fanxiang S500 Pro 256GB NVMe SSD M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 2280 Internal Solid State Drive, SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC, Up to 3200MB/s, Compatible with Laptop and PC Desktops(Black)
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AI Verdict
This 256GB PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe SSD with up to 3200MB/s read and 1000MB/s write is for budget builds needing a basic OS drive.
This 256GB drive is a situational fit because its capacity is quite limited for today's software, and its PCIe Gen3x4 interface, while faster than SATA, isn't top-tier. It works if you just need a basic OS drive or extra space for small files.
If you need more space or faster speeds, look for a 500GB or 1TB NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 interface.
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Pros
- Features SLC cache technology for burst speed acceleration up to 3200MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Includes a graphite heat dissipation sticker to manage thermals.
- Utilizes 3D NAND TLC particles for product life and stability.
- Comes with mounting screws and a screwdriver for installation.
- Backed by a 3-year quality assurance service.
- Offers 160TBW (TeraBytes Written) endurance.
Cons
- The 256GB capacity is small for modern operating systems and applications.
- Operates on PCIe Gen3x4 interface, not the faster Gen4.
- Lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB).
- Some users report inaccurate temperature readings from the drive.
- Write speeds are limited to 1000MB/s for this 256GB model.
Dimension Scores
The advertised 3200MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds are typical for a PCIe Gen3x4 drive, placing it squarely in the average for its interface generation.
With 160TBW endurance and a 3-year warranty, it meets basic expectations, but some user reports mention early failures.
A 256GB capacity is quite small for modern operating systems, applications, and games, making it suitable only for very specific, limited use cases.
The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe Gen3x4 interface offer broad compatibility with most modern laptops, desktops, and some gaming consoles that have an M.2 slot.
Best For
- As a primary boot drive for a budget desktop or laptop.
- Secondary storage for documents, photos, or less demanding applications.
- Upgrading older systems still running SATA SSDs or HDDs.
- Light gaming setups where game sizes are managed.
Not Recommended For
- High-performance gaming rigs requiring fast loading of large game libraries.
- Professional video editing or large file transfers where sustained high write speeds are critical.
- Users needing significant primary storage capacity (e.g., 500GB or more).
- Systems that can fully utilize PCIe Gen4 speeds.
Watch Out For
- No DRAM cache means performance might degrade under heavy, sustained write loads.
- Some users have reported quality control issues, with drives failing within a week.
- The drive's reported temperature might not be accurate, making it hard to monitor thermal performance.
- While advertised up to 3200MB/s read, the write speed for the 256GB model is capped at 1000MB/s.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B55SWRCY |
| Brand | fanxiang |
| Color | black |
| Series | S500 Pro |
| Language | Swedish |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.96 ounces |
| Manufacturer | fanxiang |
| Special Feature | NVMe SSD, M.2 SSD, PCIe Gen3 x 4 |
| Flash Memory Size | 256 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Linux, PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | S500 Pro |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.39 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Drive Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Millimeters |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.39 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe1.4 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Users often find this drive to be a noticeable speed upgrade from older SATA SSDs, especially for system boot times and application loading. While the 256GB capacity is frequently mentioned as a limitation, many appreciate the inclusion of installation tools. However, some owners have reported concerns about the accuracy of the drive's temperature reporting. There are also scattered reports of drives failing relatively quickly after purchase, suggesting inconsistent quality control.
“I just needed something cheap to get my old laptop running faster for school work, and this thing actually made a difference, even if it's tiny. I just wish I got a bigger one, already almost full!.”
Common Praise
- Installation is straightforward, and it includes a screwdriver and mounting screw.
- Provides a clear speed improvement over traditional SATA SSDs for system responsiveness.
- Runs at reasonable temperatures for many users, even under load.
- Offers a cost-effective solution for upgrading older systems.
Common Complaints
- The 256GB capacity quickly fills up with an OS and a few applications.
- Actual write speeds can be lower than advertised for higher capacity models, though the 256GB model's advertised write is 1000MB/s.
- Some users experienced drive failures shortly after purchase.
- Temperature readings from the drive are sometimes inaccurate or static.
- Lack of a dedicated DRAM cache is a concern for sustained performance.
Ownership Tips
- The drive maintains its advertised read speeds even when nearing full capacity.
- Endurance holds up for daily use over a year or more without significant life degradation.
- Can serve effectively as a secondary drive for bulk storage in systems with limited budgets.
- The included graphite sticker helps with heat, but the drive's internal temperature sensor might not be reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with the PS5?
Yes, some users have reported success using Fanxiang S500 Pro SSDs with the PS5, but verify your PS5's specific requirements for M.2 SSDs.
Does this SSD have DRAM cache?
No, the Fanxiang S500 Pro uses a controller (MaxioTech MAP1202A-F1C) that does not include a dedicated DRAM cache, instead relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB).
What are the actual read and write speeds?
The 256GB model is advertised with sequential read speeds up to 3200MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Real-world performance can vary slightly.
Is this SSD good for gaming?
It's acceptable for loading games, offering speed improvements over traditional hard drives. However, 256GB is a small capacity for many modern game installations, so it's better for a few games or as a secondary drive.
What is the warranty period for this SSD?
Fanxiang provides a 3-year quality assurance service for this product.
Does it come with mounting hardware?
Yes, the product packaging includes mounting screws and a screwdriver for installation.
Buying Guide
When looking at NVMe SSDs, you're essentially getting a super-fast storage stick that plugs directly into your motherboard. Unlike older, slower hard drives or even SATA SSDs, NVMe drives use a direct connection to your computer's processor, making everything from booting up to loading applications much quicker. This specific drive uses a PCIe Gen3x4 interface, which is fast, but not the absolute fastest available today.
Capacity (256GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold. Think of it like the size of your closet. 256GB is enough for your operating system and a few essential programs, but it fills up fast if you have many games or large files. For comparison, many modern games alone can be 50-100GB.
Interface (PCIe Gen3x4)
This describes the connection type and speed. PCIe Gen3x4 is like a four-lane highway for data, offering speeds significantly faster than a SATA connection (a two-lane road). Newer Gen4 drives are like an eight-lane highway, even faster, but require a compatible motherboard.
Read/Write Speed (Up to 3200/1000MB/s)
These numbers tell you how quickly the drive can access (read) and save (write) data. Higher numbers mean faster loading times for programs and quicker file transfers. For this drive, the read speed is quite good for Gen3, but the write speed is on the lower side, especially compared to other NVMe drives.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't quite fit your needs, consider looking for NVMe SSDs with higher capacities like 500GB or 1TB, or those that utilize the faster PCIe Gen4 interface for even quicker data transfer rates.
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