Joybuy Insights

Buying a 4TB SSD: how to choose the right high-speed storage for your PC, gaming and PS5

A 4TB SSD gives you plenty of space for games, video projects, photo archives and demanding software. But a high storage capacity doesn’t automatically make it the right choice. An M.2 drive may physically fit without delivering the speed you need. And a modern PCIe 5.0 SSD could be an unnecessary expense if your motherboard only supports PCIe 4.0.

The main pitfalls are clear:

  • Looking only at MB/s: quoted sequential speeds are measured mainly under ideal conditions. For everyday gaming, load times, random read performance and system compatibility matter too.
  • Confusing M.2 with NVMe: M.2 mainly describes the form factor and connector. You should also check whether the SSD supports NVMe and PCIe.
  • Overlooking cooling: fast PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs can get hot. Without a suitable heatsink, performance may drop under sustained workloads.
  • Assuming PS5 compatibility: a 4TB internal SSD must not only be M.2 2280, but also fit within the expansion slot’s maximum dimensions. Always check Sony’s official requirements.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Interface: SATA, PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0

According to product specifications, a 4TB internal SSD with SATA III typically offers maximum speeds of around 560 MB/s for reading and 530 MB/s for writing. It’s a practical upgrade for older desktops and laptops with a 2.5-inch drive bay.

A 4TB NVMe SSD uses an M.2 connector and PCIe bus. Depending on the model, PCIe 4.0 drives can reach around 6,000 to 7,450 MB/s. A PCIe 5.0 SSD can offer read speeds of around 14,000 MB/s according to its quoted specifications, but it needs a compatible motherboard and often extra cooling.

A PCIe 5.0 drive won’t automatically run at PCIe 5.0 speeds in a PCIe 4.0 slot. It will usually work at a lower generation, but its final performance depends on your system.

2. Form factor and connector

M.2 2280 is a common form factor for desktops, many laptops and a 4TB PS5 SSD: it’s 22 millimetres wide and 80 millimetres long. Check the following before you buy:

  • whether your device has a spare M.2 slot;
  • whether the slot supports PCIe/NVMe;
  • which PCIe generation it supports;
  • whether there’s a built-in motherboard heatsink;
  • whether the drive, including its heatsink, fits within the available space.

A 2.5-inch SATA SSD, such as the Samsung 870 EVO 4TB, needs a SATA data cable and power connector. This model won’t fit in an M.2 slot.

3. Endurance, memory and cooling

As well as speed, look at TBW, which indicates the quoted number of terabytes that can be written to the SSD. It’s not a guarantee of a specific lifespan, but it is a useful comparison point for intensive use.

TLC NAND is widely used in SSDs for gaming, video editing and everyday professional use. Some models use QLC NAND. This can offer better value per gigabyte, but for large, sustained write operations, check the quoted performance and TBW.

A heatsink helps dissipate heat. For a PS5, a suitable M.2 heatsink is generally required if the SSD doesn’t already have one. If you’re using a PCIe 5.0 SSD with active cooling, make sure your PC case has enough space and airflow.

Our recommendations for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Kingston Technology 4TB NV3 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD

Kingston Technology 4TB NV3 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD

Why it suits this profile: This M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD combines 4TB of storage with quoted speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s for reading and 5,000 MB/s for writing. It’s a good fit for an affordable upgrade to a compatible PC or laptop.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The interface, M.2 2280 form factor and NVMe support are clearly specified. Just check whether your system supports PCIe 4.0.

Key benefits

4TB capacity, PCIe 4.0 x4, 3D NAND and a compact height of 2.3 mm.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe 4TB SSD

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe 4TB SSD

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for users looking for generous PCIe 4.0 storage for gaming, video editing and demanding PC tasks.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product specifications list PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe, 4GB cache and 2.4PB TBW. Integrated temperature control helps manage heat, but good ventilation is still important.

Key benefits

Quoted read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s, write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s and hardware-based AES-256 encryption.

Suitable for: Specialist uses and intensive workloads
Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD 4TB

Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD - 4TB

Why it suits this profile: This PCIe 5.0 SSD is designed for systems that support high transfer speeds and demanding workflows involving large files.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The quoted performance comes with higher power consumption and the need for a suitable PCIe 5.0 slot. Check your motherboard, BIOS and cooling before you buy.

Key benefits

According to the product specifications, speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s for reading, 13,400 MB/s for writing and 2,200K/2,600K IOPS.

Suitable for: Desktop and laptop upgrades with SATA
Samsung 870 EVO 4TB 2.5-inch SATA SSD

Samsung 870 EVO 4TB 2.5" Serial ATA III V-NAND

Why it suits this profile: This 2.5-inch SSD is suitable for systems without a spare M.2 slot but with a standard SATA connector.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The SATA III connector and 2.5-inch form factor make compatibility straightforward. Don’t expect NVMe drive speeds.

Key benefits

4TB of storage, quoted speeds of up to 560/530 MB/s and a TBW rating of 2,400 TB.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about 4TB SSDs

Is a 4TB SSD suitable for a PS5?

It can be, but check that the model is PS5-compatible, uses M.2 2280 and stays within the maximum dimensions when fitted with its heatsink. Some models, such as the Samsung 990 PRO with heatsink, are listed as PS5-compatible in their product specifications. Also check that your console has the required system software.

How long does a 4TB SSD last?

Lifespan depends on write workload, temperature, operating conditions and the type of NAND memory. Use the TBW rating as a point of comparison, but don’t treat it as an exact expiry date. Always back up important files; an SSD isn’t a substitute for a backup.

Does a fast NVMe SSD use a lot of power?

An NVMe SSD typically uses little power compared with other PC components. PCIe 5.0 models can produce more heat and use more energy than SATA or PCIe 4.0 models during sustained read and write operations. Good airflow and a suitable heatsink help keep performance stable.