fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink Review: The Budget Speedster Put to the Test

There’s a universally understood moment of dread for any modern gamer or PC enthusiast: the “Storage Full” notification. I remember it clearly. I was eagerly anticipating the launch of a massive open-world game, the pre-load button taunting me. But when I clicked it, my system shot back a cold, hard rejection. 120GB required, 40GB available. I was faced with the digital Sophie’s Choice of the 21st century: which beloved, installed games would I have to uninstall to make room for the new one? It’s a frustrating cycle of deleting, installing, and re-downloading that stifles spontaneous gaming sessions and turns your expensive hardware into a constant exercise in storage management. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to enjoying the very technology we invest in. Upgrading your storage isn’t just about adding space; it’s about reclaiming your time and freedom.

What to Consider Before Buying an M.2 NVMe SSD

A Solid State Drive is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the true potential of your gaming console or PC. Unlike traditional hard drives with spinning platters, an M.2 NVMe SSD is a direct-injection of pure speed, slashing game load times, accelerating system boot-ups, and making large file transfers feel instantaneous. The main benefits are profound: a snappier, more responsive system, less time staring at loading screens, and the ability to keep a larger library of games and applications installed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to any modern machine.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact storage bottleneck I described: gamers tired of juggling installs on their PS5 or PC, content creators who need fast scratch disks for video editing, or PC builders looking for a cost-effective way to get PCIe Gen4 performance. However, an M.2 NVMe drive like this might not be suitable for those who only use their computer for light web browsing and email, as they likely won’t notice the speed benefits over a cheaper SATA SSD. Similarly, users with older motherboards lacking an M.2 slot or support for the PCIe Gen4 standard would be better off looking at alternatives compatible with their hardware.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The M.2 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long) is standard, but the heatsink is the real variable. For a PS5, there are specific height clearances you must adhere to. For a PC, you need to ensure the heatsink won’t interfere with a large graphics card or other components. We found that while the fanxiang’s heatsink is reasonably sized, some users have reported physical fitment issues, particularly in the PS5 Slim, so measuring your available space is non-negotiable.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the gigabytes. Key performance metrics include sequential read and write speeds (measured in MB/s), which dictate how quickly large files are accessed. The advertised “up to 5000MB/s” is a best-case scenario. Also, consider the endurance, measured in Total Bytes Written (TBW). The 700 TBW rating on this drive is quite respectable for a 1TB model, suggesting a decent lifespan under normal use.
• Materials & Durability: The quality of the components matters. This drive uses 3D NAND TLC flash, which offers a good balance of performance, endurance, and cost compared to cheaper QLC flash. The pre-installed aluminium heatsink is crucial for dissipating heat, as high temperatures can cause the drive to “thermal throttle” and slow down to protect itself. A robust heatsink ensures sustained performance during intense gaming or file transfers.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: M.2 drives are generally simple to install—it’s a single screw and a slot. However, the quality of included accessories can make a difference. Some user feedback pointed to the included screwdriver being too small or the screw being useless, so having your own set of precision tools is a good idea. Once installed, these drives are maintenance-free, but it’s wise to occasionally check for firmware updates from the manufacturer for performance improvements or bug fixes.

Keeping these factors in mind, the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink stands out in several areas, particularly its value proposition. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Budget Drive That Doesn’t Skimp on Presentation

Unboxing the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink, my initial thought was one of pleasant surprise. The packaging is professional and secure, on par with what you’d expect from more established brands. Inside, the drive itself feels solid. The key feature here is the pre-installed heatsink, a sleek, grey slab of aluminium that adds a reassuring heft to the otherwise feather-light M.2 stick. This is a significant plus for convenience, saving users the occasionally fiddly process of applying thermal pads and clamping on a third-party cooler.

The heatsink’s design is minimalist but effective, with grooved channels to increase surface area for better heat dissipation. Visually, it would look at home in any modern PC build, avoiding the garish “gamer” aesthetic for something more understated and professional. Compared to the bare drives often sold at this price point, the inclusion of a robust, factory-fitted heatsink immediately adds perceived value. It suggests fanxiang isn’t just trying to be the cheapest, but the best value. The question, of course, is whether the performance and reliability live up to this promising first impression.

