by 280 reviews.
PNY XLR8 CS3140 4TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 x4 SSD Review: A Speed Demon for Gamers and Professionals
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 4TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) is a powerhouse designed for gamers, PC enthusiasts, and professionals who demand top-tier performance. With blazing-fast speeds of up to 7,500MB/s sequential read and 6,850MB/s sequential write, this SSD is a game-changer for high-end gaming, intensive workloads, and large file transfers.
Its NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 interface ensures low latency and exceptional performance, making it a significant upgrade over traditional SATA-based SSDs. Whether you're booting up your system, launching applications, or expanding your PS5 storage, the PNY XLR8 CS3140 delivers unmatched speed and reliability.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance: Lightning-Fast Speeds
One of the standout features of the PNY XLR8 CS3140 is its incredible speed. Customers have praised its ability to outperform competitors like the Samsung 980, with one reviewer noting speeds of 6,310MB/s compared to Samsung's 5,550-5,700MB/s.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds for gaming and professional applications.
- Noticeable improvement in loading times for PS5 games.
- Outperforms many competitors in its price range.
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Cons:
- While the speed difference is impressive, some users noted that the real-world impact on load times is minimal compared to other high-speed SSDs.
Compatibility: Perfect for PS5 and PC Builds
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 is a versatile SSD that works seamlessly with both PCIe Gen4-enabled systems and PCIe Gen3 x4 motherboards (albeit at reduced speeds). It’s also a popular choice for expanding PS5 storage, with many users reporting smooth installation and improved performance.
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Pros:
- Easy installation on PS5 with a compatible heatsink.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with modern PC builds.
- Ideal for storing large game libraries and high-resolution media files.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation, which adds to the overall cost.
Durability and Reliability: Built to Last
PNY is known for its reliable storage solutions, and the XLR8 CS3140 is no exception. Built on a Phison reference design, this SSD offers consistent performance and durability. Customers have reported zero issues with heat, speed, or capacity, even after extended use.
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Pros:
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty and US-based technical support.
- Reliable performance with no reported failures or issues.
- Optional integrated heatsink ensures improved thermal performance.
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Cons:
- Some users noted that the heatsink is not included, which could be a drawback for those unfamiliar with SSD installations.
Value for Money: A Competitive Price Point
At its price point, the PNY XLR8 CS3140 offers excellent value for money, especially for a 4TB SSD. Many customers purchased it during sales, making it an even more attractive option compared to pricier competitors like Samsung.
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Pros:
- Affordable for a high-capacity, high-speed SSD.
- Competitive pricing during sales events.
- Great alternative to more expensive brands without compromising on performance.
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Cons:
- While competitively priced, it’s still a significant investment for casual users.
Conclusion: Is the PNY XLR8 CS3140 Worth It?
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 4TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 x4 SSD is a top-tier storage solution that delivers on its promises of speed, reliability, and performance. Whether you're a gamer looking to expand your PS5 storage or a professional needing fast, reliable storage for demanding applications, this SSD is a fantastic choice.
Strengths:
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds.
- Easy installation and compatibility with PS5 and modern PCs.
- Reliable performance backed by a 5-year warranty.
Weaknesses:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 use.
- Real-world speed improvements may be minimal compared to other high-end SSDs.
Final Verdict: If you’re in the market for a high-capacity, high-speed SSD, the PNY XLR8 CS3140 is a no-brainer. Its combination of performance, reliability, and value makes it a standout choice for gamers and professionals alike.
Specification PNY M280CS3140-4TB-RB XLR8 M.2 NVMe Gen4 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD):
Comments from Amazon:
PNY sells what are essentially reference Phison designs, and at a very reasonable price, with very good quality. I've been buying PNY storage parts for years—pretty much for any system I'm going to sit in front of—and I'm always happy with the performance, price, and reliability. This SSD is no exception. I've had zero problems with speed, heat, or capacity. It's terrific that 4TB at this speed is available for such a reasonable price. And because it's a standard Phison design, with no OEM funny business or stupid add-on junk in the firmware, and manufactured by one of the best in the business, it's reliable and trustworthy. There are other companies on my shortlist (Silicon Power is also very competitive on price and quality) but PNY is always my first choice. And for a big, juicy SSD like this? It's a no-brainer. Easy install, smooth and seamless performance.
Really good in tiptop condition ssd even though it is used like new will recommend
If you have even a small amount of experience upgrading computer parts you'll get this installed in less than 10 minutes with a heat sink. Speeds are faster than the Samsung 980, which most people like. Samsung reviews show it around 5550-5700 MB/s This PNY shows at 6310 MB/s Admittedly there won't be much of a difference in load speeds when it's already this fast. But it's nice since I got the PNY on sale for less than the Samsung. Will update in the future if there are any issues. 06/2024: it's the future - absolutely 0 issues. Still love it. Worth every penny
These drives are FAST 7300mbs. Reliable. Great price. I have used several without issue. Love these drives.
The SSD has been working great in my 13700k build with a Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard. It was plug and play and didn't require any special configuration.
Easy install on pS5. Noticable speed difference in loading games. Love having storage for more games.
Great SSD with 4TB. It works great on the PS5. I installed it on my PS5 and it has been amazing. No longer do I have to worry about managing video games such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, or Grand Theft Auto 5 which all are above 70 GB. The standard internal PS5 has 500 GB of memory. With 4 TB, this SSD has all the memory I will ever need for PS5 games. No longer do I have to constantly Uninstaller and reinstall video games to manage the amount possible by the standard internal memory. The speeds it offers for an SSD drives have met all expectations for the PS5. Matter of fact, loading times for games have improved. So far I am extremely happy with this purchase and would recommend it for anyone looking for an SSD to add to the PS5. The product is worth it. I was lucky enough to purchase it during an Amazon Daily sale. For a 4TB SSD it has good speed in comparison to other 4TB SSD products. I am now thinking about getting another for my laptop. All in all, if you are looking to expand the amount of memory for your Playstation 5, this one is a winner. Note: If it is being purchased for use on the Playstation 5, a (separate product) heatsink that fits into the PS5 expansion bay along with this excellent Solid State Drive is required. Amazon offers an excellent selection.