. This best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD is packed with future-forward features like Predictive Loading and Game Mode 2.0, truly optimizing your gaming experience.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for top-tier gaming performance.
- Capacities up to 8TB (though we’re reviewing the 4TB model).
- Optional heatsink version available for sustained performance.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for drive health, RGB customization (heatsink versions), and Game Mode 2.0.
- Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, Adaptive Thermal Management.
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Pros:
- One of the fastest PCIe Gen4 SSDs, perfect for gaming.
- Optional heatsink is a huge plus for high-performance builds.
- Game Mode 2.0 and other gaming-specific optimizations.
- Excellent endurance and reliability from Western Digital.
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Cons:
- Premium price, especially with the heatsink version.
- Dashboard software is Windows-only.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently highlight the SN850X’s ability to drastically reduce loading screens and improve overall game fluidity. The heatsink version is particularly popular for peace of mind during long play sessions.
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Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal
The Samsung 990 PRO is a cheat code for anyone needing near-max PCIe 4.0 performance, whether you’re a hardcore gamer, video editor, or data analyst. As the fastest SSD from the world’s #1 flash memory brand, it delivers mind-blowing read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s, pushing the limits of what Gen4 can do. It’s not just about speed; it also boasts up to 50% improved performance per watt over its predecessor, the 980 PRO, making it incredibly power efficient for such high performance. If you want the ultimate 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD for heavy computing and faster loading, look no further.
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Key Features:
- Near max performance for PCIe 4.0 with lightning-fast speeds.
- Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO.
- Available in 1TB to 4TB capacities.
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Pros:
- Among the fastest PCIe Gen4 SSDs available.
- Exceptional power efficiency for its performance class.
- Ideal for heavy computing, gaming, and professional applications.
- Backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality and reliability.
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Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on this list.
- Heatsink is often sold separately or required for optimal sustained performance.
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User Impressions: Professionals and enthusiasts are universally impressed by the 990 PRO’s raw speed and efficiency. It’s frequently cited as the go-to choice for build where every millisecond counts, especially in demanding workloads.
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fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD for
The fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD is a surprisingly strong contender, especially for gamers looking for extreme performance without a top-tier price tag. It boasts impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s, making it fully compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage for an extraordinary gaming experience. Beyond gaming, its built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory ensures quick boot times and fast application loading for professionals. What’s more, it features an effective thermal control design with graphite and aluminum foil layers, helping maintain peak performance even during high-graphic games.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller, NVMe 2.0 technology.
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
- Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage.
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory.
- Efficient thermal control with graphite and aluminum foil layers.
- 5-year service and lifetime technical support.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for its price point.
- PS5 and DirectStorage compatibility.
- Good thermal management built-in.
- Strong warranty and technical support.
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Cons:
- Fanxiang is a newer brand compared to industry giants, which might deter some users.
- Specific long-term reliability data might be less abundant than for established brands.
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User Impressions: Users are often pleasantly surprised by the fanxiang SSD’s performance, especially considering its competitive pricing. Gamers, in particular, appreciate its PS5 compatibility and fast loading times, highlighting it as a solid “bang for your buck” option.
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Empowered PC TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2
The TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 is designed for DIY enthusiasts, gamers, and creators who need a significant performance boost without “breaking the bank.” It delivers sequential read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and utilizes an InnoGrit IG5220 DRAM-less controller with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support, cleverly leveraging system RAM for enhanced responsiveness. What really sets it apart is the patented graphene heat spreader, ensuring efficient thermal management in a slim form factor, making it suitable for both desktops and PS5. With a robust 2600 TBW rating and a 5-year warranty, it promises outstanding longevity and peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 5,000/4,500 MB/s.
- InnoGrit IG5220 DRAM-less controller with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support.
- PCIe Gen4x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 protocol.
- Robust 2600 TBW (Terabytes Written) rating.
- Patented graphene heat spreader for efficient thermal management.
- Compatible with PS5, laptops, and various OS platforms.
- 5-Year Limited Warranty and S.M.A.R.T. software.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for PCIe Gen4 performance.
- Integrated graphene heat spreader is effective and slim.
- High TBW rating ensures long durability.
- Wide compatibility, including PS5 and laptops.
