Building a high-performance PC or upgrading your laptop’s storage means choosing an NVMe SSD that can keep pace with modern workloads. Whether you’re editing 4K video, loading massive game worlds, or running AI-enabled workflows, a Gen 4 NVMe drive delivers sequential read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds exceeding 6,500 MB/s.
This guide reviews five leading Gen 4 NVMe SSDs across brands like Samsung, WD, Lexar, and Crucial. We focus on real-world performance metrics, thermal management, endurance ratings, and compatibility to help you pick the right drive for your system.
Quick answer
This guide compares 5 picks, with Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe SSD: 7400MB/s PCIe Gen 4 Gaming & ranked first. WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD - 7,000 MB/s PCIe Gen4 holds the highest customer rating among them. Crucial P310 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, 7,100MB/s Read has the most customer reviews.
With 7,400MB/s read speeds, the NM790 sits at the upper tier of Gen 4 performance, ideal for users who need fast sequential transfers when working with large media files or loading demanding applications. Its single-sided design makes installation easier in compact laptops and consoles with tight clearances. The 4TB capacity provides ample space for high-performance storage needs across desktops, laptops, and PS5 systems.
Pros
- 7,400 MB/s read leads this Gen 4 roundup at the 4TB tier
- TLC NAND offers better write endurance than QLC alternatives
- Single-sided design fits slim laptops and PS5 without clearance issues
- HMB 3.0 smooths sustained transfer performance using system DRAM
Cons
- External enclosure or Thunderbolt use limits usable bandwidth to interface speeds
- Sits at a premium price tier within the Gen 4 4TB segment
Among 4TB Gen 4 contenders, the Lexar NM790 stands at the top of the speed chart with 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write, making it one of the faster drives in this field at this capacity. PCIe Gen 4 x4 connectivity over M.2 2280 covers desktops, laptops, and the PS5 expansion slot without any adapter. The TLC NAND architecture separates it from QLC-based budget alternatives, delivering better endurance for users who write large volumes of data regularly. HMB 3.0 leverages system DRAM as a cache buffer, keeping real-world transfer speeds consistent rather than spiking and dropping under sustained loads. The single-sided board design is a practical advantage in thin laptops and handheld devices where clearance on the back of the M.2 slot is tight. At 4.54 grams the drive adds no meaningful thermal or weight concern. The 5-year warranty provides baseline confidence for a long-term storage investment. Performance in external docks or Thunderbolt enclosures will be capped by interface limitations rather than the drive itself.
A strong match for PS5 owners, laptop gamers, and content creators who want Gen 4 peak throughput combined with the durability of TLC NAND at 4TB. Single-sided design makes it the right call for slim notebooks with backside clearance restrictions. Less appropriate for anyone using the drive primarily in external enclosures, where the Gen 4 speeds cannot be fully utilized.
Capacity: 4TB (4000GB)
Interface: NVMe M.2 2280
Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4
Read Speed: 7400MB/s
Write Speed: 6500MB/s
NAND Type: TLC
Endurance: 3000TBW
Cache: HMB 3.0, Dynamic SLC Cache
Form Factor: M.2 2280, single-sided
Weight: 4.54g
Compatibility: Desktop, Laptop, PlayStation 5
Warranty: 5-year limited
Model: LNM790X004T-RNNNU
The SN7100 reaches 7,000MB/s reads and 6,700MB/s writes, pushing Gen 4 limits for users who demand both fast loading and sustained write performance during intensive tasks. Its TLC 3D NAND offers durability suited to heavy workloads, while compatibility with handheld gaming devices expands its versatility beyond traditional desktops and laptops. The 4TB size accommodates expanding game collections and creative workflows.
Pros
- 7,000 MB/s read and 6,700 MB/s write among the highest in this roundup
- 2,400 TBW endurance handles heavy gaming and capture workloads long-term
- Optimized for handheld consoles, laptops, and desktops with power-efficient design
- Next-gen TLC 3D NAND provides durability advantages over QLC alternatives
Cons
- WD_BLACK Dashboard optimization software is Windows-only, limiting Mac functionality
- Real-world speed gains over slightly slower Gen 4 drives may be marginal for casual gaming
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is engineered specifically around gaming and high-throughput workloads, and its 7,000 MB/s read and 6,700 MB/s write figures reflect that focus. Next-gen TLC 3D NAND underpins a 2,400 TBW endurance rating, which is a meaningful number for drives that handle continuous game installations, streaming captures, and large asset transfers. PCIe Gen 4 x4 on M.2 2280 covers laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming consoles including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch hardware. WD claims a 35% performance improvement over the prior generation, a gap that translates into reduced level-load times and faster project saves for video workflows. The 4.54-gram weight and compact form factor make it well suited to handheld gaming devices where space and thermal overhead are constrained. Enhanced power efficiency helps preserve battery life on mobile platforms. The WD_BLACK Dashboard software adds optimization tools, though these are currently Windows-only, leaving Mac users without that feature set. At this performance tier the real-world gap versus slightly slower Gen 4 drives may be subtle in everyday gaming tasks.
