Are you tired of sluggish load times, constant file juggling, and hitting storage limits on your PC or gaming console? If so, it might be time for a serious upgrade, and there’s no better way to get a significant performance boost and massive storage than with a 4TB SSD M.2 drive. These compact powerhouses are the champions of modern storage, offering incredible speed and enough space to comfortably house your ever-growing game library, professional projects, and multimedia files.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into some of the top best 4TB SSD M.2 options on the market. We’ll explore what makes each one shine, helping you pick the perfect drive to transform your digital experience.
Why 4TB M.2 SSDs Are a Game-Changer
Gone are the days when SSDs were small, expensive, and primarily used for just the operating system. Today, 4TB NVMe M.2 drives combine vast storage capacity with blistering speeds, thanks to the PCIe interface. This means:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: Say goodbye to long loading screens in games or waiting for large applications to open.
- Seamless Multitasking: Run multiple demanding programs simultaneously without a hitch.
- Future-Proof Storage: Plenty of room for future games, 4K videos, and large data sets.
- Compact Form Factor: M.2 drives are tiny, saving space inside your PC case or making them ideal for thin laptops and even console upgrades like the PS5.
Let’s check out the top contenders for the best 4TB SSD M.2 drives available right now!
1. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is an excellent contender for those seeking cutting-edge performance without breaking the bank. It leverages the latest NAND memory and intelligent TurboWrite technology to deliver impressive read and write speeds, making light work of massive file transfers and demanding applications. Plus, Samsung’s renowned thermal control keeps things cool and efficient, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads.
- Key Features:
- Groundbreaking read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s (sequential).
- Enhanced large-file performance with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0.
- Exceptional thermal control with a nickel-coated controller for efficiency.
- Optimized for PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility, offering future-readiness.
- Magician Software for updates, encryption, and drive health monitoring.
- Pros:
- Outstanding sequential speeds for large file operations.
- Excellent power efficiency and thermal management.
- Forward-compatible with PCIe 5.0 x2 for future systems.
- User-friendly software for maintenance.
- Cons:
- May not reach the absolute peak speeds of some high-end Gen4 drives.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise its reliable performance, especially for video editing and gaming. The efficient thermal design is a common highlight, ensuring it stays cool even in laptops.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB
For hardcore gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who demand the absolute best, the Samsung 990 PRO is a cheat code for performance. As Samsung’s fastest SSD, it pushes the boundaries of PCIe 4.0, offering near-max transfer speeds and a significant leap in random performance compared to its predecessors. With capacities up to 4TB, it’s the ultimate storage solution for anyone who needs to play without limits and process data at lightning speed.
- Key Features:
- Near-max PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s read/write speeds.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance vs. 980 PRO.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB for ample space.
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO, enhancing power efficiency.
- From the world’s #1 flash memory brand for trusted quality.
- Pros:
- Top-tier sequential and random performance.
- Exceptional for heavy computing, gaming, and video editing.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Reputable brand with strong reliability.
- Cons:
- Premium price point due to its top-tier performance.
- May generate more heat than less powerful drives under sustained heavy loads (though within spec).
- User Impressions: Gamers especially rave about the near-instantaneous load times. Professional users appreciate its reliability and speed for intensive tasks. Many consider it the benchmark for Gen4 performance.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 stands out for its impressive power efficiency, offering a significant performance-to-power ratio improvement over previous Gen4 SSDs. This makes it a great choice for laptop users or anyone looking to maximize battery life while still enjoying the benefits of Gen4 speeds. While its specific speed metrics aren’t detailed, its focus on efficiency indicates a smart design for balanced performance.
- Key Features:
- Up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than Crucial’s previous Gen4 SSDs.
- Pros:
- Excellent for extending battery life in laptops.
- Good balance of performance and efficiency.
- Cons:
- Specific speed benchmarks are not provided, which might leave some users wanting more detail.
- Potentially not as feature-rich as other high-end models.
- User Impressions: Users looking for a dependable and efficient upgrade for their laptops or SFF PCs often find this drive to be a solid choice, appreciating the power savings.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a solid upgrade to PCIe Gen4 speeds without completely emptying your wallet. It delivers sequential reads up to 5000MB/s, making it significantly faster than even the quickest Gen3 drives. With its spacious 4TB capacity and high reliability rating, it’s a dependable workhorse for gamers, creators, and everyday users who need faster boot times and quicker application launches.
- 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 systems.
- Pros:
- Significant speed upgrade over Gen3 SSDs.
- Excellent value for a Gen4 drive.
- High reliability and endurance rating.
- Backward compatible for broader usability.
- Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market.
- May require a heatsink in some demanding use cases.
- User Impressions: Many users praise its excellent price-to-performance ratio, finding it a noticeable upgrade for daily computing and gaming without the premium cost of top-tier drives. Its reliability is also a frequently mentioned positive.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
Designed with serious gamers in mind, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is a high-octane internal gaming SSD that delivers impressive speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write. It offers up to 35% faster performance than previous generations and is built with Western Digital’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for robust performance. With capacities up to 4TB, you’ll have more than enough space for all your favorite titles and new releases, all while enjoying improved power efficiency ideal for laptops and handheld gaming devices.
- Key Features:
- High-octane gaming speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write.
- Purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers with PCIe Gen4.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimization.
- Up to 2,400TBW endurance (for the 4TB model).
- Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for gaming and demanding applications.
- Excellent power efficiency for portable gaming.
- High endurance rating for longevity.
- Useful dashboard software for monitoring.
- Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only.
- May not be the very latest generation of WD_BLACK (SN850X is newer).