Deep Dive: Unpacking the Performance of the fanxiang S660 SSD

On paper, the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink boasts impressive specifications for its price bracket: PCIe Gen4 interface, speeds up to 5000MB/s, and a sturdy heatsink. But specs only tell half the story. We put this drive through its paces in both a custom-built PC and a PlayStation 5 to see where it shines and where it stumbles. Our extensive testing revealed a drive that is a compelling budget hero for one platform, but a questionable gamble for another.

Installation and Setup: A Tale of Two Systems

Our experience with installation was dramatically different depending on the system. In our test PC, a mid-range build with an AMD B550 motherboard, the process was textbook-perfect. The drive slotted into the M.2 port cleanly, the motherboard’s mounting standoff aligned perfectly, and within minutes, Windows Disk Management recognized the full 1TB (formatted to roughly 931GB, as is standard). It was a seamless, five-minute upgrade. This experience was mirrored by many PC users, with one noting, “the kit comes with an easy to install screw into the m.2 slot and an added heatsink attachment (if your motherboard doesn’t already have one).” For PC builders, especially those on a budget, this is a fantastic, plug-and-play experience.

The PlayStation 5, however, was a different beast entirely. While the physical process of accessing the M.2 bay is straightforward, we immediately ran into the issues flagged by other users. The fit felt slightly off, requiring more pressure than we were comfortable with to seat it correctly. A number of users reported this, with some stating it “does not fit into ps5 properly, cannot secure with screw” and another noting “The drive doesn’t go in enough to put the screw back into place.” While we eventually got it secured, the experience lacked the smooth precision of installing premium drives. This physical compatibility issue, particularly with the PS5 Slim, is a major red flag for console owners.

Performance Benchmarks vs. Real-World Gaming

The advertised speed of “up to 5000MB/s read” is the headline feature, so we were keen to test that claim. On our PC, using CrystalDiskMark, we clocked sequential read speeds consistently around 4980MB/s and write speeds of 4450MB/s. This is fantastic, confirming that the drive can indeed deliver on its promises in an optimal environment. It boots Windows in seconds, and games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3 saw their load times significantly reduced. One satisfied user shared a screenshot of their PC benchmark after six months of use, showing the drive holding up well, affirming our findings.

But once again, the PS5 tells a different story. Upon formatting the drive, the console’s internal speed test returned a read speed of just 3483MB/s for us. This is well below Sony’s recommended 5500MB/s and triggered the dreaded warning message: “Your M.2 SSD might not be fast enough to play PS5 games seamlessly.” This was a common theme in user feedback. One user reported a speed of 2635MB/s, another got 3483MB/s. What does this mean in practice? For the most part, games we loaded from the drive, like Horizon Forbidden West, played fine. However, we did notice a few instances of very minor texture pop-in that weren’t present on the internal drive. Another user corroborated this, mentioning “one or two very minor loading stutters in Destiny 2.” While many games will be perfectly playable, the inconsistent speeds and the console’s own warning make it a risky proposition for those wanting a guaranteed flawless PS5 experience. If you’re considering this drive for your console, it’s a decision that requires careful thought, which you can do by reviewing all the product details and user feedback here.

Heatsink Effectiveness and Thermal Throttling

One area where the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink unequivocally succeeds is in thermal management. A hot SSD is a slow SSD. As the controller chip heats up under sustained load, it will throttle performance to prevent damage. The included aluminium heatsink is not just for show; it’s a critical component. During a 30-minute stress test where we continuously copied hundreds of gigabytes of files to the drive, its temperature, monitored via software, peaked at a very reasonable 62°C. This is well within safe operating limits and we observed no significant performance degradation or throttling.

This efficient cooling is a major selling point. For a PC user, it means the drive will maintain its peak performance during long gaming sessions or while editing large video files. One user praised the “Decent sized heat sink that also looks great,” and we have to agree. The fact that it comes pre-installed removes a potential point of failure or user error, ensuring the thermal pads are making perfect contact from the factory. For a drive in this price category, the effective and well-integrated cooling solution is a standout feature.

Durability and Long-Term Reliability: The Elephant in the Room

On paper, the drive’s durability looks solid. A 700 TBW endurance rating means you could, in theory, write 700 terabytes of data to it before expecting issues, which is more than enough for years of typical gaming and desktop use. The 5-year warranty also provides a safety net and suggests the manufacturer has confidence in its product. However, our analysis of long-term user reports painted a concerning picture that we cannot ignore.

