Got an ASRock X370 motherboard and looking to seriously ramp up your system’s storage speed? You’re in the right place! While X370 boards might be a generation or two old, they’re still absolute powerhouses, especially when paired with the right M.2 NVMe SSDs. Getting the Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance isn’t just about picking any drive; it’s about finding the right Sabrent product that maximizes your board’s capabilities and your budget.
Sabrent has made a name for itself by offering high-performance, reliable storage solutions, from blazing-fast internal SSDs to incredibly versatile external enclosures and adapter cards. In this article, we’ll dive deep into 7 top Sabrent products that can help you unleash your ASRock X370’s full potential, ensuring you get the fastest boot times, quickest game loads, and most efficient data transfers possible. Let’s get your system flying!
Why M.2 SSDs and ASRock X370 are a Great Match
The ASRock X370 platform, typically supporting AMD’s Ryzen 1000/2000 series CPUs (and often 3000 series with a BIOS update), usually comes with at least one M.2 slot that supports NVMe drives. While X370 motherboards are typically limited to PCIe Gen3 speeds, a high-quality Gen4 NVMe drive will still deliver exceptional PCIe Gen3 performance, sometimes even outperforming older Gen3 drives due to better controllers and NAND flash. This means you can still achieve fantastic speeds and truly get the Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance even if you’re not on the absolute latest platform.
1. SABRENT Rocket 4 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
The Sabrent Rocket 4 1TB is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for raw speed and future-proofing your storage. While your ASRock X370 board might cap its speeds at PCIe Gen3, this drive still delivers phenomenal performance within those limits and will be ready for full Gen4 speeds if you ever upgrade your motherboard. Its robust design ensures stable operation even under heavy loads, making it a stellar pick for demanding users and gamers.
- Blazing Gen4 Speed: Up to 7450MB/s read and 6100MB/s write (will operate at Gen3 speeds on X370).
- High IOPS, Efficient Design: Up to 850K/800K random IOPS with low heat and power draw.
- Broad System Compatibility: Single-sided M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems, including PS5.
- Made for Pros and Gamers: Ideal for high-performance systems and intensive tasks.
- Trusted Sabrent Support: Premium hardware, supports Windows, macOS, Linux, with online registration for firmware and tech help.
Pros:
– Exceptional performance (even when limited to Gen3 speeds).
– Future-proof for PCIe Gen4 systems.
– Efficient thermal management built-in.
– Wide compatibility for various devices.
Cons:
– Full Gen4 speeds won’t be realized on X370 motherboards.
– Might be overkill if you strictly only ever use Gen3.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise this drive for its incredible speed and reliability. Many note that even when running on PCIe Gen3 systems, it feels significantly faster than previous generations. Its stability under load is a common highlight, making it a favorite for power users and gamers alike.
2. SABRENT 1TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2
Taking things up another notch, the Sabrent 1TB Rocket 4 Plus pushes the boundaries of PCIe Gen4 performance. This drive is engineered for those who demand the absolute peak of what current NVMe technology can offer. For your ASRock X370, it means you’re getting a top-tier drive that will max out your Gen3 bandwidth with ease, providing incredible responsiveness and rapid data handling. Plus, Sabrent’s included Acronis software makes migrating your old data a breeze!
- NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface. PCIe 4.0 / NVMe 1.3 Compliant.
- Power Management Support for APST / ASPM / L1.2.
- Supports SMART and TRIM commands. Supports ONFi 2.3, ONFi 3.0, ONFi 3.2 and ONFi 4.0 interface.
- Advanced Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, Error Correction Code, and Over-Provision.
- FREE Sabrent Acronis True Image for Sabrent Software for easy Cloning. Utility for re-formatting to 512-bytes or 4K bytes sector sizes.
Pros:
– Among the fastest Gen4 NVMe drives available, offering peak Gen3 performance on X370.
– Robust data integrity features like wear leveling and ECC.
– Includes valuable cloning software and sector size utility.
– Excellent for intensive workloads like video editing or large file transfers.