- User Impressions: Gamers consistently highlight the SN7100’s ability to drastically reduce loading times. Its performance in portable gaming setups is also a major plus for users.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
6. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
If you’re looking to truly transform your PC into a gaming beast or a high-performance workstation, the WD_BLACK SN850X is your answer. This drive delivers insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, ensuring ridiculously short load times and smooth gameplay. With capacities up to 8TB (including a fantastic 4TB option), you’ll never have to worry about deleting games again. The optional heatsink version is a massive bonus, helping to maintain peak performance during the most intense gaming marathons.
- Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version available for thermal management.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and RGB customization (heatsink versions).
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
- Pros:
- Extremely fast sequential speeds.
- Massive storage capacities available.
- Heatsink option is excellent for sustained performance.
- Advanced features enhance gaming and overall drive health.
- Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only.
- Premium price point.
- Heatsink version might not fit all laptop or SFF PC configurations.
- User Impressions: Users describe this drive as a “game-changer” for its speed, especially in reducing load times for large AAA titles. The optional heatsink is highly appreciated for maintaining stability under heavy use.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
7. Empowered PC TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2
The Empowered PC TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 is a compelling choice for DIY enthusiasts, gamers, and creators who prioritize speed and value. This drive offers solid PCIe Gen4 performance with sequential reads up to 5,000 MB/s and features a DRAM-less controller with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support for responsiveness. Its patented graphene heat spreader ensures efficient thermal management without adding bulk, making it suitable for laptops and PS5 expansion slots. Plus, its robust TBW rating and 5-year warranty offer great peace of mind.
- 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.
- Utilizes PCIe Gen4x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 protocol.
- Robust 2600 TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for longevity.
- Features 3D TLC NAND flash memory and SLC caching.
- Includes a patented graphene heat spreader for efficient thermal management.
- S.M.A.R.T. software for real-time monitoring.
- Wide compatibility with Intel/AMD PCs, MAC OS, Linux, and PS5.
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent performance-to-value ratio.
- Effective passive cooling with graphene heat spreader.
- High endurance rating.
- Wide compatibility, including PS5.
- Long warranty period.
- Cons:
- DRAM-less design might show slightly less consistent performance than DRAM-equipped drives in very specific, sustained heavy workloads (though HMB mitigates this).
- Not the fastest sequential speeds among Gen4 drives.
- User Impressions: Users often commend its excellent value, especially for gaming and general use. The included graphene heat spreader is frequently highlighted as a thoughtful addition for laptop or PS5 users.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Choosing Your Ideal 4TB M.2 SSD
When picking the best 4TB SSD M.2 for your needs, consider these factors:
- Speed (Sequential & Random): While all Gen4 drives are fast, some are faster than others. If you’re a pro user dealing with huge files (video editing, 3D rendering), prioritize higher sequential speeds. For gaming and everyday responsiveness, random IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) are also crucial.
- Thermal Management: Faster drives can generate more heat. If your PC case has poor airflow or you’re using it in a laptop or PS5, consider drives with built-in heatsinks or efficient thermal control.
- Endurance (TBW): Terabytes Written (TBW) indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. Higher TBW means better longevity, especially for heavy users.
- Price vs. Performance: Decide on your budget. You can get excellent performance without the absolute top-tier price tag.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands like Samsung, Crucial, and WD_BLACK, known for reliability and customer support.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 4TB SSD M.2 is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your system. Whether you’re a serious gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who craves more speed and space, there’s a perfect 4TB NVMe drive out there for you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and illuminated what makes these solid-state drives the ultimate storage solution. Don’t let slow storage hold you back – unlock your system’s full potential today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is an M.2 SSD?
A1: An M.2 SSD is a small, rectangular solid-state drive that plugs directly into a specialized slot on your motherboard (the M.2 slot). Unlike traditional SATA SSDs, M.2 SSDs, especially NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) ones, leverage the PCIe interface to offer significantly faster data transfer speeds.
Q2: Why should I choose a 4TB SSD over a smaller capacity?
A2: A 4TB SSD offers immense storage capacity, making it ideal for large game libraries, high-resolution video files, extensive photo collections, and professional applications. It eliminates the need for constant file management or having multiple smaller drives, providing ample room for years of data without worrying about running out of space.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSDs?
A3: PCIe Gen4 (PCI Express Generation 4) is the successor to PCIe Gen3. It effectively doubles the bandwidth per lane compared to Gen3, meaning Gen4 SSDs can achieve much higher sequential read and write speeds (e.g., up to 7,000 MB/s+ for Gen4 vs. around 3,500 MB/s for Gen3). For the best performance, especially in new systems, Gen4 is the way to go.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my 4TB M.2 SSD?
A4: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 4TB M.2 SSDs, especially under sustained heavy workloads (like large file transfers or intense gaming sessions), a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive’s performance. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase one separately.
Q5: Will a 4TB M.2 SSD improve my gaming performance?
A5: Absolutely! While it won’t directly boost your frame rates (that’s mostly dependent on your CPU and GPU), a 4TB M.2 SSD will drastically reduce game loading times, texture pop-in, and overall system responsiveness. It means less waiting and more playing, making your gaming experience much smoother.
Q6: How difficult is it to install a 4TB M.2 SSD?
A6: Installing an M.2 SSD is generally quite straightforward. It involves locating the M.2 slot on your motherboard (or in your PS5 console), inserting the drive at an angle, and then securing it with a small screw. For PCs, you might then need to format the drive in Disk Management. Many online tutorials and your motherboard’s manual can guide you through the process.
Q7: Are all 4TB M.2 SSDs compatible with the PlayStation 5 (PS5)?
A7: No, not all 4TB M.2 SSDs are compatible with the PS5. Sony has specific requirements for PS5 expansion SSDs, including a minimum sequential read speed (typically 5,500 MB/s) and physical dimensions for the heatsink. Always check the PS5’s official support page or the SSD manufacturer’s compatibility list before purchasing for your console.