- Good warranty and monitoring software.
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Cons:
- DRAM-less design might show slight performance dips under extremely heavy, sustained random writes compared to DRAM-equipped drives.
- Speeds are on the lower end for Gen4, though still very fast.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the T-Force G50 for its balance of performance and affordability. The built-in graphene heat spreader is a frequent highlight, making it a hassle-free upgrade for many, especially in compact builds or PS5 consoles.
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How to Choose the Best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD for You
When selecting the best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD, consider these factors:
- PCIe Generation: Most of the drives on this list are Gen4. Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe Gen4 to get the full speed benefits. If not, a Gen4 drive will still work at Gen3 speeds.
- Speed (Read/Write): Look at sequential and random read/write speeds. Higher numbers mean faster performance for large files and quick application loading.
- Heatsink: For high-performance Gen4 drives, especially if you’re pushing them hard (e.g., intense gaming, video editing), a heatsink is crucial to prevent thermal throttling. Some drives come with one, while others benefit from an aftermarket solution.
- DRAM vs. DRAM-less: Drives with a DRAM cache generally offer better sustained performance, especially under heavy workloads. DRAM-less drives use Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to utilize system RAM, which can be very effective but might see slight dips in specific scenarios.
- Endurance (TBW): Terabytes Written (TBW) indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. Higher TBW means better longevity. For a 4TB drive, you’ll typically see very high TBW ratings, ensuring it lasts for years.
- Compatibility: Check if the drive is compatible with your motherboard (M.2 slot, PCIe version) and if you’re planning to use it in a laptop or PS5, ensure it meets their specific requirements (e.g., M.2 2280 size, heatsink clearance).
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your PC or console. Not only do you get an abundance of storage for all your files and games, but you also unlock incredible speed that fundamentally changes how responsive your system feels. Whether you prioritize raw speed, power efficiency, gaming optimization, or sheer value, there’s a best 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD on this list that’s perfect for your needs.
Don’t let slow storage hold you back any longer. Make the leap, and experience the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the main difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A1: The main difference is the interface and speed. SATA SSDs connect via the SATA interface, which has a speed limit of around 600 MB/s. NVMe SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via the PCIe bus, allowing for significantly higher speeds, often reaching thousands of MB/s, especially with PCIe Gen4.
Q2: Do I need a heatsink for my 4TB NVMe SSD?
A2: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially if you’re using them for intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or large file transfers, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing the drive from thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance. Some motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.
Q3: What does “PCIe Gen4” mean, and why is it important?
A3: PCIe Gen4 refers to the fourth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard. It’s important because it doubles the data transfer rate per lane compared to PCIe Gen3, leading to much faster read and write speeds for NVMe SSDs. To take full advantage of Gen4 speeds, both your SSD and your motherboard need to support PCIe Gen4.
Q4: Can I use a 4TB NVMe SSD in my laptop or PS5?
A4: Many modern laptops and the PS5 support M.2 NVMe SSDs. However, you should check your specific laptop model’s specifications or the PS5’s requirements. For laptops, ensure there’s an available M.2 slot and consider the drive’s power efficiency. For PS5, ensure it meets the speed requirements (typically 5500MB/s or higher) and fits within the physical dimensions, including any necessary heatsink.
Q5: Is 4TB enough storage for gaming or video editing?
A5: For most users, 4TB is a massive amount of storage, more than enough for a large game library, multiple 4K video projects, and all your applications. While extreme users might eventually fill it, 4TB offers significant breathing room and reduces the need to constantly manage space.
Q6: What is “TBW” and why is it important for SSDs?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” which is an endurance rating indicating the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifespan before it’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating means the drive is more durable and will last longer under heavy write loads. For 4TB NVMe SSDs, TBW ratings are generally very high, meaning they’re designed for years of robust use.
Q7: How do I install an M.2 NVMe SSD?
A7: Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is relatively straightforward. First, ensure your PC is off and unplugged. Locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard (it’s usually a small horizontal slot with a screw hole at the end). Insert the SSD at an angle, then gently push it down and secure it with the provided screw. For a PS5, you’ll need to remove the side panel and follow Sony’s specific instructions for the expansion slot. Remember to initialize and format the drive in your operating system after installation.