PNY XLR8 CS3030 M.2 NVMe Gen3 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Review

Overview

The PNY XLR8 CS3030 is a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD designed to replace SATA-based SSDs in existing NVMe-enabled PCs or Macs. It boasts impressive speeds, durability, and a compact form factor, making it an excellent mid-level purchase for those seeking a reliable and efficient storage solution.

Performance

The PNY XLR8 CS3030 delivers robust performance, with sequential read and write speeds of up to 3.2 GB/s and 3.0 GB/s respectively, as tested in CrystalMark. These speeds are competitive with other mid-range NVMe SSDs, making it suitable for a variety of applications including business use, gaming, and general computing.

Key Features

• Digital Storage Capacity: 4 TB
• Hard Disk Interface: NVMe
• Connectivity Technology: PCIe NVMe Gen3
• Brand: PNY
• Special Feature: Portable, Durable
• Hard Disk Form Factor: M.2
• Compatible Devices: Desktop Computers, Laptop computers, Network Attached Storage (NAS), Server
• Installation Type: Internal Hard Drive
• Color: Black

Pros

• Performance and Value: The PNY XLR8 CS3030 offers excellent value for its price, providing high performance without breaking the bank.
• Ease of Installation: Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, making it easy to integrate into existing systems.
• Durability: The SSD is highly durable due to its lack of moving parts, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure.
• Reliability: Customers have reported reliable performance, making it suitable for business use and as an OS drive.

Cons

• Firmware Issue: The SSD ships with 512ke firmware instead of 4KN mode, which may result in a slight performance hit unless reflashed.
• Historical Controversy: There was a minor controversy regarding the reduction of specified write durability after the product's announcement.

Verdict

The PNY XLR8 CS3030 is a solid mid-range NVMe SSD that offers excellent performance and value. While it may not be the fastest SSD on the market, its reliability, ease of installation, and durability make it a great choice for those looking to upgrade their storage without breaking the bank. However, users should be aware of the firmware issue and historical controversy.

Features Table