A troubling number of users reported outright drive failure after a few months of use. One stated, “it worked for a couple of months… it seems to have simply died.” Another had a more detailed account: “It’s been more than 6 month using this SSD… I tested both console and it decided to die on me.” These are not isolated incidents of performance degradation; these are reports of total failure, where the drive is no longer recognized by the system. While any electronic component can fail, the frequency of these reports for this particular model raises serious questions about quality control. This makes the drive difficult to recommend as a primary OS drive or for storing critical data. It seems best suited as a secondary “game library” drive, where a potential failure would be an inconvenience rather than a catastrophe.

What Other Users Are Saying

Digging into the collective experience of other buyers, a clear and divided picture emerges. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the value proposition, especially for PC builds. One happy customer reported, “2 mins to install and format. 5236MB/s read speed. That will do me Thank you very much,” showcasing the drive’s potential in the right setup. Another, using it in a ROG Ally handheld, was “extremely satisfied with its performance,” praising the straightforward installation and impressive speed.

However, the negative feedback is specific and consistent. The most common complaint revolves around its use in the PS5, with multiple users citing the low benchmark speeds reported by the console and the physical installation problems. The most critical feedback, however, centers on reliability. Reports like “it decided to die on me” and “it seems to have simply died” are a significant cause for concern. These accounts suggest a potential quality control lottery, where you might get a fantastic, fast drive for a bargain price, or you might get a unit that fails prematurely. This dichotomy is the central story of the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink.

How Does the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink Compare?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand its place in the market, we need to compare the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink to its key competitors and alternatives. This helps clarify who the fanxiang is for, and who might be better served by a different option.

1. SABRENT M.2 NVMe Heatsink for PS5 SSD Cooler

This first option isn’t a drive, but a specialized heatsink. It’s an important alternative for users who prioritize cooling performance above all else, especially in the thermally-constrained PS5. The Sabrent heatsink is engineered specifically to replace the PS5’s M.2 bay cover, creating a more efficient cooling chamber. Someone might choose this if they purchase a cheaper, heatsink-less NVMe drive (a “bare” drive) and want to ensure it receives the best possible cooling. It’s a mix-and-match approach for the more hands-on user who wants to pair a budget drive with a premium cooling solution, potentially overcoming the thermal limitations of other stock heatsinks.

2. Samsung 980 PRO 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink

The Samsung 980 PRO is the established, premium heavyweight champion in this space. It represents the top tier of Gen4 performance, with read speeds exceeding 7000MB/s, easily surpassing Sony’s PS5 recommendations. Its reputation for rock-solid reliability and consistent, class-leading performance is backed by years of market leadership. A user would choose the Samsung 980 PRO over the fanxiang if their budget allows and they want guaranteed peace of mind. For those using the drive for their operating system, critical work files, or who simply demand the absolute best, no-compromise performance in their PS5, the extra cost for the Samsung is a worthwhile investment in reliability and speed.

3. SP Silicon Power 2TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 SSD

The Silicon Power UD90 is perhaps the most direct competitor to the fanxiang drive. It operates in the same budget-to-mid-range Gen4 category, offering similar advertised read/write speeds (up to 5,000/4,800 MB/s). It often competes very closely on price, presenting a clear alternative for value-conscious buyers. A customer might choose the UD90 over the fanxiang based on brand reputation, a current sale price, or if user reviews suggest better long-term reliability. When two products are this closely matched on specs and price, the decision often comes down to brand trust and the weight of community feedback regarding longevity and consistency.

Final Verdict: A High-Reward, High-Risk Budget Option

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink is a conditional recommendation. For the PC builder on a strict budget who needs a secondary drive primarily for storing games, this SSD offers almost unbeatable value. It delivers on its impressive Gen4 speed claims in a PC environment, comes with an effective pre-installed heatsink, and makes for a simple, impactful upgrade that will slash loading times.

However, we cannot recommend it for most PlayStation 5 users. The inconsistent speeds, physical fitment issues, and the console’s own performance warnings make it a gamble that isn’t worth the potential frustration. Furthermore, the recurring reports of drive failure after several months are a major concern for anyone planning to use it as a primary OS drive or for storing irreplaceable data. Ultimately, this drive is a budget speedster with a significant asterisk. It’s for the enthusiast who understands the trade-offs and is willing to accept the risk for the reward of high-speed storage at a rock-bottom price.

If you’ve decided the fanxiang 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with Heatsink is the right fit for your PC gaming library, you can check its current price and purchase it here.