REFERENCE FILE
SSD
The cheapest instant upgrade in computing.
Storage shapes how fast the machine feels: boot, loads, transfers, scratch. We check controller quality, DRAM cache and endurance ratings.
WHAT WE CHECK
- Interface generation (Gen3/4/5)
- DRAM cache presence
- Sustained write endurance
- Thermals and throttling
- Capacity vs workload growth
EXAMPLE COMPONENTS
SSD — REFERENCE UNITS
Demo reference entries showing how PPHU ABC reads a component: specs, class, value signal, thermal behavior, upgrade position, concerns.
2 TB NVMe Gen4
CLASS: MAINSTREAM FAST · VALUE: STRONG
129 credits
CAPACITY
2 TB
INTERFACE
PCIe 4.0 x4
SEQUENTIAL READ
≈ 7,000 MB/s
DRAM CACHE
Yes
ENDURANCE
≈ 1,200 TBW
FORM FACTOR
M.2 2280
THERMAL NOTE
Use the motherboard heatsink — Gen4 controllers throttle bare.
UPGRADE POSITION
The correct default for almost every 2026 build.
CONCERNS
- · DRAM-less lookalikes at similar prices — check the exact model
1 TB NVMe Gen3
CLASS: BUDGET · VALUE: FAIR
55 credits
CAPACITY
1 TB
INTERFACE
PCIe 3.0 x4
SEQUENTIAL READ
≈ 3,400 MB/s
DRAM CACHE
Varies
ENDURANCE
≈ 600 TBW
FORM FACTOR
M.2 2280
THERMAL NOTE
Cool-running under any workload.
UPGRADE POSITION
Fine for budget builds and secondary drives.
CONCERNS
- · QLC variants collapse on sustained writes
- · 1 TB fills fast with modern games
4 TB NVMe Gen4
CLASS: CAPACITY CLASS · VALUE: FAIR
249 credits
CAPACITY
4 TB
INTERFACE
PCIe 4.0 x4
SEQUENTIAL READ
≈ 7,100 MB/s
DRAM CACHE
Yes
ENDURANCE
≈ 2,400 TBW
FORM FACTOR
M.2 2280
THERMAL NOTE
Dual-sided NAND needs heatsink contact on both sides.
UPGRADE POSITION
Single-drive simplicity for creators and big libraries.
CONCERNS
- · Per-TB premium over 2 TB
- · Verify laptop/ITX clearance for double-sided