Tired of agonizingly slow load times, constantly deleting files, or running out of space just when you need it most? If you’re a gamer, content creator, or just someone who deals with large files regularly, you know the struggle is real. That’s where a high-capacity, lightning-fast storage solution comes into play. We’re talking about the best 4TB NVMe M.2 SSDs – the ultimate upgrade for your PC or console.
These compact powerhouses offer incredible speed, thanks to their NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) technology and M.2 form factor, which means they plug directly into your motherboard, bypassing older, slower connections like SATA. A 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD gives you ample room for your entire game library, huge video projects, and all your essential software, all while ensuring your system boots up in seconds and applications launch instantly. No more waiting around!
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the perfect one? Don’t sweat it. We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the market to identify and review the seven best 4TB NVMe M.2 SSDs available today. Let’s get you hooked up with some serious speed and storage!
1. Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD Up…
The Crucial P310 isn’t just about raw speed; it’s a champion of efficiency, offering a fantastic balance for those who value performance without compromising battery life, especially in laptops. If you’re looking to upgrade your mobile workstation or gaming laptop, this 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD stands out by providing solid PCIe Gen4 performance with an emphasis on power efficiency, meaning you can work or play longer on the go.
Key Features:
– POWER EFFICENCY: Provides up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than our previous Gen4 SSD so you can get more done with the same battery life
Pros:
– Excellent power efficiency for laptops
– Reliable Crucial brand quality
– Good value for a Gen4 drive
– Solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming
Cons:
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market
– May require a separate heatsink for sustained heavy workloads
User Impressions: Users appreciate the P310 for its consistent performance and impressive power savings, making it a favorite for laptop upgrades. Many note its reliability and how it significantly improves system responsiveness without draining the battery.
2. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4 |…
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus SSD is a fantastic choice for those who demand cutting-edge speed and smart thermal management. This drive boasts groundbreaking read/write speeds, making quick work of large file transfers and intensive tasks. With its Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 and efficient nickel-coated controller, the 990 EVO Plus ensures consistent, high-level performance while keeping temperatures in check, all in a massive 4TB capacity. It’s truly a versatile and robust 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD.
Key Features:
– GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: Boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s*.
– LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0’s enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
– EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance.
– OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 for more bandwidth and higher data processing.
– NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software.
Pros:
– Exceptionally fast read and write speeds
– Excellent thermal management
– Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for sustained performance
– Samsung Magician software for drive health and updates
– Backward compatible with PCIe 5.0 x2 for future-proofing
Cons:
– Premium price point
– Some systems may not fully utilize PCIe 5.0 x2 features yet
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the phenomenal speed and stability of the 990 EVO Plus, noting how it transforms their system’s responsiveness. The thermal efficiency is also a big plus for users pushing their systems hard.
3. Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2…
The Crucial P3 Plus is designed for users who want a significant upgrade in speed and capacity without breaking the bank. This 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 technology to deliver sequential reads up to 5000MB/s, making it significantly faster than previous-generation SSDs. It’s a reliable workhorse, perfect for gaming, content creation, or simply supercharging your daily computing tasks, offering excellent longevity and robust performance for its price segment.
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 and reliability.
– Backward compatibility with Gen3.
Pros:
– Excellent performance boost over Gen3 SSDs
– High reliability and longevity rating
– Generous 4TB storage capacity
– Cost-effective PCIe Gen4 solution
Cons:
– Not the absolute top-tier in Gen4 speeds
– May benefit from an aftermarket heatsink for prolonged heavy use
User Impressions: Many users praise the P3 Plus for its noticeable speed improvement over older drives and its affordability compared to other Gen4 options. It’s frequently recommended as a solid all-around performer for everyday users and casual gamers.
4. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State…
For the serious gamer or workstation user, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a game-changer. This 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD delivers top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, drastically cutting down load times and ensuring a buttery-smooth experience. With its optional heatsink version, advanced thermal management, and “Game Mode 2.0” via the WD_BLACK Dashboard, this drive is built from the ground up to handle the most intense gaming sessions and demanding applications, offering an unparalleled gaming storage solution.