Cons:
– Higher price point due to bleeding-edge Gen4 performance.
– Still limited by X370’s Gen3 lanes, but it will be a powerhouse if you upgrade to Gen4 in the future.
User Impressions: Customers consistently report mind-blowing speeds and rock-solid stability with the Rocket 4 Plus. The inclusion of Acronis True Image is a frequently mentioned bonus, simplifying the upgrade process significantly. It’s often recommended for users who want the very best and plan on future system upgrades.
3. SABRENT USB-C Lay Flat Docking Station – NVMe M.2 +
Sometimes, the best performance isn’t just about internal drives. An external docking station like this Sabrent USB-C Lay Flat Docking Station can be incredibly useful, especially for accessing multiple M.2 NVMe or even 2.5”/3.5” SATA drives. It’s perfect for data recovery, quick backups, or transferring large files without needing to open your PC case. For users dealing with multiple SSDs or HDDs, this tool provides excellent flexibility and high-speed access, complementing your internal Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance setup.
- Wide Compatibility – Dual Format Support: Works with M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs (2242, 2260, 2280) and 2.5”/3.5” SATA SSDs or HDDs.
- 10Gbps High-Speed USB-C: Equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for fast data transfers.
- Tool-Free Installation: No screws or drivers required for swapping drives.
- Smart Cloning, No PC Needed: Offline clone function with direction switch and progress LEDs.
- Cross-Platform Ready: Fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, powered via 12V adapter.
Pros:
– Extremely versatile, supporting both NVMe and SATA drives.
– Tool-free design makes drive swapping quick and easy.
– Offline cloning feature is a huge time-saver.
– High-speed USB-C ensures fast external transfers.
Cons:
– Requires an external power adapter.
– Doesn’t support simultaneous use of M.2 and SATA drives (it’s a single bay for cloning or access).
User Impressions: Reviewers love the convenience and versatility of this docking station. The tool-free design and the ability to clone drives without a PC are often highlighted as standout features. It’s considered an essential tool for technicians and power users who frequently work with different drives.
4. SABRENT 4-Drive NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter
If your ASRock X370 motherboard has limited M.2 slots but you want to add more NVMe storage, this Sabrent 4-Drive NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter is a game-changer. It allows you to utilize an available PCIe x4, x8, or x16 slot to add up to four NVMe SSDs! This is an incredible way to expand your storage capacity while still leveraging the high speeds of NVMe, effectively enhancing your Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance capabilities. The included heatsink also ensures your drives stay cool.
- Expansive | 4 NVMe SSDs with one slot: Adds up to four NVMe SSDs via a single x4 PCIe 3.0 adapter.
- Resilient | Cool and Dependable: Included aluminum heatsink with thermal padding for efficient heat dissipation.
- Compatible | Fast with legacy support: Fits x4, x8, x16 PCIe slots, backward compatible with PCIe 2.0/1.0.
- Efficient | Wide power protocol support: Supports multiple power protocols for maximum efficiency.
- Support | Backed by SABRENT: Supports M-Key NVMe SSDs (not B- or B&M-key), Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.3.3+.
Pros:
– Massively expands NVMe storage capacity using a single PCIe slot.
– Excellent thermal management with the included heatsink.
– Backward compatible with older PCIe generations.
– Great for creating RAID arrays for even higher performance or redundancy.
Cons:
– Requires an open PCIe x4 (or larger) slot.
– Individual drives are still limited by the host system’s PCIe Gen3 speed.
User Impressions: Users rave about the ability to add so much high-speed storage. Many appreciate the robust build quality and the included thermal solutions, ensuring drives don’t throttle. It’s highly recommended for users with storage-intensive needs who want to maximize their existing motherboard’s capabilities.
5. SABRENT 1TB Rocket Q4 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal
The Sabrent 1TB Rocket Q4 is another excellent Gen4 NVMe SSD option, offering a great balance of performance and value. While it’s a QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND drive, Sabrent’s implementation ensures it still delivers impressive speeds, especially for general use, gaming, and content consumption. For your ASRock X370, it provides a cost-effective way to get high-capacity, fast storage that easily saturates the Gen3 interface, making it a smart upgrade for many users.
- NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface. Built to the PCIe 4.0 specification / NVMe 1.3 Compliant.
- Power Management Support for APST / ASPM / L1.2.
- Supports SMART and TRIM commands. Supports ONFi 2.3, ONFi 3.0, ONFi 3.2 and ONFi 4.0 interface.
- Advanced Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, Error Correction Code, and Over-Provision.
- All Sabrent SSDs come with FREE Sabrent Acronis True Image for Sabrent Software for easy Cloning. Utility for re-formatting to 512-bytes or 4K bytes sector sizes.
Pros:
– Excellent value for a PCIe Gen4 NVMe drive.
– Generous capacity at a competitive price point.
– Includes Sabrent’s useful Acronis cloning software.
– Great for upgrading from SATA SSDs or HDDs for a massive speed boost.
Cons:
– QLC NAND might have slightly lower endurance or sustained write speeds compared to TLC drives for extremely heavy, prolonged write tasks.
– Like other Gen4 drives, its full potential is bottlenecked by the X370’s Gen3 interface.
User Impressions: Customers often praise the Rocket Q4 for its impressive speed-to-price ratio. It’s seen as a fantastic upgrade for everyday computing and gaming, providing a noticeable performance uplift. The inclusion of the cloning software is consistently a well-received bonus, making installation smoother.
6. SABRENT Rocket RGB NVMe & SATA M.2 SSD Enclosure –
Want to turn an extra M.2 SSD into a super-fast, stylish external drive? The Sabrent Rocket RGB Enclosure is perfect for that. This sleek, tool-free enclosure supports both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs, offering 20Gbps USB-C speeds. It’s a brilliant way to reuse an old drive or create portable, high-speed storage for your ASRock X370 system, laptops, or even gaming handhelds. And hey, who doesn’t love a little RGB flair?
- High-Speed USB C 20Gbps: Enjoy transfer rates up to 20Gbps with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Backward compatible with 10Gbps and 5Gbps ports.
- M.2 NVMe + SATA Support: Compatible with both M.2 NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 sizes).
- Tool-Free Aluminum Design: Quick and secure SSD installation, durable aluminum body with thermal padding.
- Status-Responsive RGB Lighting: Dynamic RGB LEDs indicate power and activity, adding style and visibility.
- Plug and Play Across Devices: Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other USB-C host systems.
Pros:
– Supports both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs, making it incredibly versatile.
– Blazing-fast 20Gbps USB-C connectivity (requires a compatible port).
– Tool-free installation is quick and convenient.
– Aluminum design with thermal padding ensures good heat dissipation.
– Stylish RGB lighting.
Cons:
– Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) port to achieve maximum speeds.
– RGB lighting might not be everyone’s preference.
User Impressions: Users love the dual compatibility and the easy, tool-free installation. The fast transfer speeds are highly praised, making it ideal for large file transfers or running games directly from the external drive. The RGB lighting is a fun bonus that many enjoy.
7. SABRENT Rocket RGB USB C 20Gbps M.2 SATA/NVMe SSD
This Sabrent Rocket RGB Enclosure offers all the fantastic features of the previous model with a slightly different emphasis on its overall convenience and design. It’s the ultimate solution for anyone who needs flexible, high-speed external storage. Whether you’re moving large video files, backing up your system, or just want a portable game library, this enclosure delivers with style and substance, further enhancing your overall Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance ecosystem.
- A Convenient Enclosure: Handles both M.2 SATA and NVMe SSDs at up to 20Gbps, aluminum build for cooling, with RGB lighting.
- Speed Demon: Breaks through 10Gbps barrier with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) connectivity, backward compatible with UASP and TRIM support.
- Always Versatile: Supports both M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs, compatible with all popular M.2 form factors (2230/2242/2260/2280).
