Patriot Memory P320 128GB Internal SSD - NVMe PCIe Gen 3x4 - M.2 2280 - Solid State Drive - P320P128GM28
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AI Verdict
This 128GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 2280 SSD offers up to 1600MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, best for a minimal boot drive or cache.
This 128GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD is a situational fit because its 1600MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds are a step up from SATA, but the small 128GB capacity and reported reliability issues make it suitable only for very specific, minimal use cases like a boot drive for a lightweight OS or a dedicated cache. It's not a general-purpose storage solution.
If you need more than 128GB or consistent performance under load, look for NVMe drives with larger capacities (256GB or 512GB minimum) and higher endurance ratings, possibly with DRAM cache.
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Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 1600MB/s, faster than SATA drives.
- Sequential write speeds hit up to 1000MB/s, suitable for basic tasks.
- Uses the M.2 2280 form factor, fitting most modern desktops and many laptops.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty, offering extended coverage.
- Low power consumption helps extend laptop battery life, according to the product description.
Cons
- 128GB capacity is extremely limited for modern operating systems and applications.
- Users report performance throttling under heavy, sustained workloads.
- Some users experienced high failure rates shortly after purchase.
- Lacks dedicated software for monitoring performance or managing updates.
- Real-world performance can be lower than advertised speeds during intensive use.
Dimension Scores
The sequential read of 1600MB/s and write of 1000MB/s are average for a budget PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe drive, but real-world performance can be lower due to throttling.
Despite some positive reviews, a specific user reported a 50% failure rate within a week for multiple P320 drives, raising significant concerns about long-term stability.
128GB is a very small capacity in today's computing landscape, severely limiting its utility as a primary drive for most users.
The M.2 2280 form factor and NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 interface are standard for modern systems, but older motherboards might lack NVMe support.
Best For
- Boot drive for a lightweight Linux distribution or older Windows OS.
- Cache drive for a homelab or server setup.
- Adding minimal, fast storage to an older system with an M.2 slot.
- Budget-constrained builds where only the absolute minimum storage is needed.
Not Recommended For
- Primary drive for gaming or demanding applications.
- Users requiring large storage for files, photos, or videos.
- Systems where sustained high-speed writes are critical.
- Anyone needing robust software utilities for drive management.
Watch Out For
- Expect performance to drop below 1600MB/s read and 1000MB/s write during prolonged data transfers due to thermal throttling.
- A Reddit user reported a 50% failure rate within a week for multiple 512GB P320 drives, experiencing IO errors and mounting issues.
- Compatibility might be an issue with older motherboards that lack NVMe support, despite the M.2 slot.
- The drive's controller and NAND components are often a 'mystery,' leading to inconsistent performance expectations.
- Build quality concerns have been raised, with materials feeling cheap and durability questioned.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D4RD18YV |
| Brand | Patriot Memory |
| Color | Black |
| Series | P320P128GM28 26900932 |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.352 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Patriot Memory |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Flash Memory Size | 128 GB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | P320P128GM28 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.87 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.87 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
What Buyers Say
The most concerning feedback for this drive is a specific report of a 50% failure rate within a week for multiple 512GB P320 units, with drives throwing IO errors and failing to mount. While some users found it to work 'perfectly fine' for basic tasks like booting Linux quickly, others noted that its advertised speeds don't hold up under heavy workloads due to throttling. There are also mentions of the drive's internal components being 'mystery' controllers and NAND, which can lead to unpredictable performance.
“Man, I just needed a cheap boot drive for my old PC, and this thing died on me in like a week. What a waste of time and effort, seriously.”
Common Praise
- Boots Linux operating systems quickly.
- Provides faster startup and loading times compared to traditional hard drives.
- Works without issues for basic system functions after initial setup.
- Fits easily into M.2 2280 slots in both desktops and laptops.
Common Complaints
- Experiences performance throttling during sustained heavy writes.
- Multiple units failed within a week of use for one user, showing IO errors.
- Lacks dedicated software for monitoring drive health or performance.
- Build materials feel cheap, raising concerns about durability.
- Actual performance can be lower than benchmark results in real-world scenarios.
Ownership Tips
- The drive can run hotter than expected under load, potentially leading to throttling if not in a well-ventilated system.
- Actual usable capacity is slightly less than 128GB, as with all storage devices.
- Performance can feel inconsistent, with quick bursts followed by noticeable slowdowns during larger file transfers.
- The lack of monitoring software means you're flying blind on drive health and temperature.
- Reinstalling the OS or moving large files frequently might expose its performance limitations quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this SSD work in my laptop?
Yes, if your laptop has an M.2 2280 slot that supports NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 drives. The compact M.2 form factor is designed for easy installation in both PCs and laptops.
What kind of speeds can I expect?
You can expect sequential read speeds up to 1600MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 1000MB/s. However, during heavy, sustained use, performance may throttle and drop below these peak numbers.
Is this SSD good for gaming?
No, the 128GB capacity is too small for most modern games, and reported performance throttling under load makes it unsuitable for a primary gaming drive.
Does it come with a heatsink?
No, this SSD does not include a heatsink. Its low power consumption is advertised to help with laptop battery life, suggesting it's designed to run without additional cooling.
What is the warranty period for this drive?
The Patriot Memory P320 comes with a 5-year warranty.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. Don't just look at the big 'up to' speed numbers, because those are often best-case scenarios. For a 128GB drive, you're probably not storing your entire game library, so focus on how it handles your operating system and a few essential programs. The smaller the drive, the more critical its sustained performance becomes, as you'll hit its limits faster.
Capacity (128GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold. 128GB is tiny for today's standards; think of it like a small cup for water. It's enough for a basic operating system and maybe one or two small applications, but you'll quickly run out of space for games, photos, or videos.
Sequential Read/Write (1600MB/s / 1000MB/s)
These numbers tell you how fast the drive can read or write large, continuous files, like copying a big movie. Imagine it as the top speed of a highway. While these numbers are faster than older SATA drives, they're not the whole story, as real-world performance can be lower.
NVMe PCIe Gen 3x4
This is the type of connection the SSD uses. PCIe Gen 3x4 is like a multi-lane highway for data, much faster than a single-lane road (SATA). NVMe is the protocol that lets data zoom across this highway efficiently, making your computer feel snappier than with older SSDs.
Alternatives
If 128GB isn't enough or you need more consistent performance, look for NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 SSDs with 256GB or 512GB capacity, and check for reviews mentioning sustained write performance and the presence of a DRAM cache.
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