Storage Capacity: 4TB
Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Read Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 6,900 MB/s
Endurance: 2,400 TBW (4TB model)
Form Factor: M.2 2280 (22mm x 80mm)
Weight: 4.54g
Warranty: 3-year limited manufacturer warranty
Compatible Devices: Laptops, desktop computers, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (all models), and other PCIe Gen4-compatible devices with M.2 2280 slots.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is specifically engineered for gaming workloads. The 7,000 MB/s read speed reduces game loading screens significantly compared to older SATA SSDs and even slower NVMe drives. This is especially noticeable in open-world games with large asset libraries.
For handheld gaming like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, the drive's optimized power efficiency prevents battery drain while maintaining peak performance. Streamers and content creators benefit from the fast write speeds when capturing high-bitrate gameplay footage or rendering projects directly to the drive.
The PCIe Gen4 interface future-proofs your investment for next-generation games and applications that will increasingly demand high-speed storage. The 2,400 TBW endurance means you can stream, capture, and game without worrying about drive wear from heavy use.
The 990 PRO achieves 7,450MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes, representing peak Gen 4 performance that benefits video editors rendering large timelines and gamers loading texture-heavy titles. These speeds translate to noticeably shorter wait times when transferring multi-gigabyte files or launching resource-intensive applications. The 4TB capacity ensures professionals and enthusiasts have sufficient headroom for demanding projects.
Pros
- Top-tier Gen 4 sequential reads of 7,450 MB/s and writes of 6,900 MB/s
- Integrated Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard prevent throttling under sustained loads
- 4TB capacity in a compact M.2 2280 form factor compatible with desktops, laptops, and PS5
- Samsung Magician software streamlines firmware updates and performance monitoring
Cons
- Full speed requires a PCIe 4.0 slot; older systems will not see the rated performance
- Premium positioning means the cost-per-GB is higher than mid-range Gen 4 alternatives
When the benchmark ceiling is the goal, the Samsung 990 PRO 4TB is the drive to beat in the Gen 4 NVMe category. Sequential reads hit 7,450 MB/s and writes reach 6,900 MB/s, placing it at the absolute top of the PCIe 4.0 performance envelope. Those numbers translate directly into shorter game load screens, faster render pipelines for video editors and 3D artists, and near-instant completion of large file transfers. What separates it from other high-speed drives is thermal staying power. The integrated Heat Spreader paired with Dynamic Thermal Guard technology keeps sustained throughput stable under back-to-back intensive workloads, so performance holds up across an entire editing session, not just the first few seconds of a benchmark run. The 4TB M.2 2280 form factor fits desktops, high-end laptops, and PlayStation 5 consoles, and Samsung Magician software handles firmware updates and optimization with minimal user input. For any workflow where raw Gen 4 speed is the primary requirement, this drive delivers without compromise.
Storage Capacity: 4TB
Interface: NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0
Form Factor: M.2 2280 (3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches)
Sequential Read Speed: Up to 7,450MB/s
Sequential Write Speed: Up to 6,900MB/s
Cache Memory: 432GB
Thermal Management: Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard
Compatibility: Desktop PCs, Laptops, PlayStation 5
Model Number: MZ-V9P4T0BW
Weight: 9 grams
Color: Black
Included Software: Samsung Magician
Buy it if you are a serious gamer, video editor, 3D artist, or data professional whose daily workload genuinely taxes storage throughput and who owns a PCIe 4.0 compatible motherboard or laptop. Skip it if your system only supports PCIe 3.0, since the drive cannot reach its rated speeds on older hardware, or if your workload is light general computing where the performance ceiling of this drive offers no meaningful benefit.
Reaching 7,100MB/s, the P310 offers robust Gen 4 throughput that accelerates boot times, application launches, and file operations for desktop and laptop users seeking tangible performance improvements. Backward compatibility means it adapts to systems still running Gen 3 interfaces while future-proofing for newer platforms. The included Acronis data recovery software adds peace of mind for users managing critical files across the 4TB capacity.
