Silicon Power 2TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD R/W up to 5,000/4,800 MB/s (SP02KGBP44UD9005)
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AI Verdict
This 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe 4.0 SSD delivers 5,000/4,800 MB/s sequential R/W, making it a budget-friendly option for secondary storage or gaming, but it uses QLC NAND and is DRAM-less.
This 2TB M.2 NVMe 4.0 SSD is a situational fit because its 5,000/4,800 MB/s speeds are great for the price, but the QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean it's best for specific tasks like gaming or secondary storage. It's not built for heavy, sustained write workloads that demand consistent performance.
If you need an SSD for your primary operating system or for professional tasks involving frequent large file transfers, look for drives with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache.
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Pros
- Achieves sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s on PCIe 4.0 slots.
- Offers 2 TB of storage capacity, which is ample for large game libraries or bulk data.
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing extended coverage.
- Includes support for SLC Caching to improve burst performance.
- Features LDPC coding and E2E data protection for data integrity.
- Compatible with gaming consoles and laptops, expanding its usability.
Cons
- Utilizes QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND for the 2TB and 4TB versions, which can lead to reduced endurance and slower sustained write speeds after the SLC cache is filled.
- Operates without a dedicated DRAM cache, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB), which can impact performance in heavy, sustained workloads.
- Some users report concerns about heat generation, suggesting the need for a heatsink for optimal performance.
- There are reports of component lottery, with some units featuring a Realtek RTS5772 controller instead of the Phison PS5021-E21T.
Dimension Scores
The drive achieves sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s, which is competitive for a budget PCIe 4.0 SSD.
It comes with a 5-year warranty and features LDPC coding and E2E data protection, but the use of QLC NAND and a DRAM-less design raises concerns for long-term endurance and sustained heavy use.
A 2TB capacity is a sweet spot for many users, providing ample space for operating systems, applications, and a substantial game library.
The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe 4.0 x4 interface make it widely compatible with modern motherboards, laptops, and gaming consoles like the PS5.
Best For
- Expanding game libraries on a PC or compatible gaming console.
- Secondary storage for large files where sustained write performance isn't critical.
- Budget-conscious users looking for PCIe 4.0 speeds for general use.
- Upgrading older systems with PCIe 4.0 support for faster boot times and application loading.
Not Recommended For
- Primary operating system drive for users with heavy multitasking or frequent large file transfers.
- Professional video editing or other workloads requiring consistent, high sustained write performance.
- Users who prioritize maximum drive endurance and long-term performance stability under heavy load.
Watch Out For
- The 2TB and 4TB versions use QLC NAND, which has lower write endurance (1200 TBW for 2TB) compared to TLC drives, potentially shortening its lifespan with heavy write cycles.
- Some users have reported the drive running hot, indicating that a heatsink might be necessary to prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance.
- There's a reported 'component lottery' where some units might ship with a Realtek RTS5772 controller and Intel QLC NAND, differing from the expected Phison E21T controller.
- Being a DRAM-less drive, its performance can degrade significantly during sustained, heavy write operations once the SLC cache is exhausted.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B996CJ64 |
| Brand | SP Silicon Power |
| Color | 2TB |
| Series | SP02KGBP44UD9005 |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.282 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SP Silicon Power |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SP02KGBP44UD9005AY |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.86 x 0.14 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.86 x 0.14 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVME |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
What Buyers Say
This Silicon Power UD90 SSD often gets a nod for its price, especially when it's on sale, but you gotta know what you're getting into with the QLC NAND and DRAM-less setup. People are generally happy with its speed for gaming and as a secondary drive, saying games load fast. However, there's chatter about it potentially running hot, so a heatsink is a common recommendation. Some folks also mention a 'component lottery' where the controller might vary, which is a bit of a gamble. It's definitely not the top pick if you're constantly moving huge files around or want it as your main OS drive for heavy tasks.
“Look, for the money, this thing flies for my games, but I'm definitely slapping a heatsink on it 'cause I heard it can get toasty, and I'm not trusting my OS to QLC, ya know?”
Common Praise
- Provides fast boot times for games and applications.
- Offers a significant amount of storage (2TB) for its price point.
- Easy to install in compatible systems.
- Performs well for general use and gaming, matching more expensive options in some scenarios.
Common Complaints
- Uses QLC NAND, which some users find less desirable for endurance and sustained performance.
- Concerns about the drive's operating temperature, suggesting a heatsink is needed.
- Being DRAM-less, it might not handle very heavy, sustained write operations as efficiently as drives with DRAM.
- Reports of different controllers (e.g., Realtek instead of Phison) being used in some units.
Ownership Tips
- Performance for gaming and general file access holds up well, even after weeks of use.
- The drive can indeed run warm under load, making a heatsink a practical addition for peace of mind.
- While fast for reads, sustained large file writes can see a performance drop once the SLC cache is full.
- It's a solid choice for expanding storage in a PS5, offering good value and meeting speed requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD suitable for a PlayStation 5?
Yes, this SSD is compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5, offering 2TB of storage and sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, which meets the PS5's requirements.
What is QLC NAND and how does it affect performance?
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND stores four bits per cell, allowing for higher capacity at a lower cost. However, it generally has lower endurance and can experience slower sustained write speeds compared to TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND, especially after its SLC cache is full.
Does this SSD require a heatsink?
While it doesn't come with one, some users have expressed concerns about the drive running hot, particularly under load. Adding a heatsink is recommended to help maintain optimal performance and prevent thermal throttling.
Can I use this as my main boot drive?
You can, but due to its DRAM-less design and QLC NAND, it's generally better suited as a secondary drive for games or bulk storage. For a primary OS drive with heavy usage, a TLC drive with DRAM would offer more consistent performance.
What does 'DRAM-less' mean for an SSD?
A DRAM-less SSD doesn't have a dedicated DRAM chip for its mapping table. Instead, it uses a portion of your system's RAM (Host Memory Buffer or HMB) for this purpose. This reduces cost but can lead to performance dips, especially with many small file operations.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD like this, you're basically buying speed and storage. NVMe means it's super fast because it talks directly to your computer's brain (the CPU) over a special lane called PCIe. The 'Gen4' part means it's the fourth generation of that lane, so it's twice as fast as Gen3. But not all fast SSDs are built the same. You need to think about what you're actually going to do with it.
Capacity (2TB)
This is how much stuff you can store. Think of it like the size of your closet. 2TB is a pretty big closet, enough for tons of games, movies, or work files without constantly deleting things.
Sequential Read/Write Speed (5,000/4,800 MB/s)
These numbers tell you how fast the SSD can read and write large, continuous files. Imagine it as how quickly a big truck can drive on a highway. Higher numbers mean faster loading times for games and quicker transfers of big video files.
NAND Type (QLC)
This refers to the type of memory cells used. QLC is like having a really efficient, but slightly less durable, storage unit. It's cheaper to make, so you get more storage for your money, but it might not last as long or perform as consistently under constant, heavy writing as other types like TLC.
DRAM-less
DRAM is like a quick-reference index card system for your SSD. Without it, the SSD has to use a bit of your computer's main memory (RAM) instead. This saves money but can make the SSD a bit slower when it's juggling lots of small files or doing many things at once, like when your operating system is running.
Alternatives
If this doesn't quite fit, look for NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache for better sustained performance and endurance, especially if it's for your main operating system drive or heavy professional use.
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