FN501 Pro 256GB NVMe SSD - M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3 x4 Internal Solid State Drive with Graphene Cooling Sticker, Up to 3,500MB/s, SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC, Compatible with Laptop & PC Desktop
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AI Verdict
This 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD with up to 3,500MB/s read is for basic OS and light application storage in compatible systems.
The 256GB capacity and PCIe Gen3 x4 interface make this SSD a situational fit, primarily suitable for specific use cases like a fast boot drive or light application storage. While its included graphene cooling sticker helps maintain performance during sustained use, it's quickly outgrown by demanding users or those with large file storage needs.
If you need more space or faster transfers, look for an NVMe SSD with at least 500GB or 1TB capacity and a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface.
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Pros
- Offers sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s, which is at the higher end for PCIe Gen3 drives.
- Includes a graphene cooling sticker that effectively manages temperatures, keeping it around 52°C during heavy use.
- Utilizes SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC technology for improved performance and power efficiency.
- Widely compatible with most laptops and desktops featuring an M.2 slot supporting PCIe Gen3 x4.
- Some users reported the inclusion of mounting screws and a screwdriver, simplifying installation.
Cons
- The 256GB capacity is very limited for modern operating systems, multiple applications, or large game installations.
- The PCIe Gen3 x4 interface is not the latest standard, with Gen4 and Gen5 drives offering significantly faster speeds.
- Advertised write speeds (up to 2,800MB/s or 3,150MB/s) can be lower than read speeds, and sustained large file writes may drop to around 1 GB/s after the SLC cache is full.
- Not compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles.
Dimension Scores
It offers up to 3,500MB/s read and 2,800MB/s write, which is at the higher end for PCIe Gen3, but significantly slower than current Gen4 and Gen5 drives.
Users report stable performance and good temperature management with the included graphene cooling sticker, and it uses 3D NAND TLC technology.
256GB is a very limited capacity for modern operating systems, applications, and games, quickly requiring additional storage.
It uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe Gen3 x4 interface, making it widely compatible with most laptops and desktops from the last few generations.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing a fast boot drive for the operating system.
- Upgrading older laptops or desktops that have an M.2 PCIe Gen3 slot.
- Secondary storage for small, frequently accessed applications.
- Users prioritizing cost-effectiveness over maximum storage capacity.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers with extensive game libraries requiring large storage space.
- Professional video editors or content creators who handle very large files frequently.
- Systems designed for or requiring the latest PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 speeds.
- PlayStation 5 owners looking for console storage expansion.
Watch Out For
- Real-world write speeds for large, sustained file transfers might hover around 1 GB/s (1000 MB/s) after the SLC cache is exhausted, not consistently at the 'up to' 2,800-3,150MB/s advertised peak.
- The 256GB capacity fills up quickly with modern operating systems and just a few demanding applications or games.
- This drive is not compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles.
- One user reported difficulty with a single mounting screw during installation, suggesting potential minor fitment issues.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C48P4RRJ |
| Brand | Fikwot |
| Series | FN501 Pro |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.13 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Fikwot |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Flash Memory Size | 250 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | FN501 Pro |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.79 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | PCIE x 16 |
| Hard Drive Interface | PCIE x 16 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 8 Centimeters |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.79 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | M.2 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
What Buyers Say
Many users found this SSD to be a cost-effective way to speed up older systems, particularly as a boot drive, with its included graphene cooling sticker effectively managing temperatures even during heavy use. While advertised speeds are high for Gen3, real-world large file transfers might not always hit the peak, but remain consistently fast. The main limitation noted is the small 256GB capacity for current software demands.
“I needed a cheap boot drive for my old desktop and this thing totally brought it back to life, but seriously, 256GB is gone in like two games, so don't expect to store much.”
Common Praise
- Improves computer loading and boot speeds significantly, making older systems feel faster.
- The graphene cooling sticker keeps temperatures low, around 52°C, even during sustained use.
- Maintains consistent transfer speeds for large files due to a large cache, avoiding typical budget SSD slowdowns.
- Often includes mounting screws and a screwdriver, which is a nice bonus for installation.
Common Complaints
- The 256GB capacity is too small for modern games or extensive software libraries.
- It's not compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles, limiting its use for console upgrades.
- While fast for Gen3, it's still slower than newer PCIe Gen4/Gen5 drives on the market.
- One user experienced difficulty with a single mounting screw during installation.
Ownership Tips
- The graphene sticker actually works, keeping it cooler than expected during long file transfers, which is a pleasant surprise.
- You'll definitely need another drive for anything beyond your operating system and essential apps, as 256GB disappears quickly.
- Even if it doesn't hit 3500MB/s all the time, it's still way faster than any old SATA SSD you might be replacing.
- Installation is straightforward, especially with the included tools, making it accessible even for less experienced builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with my laptop?
Yes, it's widely compatible with laptops and desktops that have an M.2 slot supporting PCIe Gen3 x4.
What are the actual speeds I can expect?
You can expect sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800MB/s, though sustained large file writes might be closer to 1 GB/s.
Does it come with mounting hardware?
Some users have reported that it includes mounting screws and a screwdriver, which can be helpful for installation.
Can I use this for gaming?
It will improve game loading times compared to an HDD, but the 256GB capacity is very small for modern game installations, which often exceed 100GB each.
Does it get hot?
It includes a graphene cooling sticker, and user tests show temperatures staying well below critical levels, around 52°C during heavy use.
Is it compatible with PS5?
No, this SSD is not compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles.
Buying Guide
When picking an SSD, you're essentially choosing how fast your computer can access files and programs. An M.2 NVMe SSD like this one plugs directly into your motherboard, offering much faster speeds than older SATA drives. Think of it as upgrading from a slow country road to a multi-lane highway for your data.
Capacity (256 GB)
This is how much data you can store. 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.
Interface (PCIe Gen3 x4)
This determines the maximum speed the drive can achieve. PCIe Gen3 x4 is fast, like a high-speed train, but newer Gen4 and Gen5 are even faster, like a bullet train.
Form Factor (M.2 2280)
This is the physical size and shape of the drive. M.2 2280 is a common stick-like form factor that fits into most modern motherboards and laptops.
Speed (Up to 3,500MB/s)
This is how quickly data can be read from or written to the drive. Higher numbers mean faster boot times and quicker application loading.
Alternatives
If you need more storage for games or large media files, look for NVMe SSDs with 500GB or 1TB capacity; for cutting-edge performance, search for drives with a PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 interface.
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