Pros
- 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds deliver true Gen 4 performance
- Backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 systems for broader platform support
- Micron G8 NAND and a five-year warranty back long-term reliability
- Bundled Acronis data recovery software simplifies migration and backup
Cons
- No integrated heatsink means thermal performance depends on system airflow quality
- Write speeds trail the top Gen 4 flagships by a noticeable margin under heavy sustained loads
The Crucial P310 4TB earns its place in a Gen 4 NVMe roundup by delivering genuine PCIe 4.0 performance without demanding flagship pricing. Reads top out at 7,100 MB/s and writes at 6,000 MB/s, figures that represent a meaningful leap over Gen 3 drives and bring faster game loading, quicker Windows startup, and accelerated work in creative applications. Built on Micron's G8 NAND, the drive carries real manufacturing credibility behind its speed claims. The M.2 2280 form factor covers the broadest range of host devices, including desktops, workstations, gaming consoles, and handheld gaming hardware, and backward compatibility means it will function in PCIe 3.0 systems as well, albeit at reduced speeds. One practical distinction from higher-end drives is thermal management: the P310 relies on system airflow rather than an onboard heatsink, so it is best suited to builds with adequate case ventilation. The bundled Acronis data recovery software and five-year warranty add useful long-term value, and 4TB of capacity gives demanding users room for large game libraries and media projects.
Capacity: 4TB
Form Factor: M.2 2280
Interface: PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Read Speed: Up to 7,100 MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 6,000 MB/s
NAND: G8 NAND
Warranty: 5-year limited
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun
Included Software: Acronis True Image, Crucial Storage Executive, 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps
Weight: 10g
Dimensions: 3.15in L x 0.92in W x 0.38in Th
A strong pick for gamers with large libraries, video editors, and handheld console owners who want genuine Gen 4 throughput and substantial capacity without paying for the absolute performance pinnacle. Also worth considering for desktop or laptop upgrades from Gen 3 storage. Skip it if your workload is light and a slower, lower-cost drive would serve equally well, or if your case has poor airflow and no provision for drive cooling.
WD Blue SN5100 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4.0 M.2 2280
The SN5100 delivers sequential reads up to 6,900MB/s over PCIe Gen 4.0, making it a solid choice for users seeking reliable Gen 4 performance without bleeding-edge complexity. Its backward compatibility ensures it works seamlessly in older systems while still providing the speed boost that defines fourth-generation NVMe technology. The 4TB capacity handles large game libraries and creative projects with room to spare.
Pros
- 6,900 MB/s read speed with full PCIe Gen 4 x4 bandwidth
- 4TB capacity fits large media libraries and project archives on one drive
- nCache 4.0 sustains performance under heavy sequential loads
- Backward compatible, fitting older PCIe Gen 3 slots at reduced speed
Cons
- Trails the fastest Gen 4 drives in this roundup by up to 500 MB/s read
- Successor model already released, which may limit future firmware support
The WD Blue SN5100 earns its place in a Gen 4 roundup by delivering 6,900 MB/s read speeds with a capacity that sets it apart from most rivals: 4TB on a single M.2 2280 stick. For users upgrading a desktop or laptop, the PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface ensures the drive is not bottlenecked by the motherboard slot, and backward compatibility means older systems can still use it at reduced speeds. Sandisk's 3D CBA NAND paired with nCache 4.0 keeps sustained performance stable rather than letting it dip under heavy sequential workloads. The Acronis True Image software bundle lowers the barrier for first-time upgraders handling large data migrations. The 5-year warranty and 5.7-gram weight make it an unobtrusive, long-commitment addition to any build. The main performance caveat within this Gen 4 field is real: at 6,900 MB/s, it trails the fastest drives here by roughly 500 MB/s. It also runs on an older design, with the Optimus 5100 already available as a successor, which could influence long-term firmware update availability.
Storage and Form Factor: 4TB capacity in M.2 2280 form factor, weighing just 5.7 grams and measuring 1.24 inches long. This compact design fits any standard NVMe slot on modern motherboards without modification.
Speed and Interface: Sequential read speeds reach 6,900MB/s via PCIe 4.0 interface with 4x lanes. This represents a solid 30% performance jump over older generation WD Blue models in lower capacities.
Memory Technology: Built on Sandisk's next-generation 3D CBA NAND flash with 4TB cache memory and nCache 4.0 optimization. This architecture ensures sustained performance during intensive operations like copying large project folders or rendering files.