Key Features:
– TRANSFORM YOUR PC: Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
– MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND (4TB model available).
– HEATSINK FOR THE WIN: Optional heatsink version for maintaining peak performance.
– DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD: Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring, RGB lighting customization (heatsink versions), and Game Mode 2.0.
– FUTURE-FORWARD FEATURES: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
Pros:
– Blazing-fast read/write speeds
– Optimized specifically for gaming performance
– Optional heatsink for enhanced thermal control
– WD_BLACK Dashboard offers useful features (Windows only)
– High endurance and reliability
Cons:
– Premium pricing, especially for heatsink versions
– RGB lighting only available on heatsink versions
User Impressions: Gamers consistently rave about the SN850X’s lightning-fast load times and its ability to keep cool under pressure, especially with the heatsink. It’s often cited as the go-to drive for a high-performance gaming PC.
5. Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal…
The Samsung 990 PRO is a true titan in the world of high-performance storage. This 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD pushes the limits of PCIe 4.0, offering near-max performance with incredible read/write speeds of up to 7450/6900 MB/s. Designed for the most demanding users – from hardcore gamers to video editors and data analysts – it delivers a significant leap in random performance and boasts exceptional power efficiency, making every move more effective. It’s an investment in unparalleled speed and efficiency.
Key Features:
– MEET THE NEXT GEN: Near max performance of PCIe 4.0 with lightning-fast speeds.
– REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
– THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: Read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
– PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
– IT’S A POWER MOVE: Up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO.
Pros:
– Among the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs available
– Excellent random read/write performance
– Superior power efficiency
– Samsung’s renowned reliability and Magician software support
– Ideal for intense gaming, video editing, and professional workloads
Cons:
– Top-tier pricing
– Maxes out PCIe 4.0, so no direct upgrade path to PCIe 5.0 on this model
User Impressions: Reviewers and users alike crown the 990 PRO as a benchmark setter. Its raw speed and consistent performance, even under heavy loads, are frequently lauded, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts.
6. WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State…
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is built for serious gamers and creators who demand high performance and ample storage in a more power-efficient package, particularly suitable for laptops and handheld gaming devices. This 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD delivers impressive speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write, offering a significant upgrade over previous generations. Its focus on power efficiency and high endurance makes it a robust and reliable choice for demanding portable setups and desktop systems alike.
Key Features:
– Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous drives.
– Designed for serious gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and our latest TLC 3D NAND.
– Available in capacities up to 4TB, giving you tons of storage.
– Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
– Create confidently with up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model) for all of your content.
Pros:
– Very high read/write speeds for gaming and content creation
– Excellent power efficiency, ideal for laptops and handhelds
– High endurance (TBW) rating for longevity
– Generous 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
Cons:
– No optional heatsink, may require aftermarket solution for desktops under heavy load
– Performance metrics sometimes vary slightly by capacity (though 4TB is strong)
User Impressions: Users appreciate the SN7100 for its strong performance and especially its power efficiency, making it a popular choice for gaming laptops and portable PCs where battery life and thermal management are crucial. Its high endurance is also a frequently praised feature.
7. fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD for…
The fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD S880E offers extreme performance for gamers and professionals, proving that you don’t always have to pay a premium for top-tier speed. Utilizing a PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology, this 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD boasts sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s. It’s built for serious gaming, compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage, and features an innovative thermal control sticker to maintain peak performance during intense workloads. A strong contender for value and speed.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 SSD Extreme Performance: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
– NVME SSD for Gaming: Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage for faster loads.
– Professional Performance for Working: Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory for short boot times, fast application loading, and file processing.
– Efficient Thermal Control: Graphite coated copper foil layer and aluminum foil layer on the sticker to reduce temperature.