- Runs Cool, Looks Cool: Aluminum construction with built-in thermal padding prevents drive throttling. Status-informing RGB LED lighting effects.
- By Sabrent: Designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, works with other USB-C host devices.
Pros:
– Outstanding compatibility with both M.2 NVMe and SATA SSDs.
– Top-tier 20Gbps USB-C speed for rapid data access.
– Robust aluminum chassis provides effective heat dissipation.
– Tool-free design makes swapping drives incredibly easy.
– RGB lighting adds a personalized touch and indicates activity.
Cons:
– You’ll need a motherboard with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to fully utilize the 20Gbps speed.
– The RGB lighting cannot be fully customized (it’s status-responsive).
User Impressions: Users consistently highlight the enclosure’s versatility and performance. The ability to use both NVMe and SATA drives is a huge plus, making it a future-proof investment for many. The build quality and efficient cooling are also frequently praised, along with the stylish RGB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with my ASRock X370 motherboard?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Your ASRock X370 motherboard, being a PCIe Gen3 platform, will still recognize and allow you to use a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. However, the drive’s speed will be limited to the maximum capabilities of the PCIe Gen3 interface, which is typically around 3500 MB/s for sequential reads. This is still incredibly fast and a huge upgrade from traditional SATA SSDs!
Q2: What is the “best” M.2 SSD performance for an ASRock X370 board?
A2: The “best” performance for a Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance typically means maximizing the PCIe Gen3 bandwidth. Drives like the Sabrent Rocket 4 or Rocket 4 Plus will easily saturate this interface, providing peak Gen3 speeds for your system. Look for drives with high sequential and random read/write speeds that are well-optimized for PCIe Gen3, even if they are technically Gen4 drives.
Q3: How many M.2 slots does an ASRock X370 motherboard usually have?
A3: Most ASRock X370 motherboards come with at least one M.2 slot. Higher-end models might have two. Always check your specific motherboard’s manual or product page to confirm the number and type of M.2 slots (some might be PCIe NVMe, others might be SATA M.2 only).
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 NVMe SSD on an ASRock X370?
A4: While PCIe Gen3 NVMe drives generally run cooler than their Gen4 counterparts, a heatsink is always a good idea, especially for high-performance drives or systems with limited airflow. Overheating can lead to thermal throttling, reducing your SSD’s performance. Many Sabrent SSDs are designed for efficient heat management, and some motherboards even include M.2 heatsinks.
Q5: What’s the difference between M.2 NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs?
A5: Both are M.2 form factors, but they use different interfaces. M.2 NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster speeds (thousands of MB/s) ideal for high-performance tasks. M.2 SATA SSDs use the SATA interface, which is limited to about 600 MB/s, similar to traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Always check your motherboard’s M.2 slot compatibility.
Q6: What is Sabrent Acronis True Image for Sabrent Software?
A6: This is a bundled software from Sabrent, powered by Acronis, that allows users to easily clone their existing operating system and data from an old drive to their new Sabrent SSD. It’s a fantastic utility that simplifies the upgrade process, saving you the hassle of reinstalling Windows or all your applications.
Q7: Can I use an M.2 SSD adapter card in my ASRock X370?
A7: Yes! If you run out of M.2 slots or want to add more high-speed storage, an M.2 SSD to PCIe adapter card (like the Sabrent 4-Drive Adapter we reviewed) is an excellent solution. It uses an available PCIe slot (x4, x8, or x16) to house one or more M.2 NVMe SSDs, effectively expanding your system’s storage capabilities while still leveraging fast NVMe speeds.
Conclusion
Upgrading your storage with Sabrent products is one of the most impactful ways to boost the overall speed and responsiveness of your ASRock X370 system. Whether you opt for a lightning-fast internal NVMe drive, a versatile external enclosure, or an adapter card to maximize your M.2 slots, Sabrent offers a high-quality solution to meet your needs. By carefully considering your specific requirements and budget, you can truly achieve the Sabrent ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance possible, ensuring your rig remains a capable and enjoyable machine for years to come. Happy upgrading!