Compatibility: Works with any PC or laptop featuring an available NVMe M.2 slot. Backward compatible with previous-generation systems. Supported platforms include Windows and compatible with data migration tools like Acronis True Image for seamless setup.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Gen 4 NVMe SSD
Sequential Read and Write Speeds
Gen 4 NVMe drives leverage the PCIe 4.0 interface to deliver sequential read speeds between 7,000 and 7,450 MB/s. These speeds directly impact how quickly your system boots, how fast large files transfer, and how smoothly games load textures.
Write speeds matter equally for content creators. A drive with 6,500+ MB/s write performance handles 4K video editing and large project file saves without bottlenecking your workflow. If you frequently work with uncompressed media or run virtual machines, prioritize drives with sustained write performance backed by robust cache architectures.
Thermal Management and Power Efficiency
High-speed SSDs generate heat under sustained workloads. Look for drives with integrated heat spreaders or Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to prevent thermal throttling. This becomes critical in compact builds like gaming handhelds or thin laptops where airflow is limited.
Power efficiency also matters for portable systems. Drives using HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology or next-generation NAND can deliver up to 40% lower power consumption compared to DRAM-equipped alternatives. If you’re upgrading a high-performance desktop build, thermal performance takes priority. For laptops and handhelds, balance speed with power draw to maximize battery life.
Endurance Ratings and Warranty Coverage
Total Bytes Written (TBW) measures how much data you can write to the drive before wear becomes a concern. A 4TB drive with 2,400 TBW supports years of heavy use, making it suitable for professional workflows like streaming gameplay captures or rendering 3D projects.
Most manufacturers back their drives with five-year limited warranties. This coverage signals confidence in long-term reliability. If you’re building a system with an RTX 5080 or similar high-end GPU, pairing it with a drive that matches that performance tier ensures your storage won’t become a bottleneck years into ownership.
Form Factor and Compatibility
All five drives reviewed use the M.2 2280 form factor, which fits most modern motherboards and laptops. Verify your system supports PCIe Gen 4.0 before purchasing. Gen 4 drives remain backward compatible with Gen 3 slots, but you’ll cap speeds at Gen 3 maximums (around 3,500 MB/s).
Handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go support M.2 2280 drives, making these SSDs viable upgrades for portable systems. If you’re uncertain about compatibility, consult your motherboard or device manual to confirm slot specifications and maximum supported capacity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Gen 4 NVMe SSD depends on your specific workload and system constraints. For desktop builders who prioritize raw sequential performance and endurance, the Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD, 4 TB, PCIe 4.0 delivers exceptional speeds and proven thermal management. If you need a balance of performance and value with strong power efficiency for laptops or handheld devices, the Lexar 4TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s offers competitive speeds with lower power draw. Both drives provide the responsiveness modern systems demand while supporting capacious storage for games, creative projects, and professional applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gen 4 NVMe SSDs work in PCIe Gen 3 slots?
Yes, Gen 4 drives are backward compatible with Gen 3 slots. However, speeds will be limited to Gen 3 maximums (typically around 3,500 MB/s read). You won’t damage the drive or motherboard, but you won’t access the full 7,000+ MB/s performance until you upgrade to a Gen 4-compatible system.
How much faster is Gen 4 compared to Gen 3 NVMe?
Gen 4 NVMe drives deliver approximately twice the sequential read and write speeds of Gen 3 drives. A typical Gen 3 drive peaks at 3,500 MB/s, while Gen 4 drives routinely exceed 7,000 MB/s. This translates to faster game loading, quicker file transfers, and improved responsiveness in applications that handle large datasets. For users working with 4K video or running high-core-count processors, the upgrade provides measurable workflow improvements.
What capacity should I choose for a gaming PC in 2026?
A 4TB capacity accommodates modern AAA games, which often exceed 100GB per title, while leaving room for applications and media. If you primarily play competitive multiplayer games or have a smaller library, 2TB offers a cost-effective middle ground. Content creators who store raw video footage or work with uncompressed assets benefit from the largest available capacity.
Will adding an NVMe SSD improve gaming frame rates?
NVMe SSDs reduce level load times and improve texture streaming but do not directly increase frame rates. Your GPU and CPU determine rendering performance. However, faster storage eliminates stuttering caused by asset loading in open-world games and reduces wait times between matches. Pairing a Gen 4 SSD with a capable graphics card under $500 or higher-tier GPU ensures a balanced system where storage keeps pace with rendering demands.
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