– 5-Year Service: Comes with a 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support.
Pros:
– Extremely fast read and write speeds, comparable to premium brands
– Excellent value for its performance
– PS5 and DirectStorage compatible, great for gaming
– Innovative thermal sticker for effective heat dissipation
– Long 5-year warranty and technical support
Cons:
– Fanxiang is a newer brand compared to established players, which may cause some hesitation for some users
– Not compatible with Mac OS
User Impressions: Users are often pleasantly surprised by the fanxiang S880E’s performance, which rivals more expensive drives. Its speed, compatibility with PS5, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option for those seeking high performance on a budget. The effective thermal sticker is also a noted positive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD over a traditional SATA SSD or HDD?
A1: A 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD offers dramatically faster speeds (up to 10-15 times faster than SATA SSDs and hundreds of times faster than HDDs) due to its direct connection to the motherboard via PCIe lanes. This translates to near-instant boot times, lightning-fast game loading, and quicker file transfers, making it ideal for high-performance computing, gaming, and professional content creation. The 4TB capacity ensures you have ample space for large game libraries, video projects, and extensive software suites.
Q2: What is PCIe Gen4, and is it worth the upgrade for a 4TB NVMe SSD?
A2: PCIe Gen4 is the fourth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express standard, which doubles the bandwidth of Gen3. This means PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs can achieve significantly higher read and write speeds (typically up to 7,500 MB/s compared to Gen3’s 3,500 MB/s). For a 4TB drive, especially if you’re a gamer, video editor, or constantly moving large files, the upgrade to Gen4 is definitely worth it for the noticeable performance boost and future-proofing. Your motherboard must support PCIe Gen4 to take full advantage of these speeds.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD?
A3: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially 4TB models that are often used for demanding tasks, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under sustained heavy loads, which can lead to “thermal throttling” (where the drive slows down to prevent overheating). A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring the SSD maintains its peak performance and extends its lifespan. Many motherboards now come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.
Q4: How do I check if my computer is compatible with a 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD?
A4: Most modern motherboards (especially those from the last 5-7 years) have M.2 slots. You’ll need to check your motherboard’s specifications to confirm it has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs (some older ones might only support SATA M.2). Also, verify if the slot supports PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 to match the drive’s capabilities. For laptops, consult your manufacturer’s manual or support website.
Q5: What’s the difference between PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility?
A5: PCIe 4.0 x4 means the SSD uses four PCIe Gen4 lanes, providing a certain level of bandwidth (e.g., up to 8 GB/s). PCIe 5.0 x2 means the SSD uses two PCIe Gen5 lanes. While Gen5 lanes are individually much faster than Gen4 lanes, an x2 configuration (two lanes) might not necessarily be faster than a well-optimized Gen4 x4 configuration in practice for current SSDs. PCIe 5.0 x2 is often a clever way to offer higher bandwidth than PCIe 4.0 x4 while minimizing controller complexity and cost, and often comes with improved power efficiency.
Q6: How long do NVMe SSDs typically last?
A6: NVMe SSDs are incredibly durable and designed for longevity. Their lifespan is typically measured in “Terabytes Written” (TBW), indicating how much data can be written to the drive before it starts to degrade. A 4TB NVMe SSD usually has a very high TBW rating (e.g., 2,400 TBW or more), meaning it can handle massive amounts of data writes for many years under normal use – far exceeding the lifespan of most other components in your PC.
Q7: Can I use these 4TB NVMe SSDs in a PlayStation 5 (PS5)?
A7: Yes, several of the 4TB NVMe M.2 SSDs listed, particularly those designed for gaming like the WD_BLACK SN850X, Samsung 990 PRO, and fanxiang S880E, are compatible with the PS5. However, ensure the drive meets Sony’s specific requirements, including a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s and an M.2 2280 form factor. A heatsink is also mandatory for PS5 installation, so opt for models with integrated heatsinks or purchase one separately.