Quick Summary
Top M.2 NVMe SSD for Internal or External Storage
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 is a defined NVMe SSD with top speeds and great overall performance. It is perfect for intensive tasks and editing for professional photographers and filmmakers.
5 out of 5
In this review, we take a closer look at the PNY XLR8 CS3140, a high-performance Gen4 PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD boasting blazing-fast speeds of up to 7500MB/s. We put it to the test to see if it delivers on its promises and how it stacks up against other top-tier SSDs in real-world performance.
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Table of Contents
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
✔ High Performance: With sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,850 MB/s, the CS3140 offers excellent performance for data-intensive tasks.
✔ Quality Components: Utilizes the Phison PS5018-E18 controller and 96-layer TLC NAND flash from Micron, known for reliable performance.
✔ DRAM Cache: Equipped with a DDR4-2666 DRAM cache, enhancing data access speeds.
✔ Optional Heatsink: Available with an extruded aluminum heatsink, aiding in thermal management and preventing performance throttle.
Cons ❌
✖ Limited Write Speeds in Lower Capacities: The 1TB variant exhibits lower write speeds compared to higher-capacity models.
✖ Heatsink Not Included: The optional heatsink is a separate purchase, which may be necessary for optimal thermal performance.
Product Specifications
Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD
Storage Capacity: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants
Sequential Read Speed: Up to 7,500 MB/s
Sequential Write Speed:
- 1TB model: Up to 5,650 MB/s
- 2TB and 4TB models: Up to 6,850 MB/s
Form Factor: M.2 2280
NAND Flash: 3D TLC NAND
Controller: Phison PS5018-E18
DRAM Cache: DDR4
Endurance (TBW):
- 1TB model: 700 TBW
- 2TB model: 1,400 TBW
- 4TB model: 3,000 TBW
Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty or TBW, whichever comes first
Additional Features:
- Optional integrated extruded aluminum heatsink for improved thermal performance
- Low power consumption with cool and quiet operation
Key Features and Benefits
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 NVMe SSD offers several key benefits for photographers and filmmakers:
1. High-Speed Data Transfer: With sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,850 MB/s, the CS3140 significantly reduces the time needed to transfer large files, such as high-resolution photos and 4K/8K videos, enhancing workflow efficiency.
2. Efficient Editing Performance: The rapid data access speeds facilitate smoother performance in editing software, allowing for seamless playback and real-time editing of high-resolution content without lag or delays.
3. Enhanced System Responsiveness: The CS3140 enables quick boot-up times and swift application launches, minimizing downtime and allowing creative professionals to focus more on their projects.
4. High Endurance and Reliability: Designed to withstand extensive read and write operations, the CS3140 offers durability essential for professionals handling large volumes of data regularly.
5. Optional Thermal Management: The availability of an integrated extruded aluminum heatsink helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring consistent performance during intensive tasks.
Incorporating the PNY XLR8 CS3140 into a creative workflow can lead to more efficient data management, faster project turnaround times, and an overall enhanced editing experience for photographers and filmmakers.
Design and Build Quality
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD is designed for high performance and versatility:
Form Factor: It utilizes the M.2 2280 form factor, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of desktops and laptops.
Heatsink Options: The SSD is available in two versions:
Non-Heatsink Version: Ideal for systems with space constraints, this version omits a heatsink.
Heatsink Version: Features a 45-gram extruded aluminum heatsink with eight vertical fins to enhance heat dissipation during intensive workloads.
Aesthetics: The SSD boasts a sleek black design with XLR8 branding, providing a modern look that complements various system builds.
This combination of thoughtful design and quality components ensures that the PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD delivers both reliable performance and a visually appealing presence in your system.
Performance & Speed
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD delivers high-speed performance suitable for demanding applications:
Sequential Read/Write Speeds: The 1TB variant achieves sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,650 MB/s. The 2TB and 4TB models offer write speeds up to 6,850 MB/s.
Real-World Performance: In practical tests, the 1TB model sustained read and write speeds around 7,000 MB/s, aligning with advertised speeds.
Random Read/Write Latency: Random write latency is commendable, while random read latency is higher compared to some competitors, with the 2TB model performing better than the 1TB version in this regard.
Overall, the PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD offers robust sequential speeds and reliable performance for intensive tasks.
Storage Capacity
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds across its available capacities:
1TB Model: Sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,650 MB/s.
2TB Model: Sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,850 MB/s.
4TB Model: Sequential read speeds up to 7,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,850 MB/s.
These high-speed capabilities ensure rapid data access and efficient performance for demanding applications, gaming, and intensive workloads.
External Storage
M.2 NVMe SSDs like the PNY XLR8 Gaming CS3140 can be installed in SSD enclosures like the Acasis Thunderbolt 4 or 5 M.2 NVMe Enclosure, allowing you to fully unlock their ultra-fast performance.
This setup leverages Thunderbolt 4/5 protocols to deliver data transfer speeds that may even surpass those of your internal SSD.
How it works:
Thunderbolt 4 provides 40Gbps of data transfer bandwidth, while Thunderbolt 5 ramps that up to 80Gbps, offering double the speed.
PCIe Gen4 speeds on the PNY XLR8 CS3140 SSD can reach 7,500 MB/s, allowing external storage to outperform many internal drives.
M.2 NVMe technology ensures low latency and fast throughput, providing near-instant file access and exceptional data transfer speeds.
For photographers and video editors working with large RAW files or editing in DaVinci Resolve, using an M.2 NVMe SSD in a Thunderbolt 4/5 enclosure can significantly improve your workflow.
You’ll experience faster rendering times, smoother playback, and quicker edits, enabling you to stay focused on your creative process.
Comparing to Normal External SSDs
Consider a typical Type-C external SSD, such as the Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD.
While these drives are great for everyday use, they rely on slower interfaces like USB 3.2 Gen2 (up to 10Gbps) or USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (up to 20Gbps).
This makes them significantly slower than Thunderbolt 4/5-enabled M.2 NVMe SSDs.
Speed comparison: Thunderbolt 5 is 4x faster than a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 external SSD and up to 10x faster than a traditional HDD.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the PNY XLR8 Gaming CS3140 SSD directly from Amazon.com. This high-performance SSD is available in various capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options.
Summary
The PNY XLR8 Gaming CS3140 is an outstanding choice for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators looking for high-performance storage solutions. With PCIe Gen4 technology, this SSD offers blazing-fast read speeds of up to 7,500 MB/s, making it perfect for handling large files and intensive workloads like 4K video editing or high-resolution photo processing.
This M.2 NVMe SSD drive is available in capacities of 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, giving you flexibility based on your storage needs. Its robust durability, combined with high-speed performance, ensures that your work is always protected and accessible. Plus, it’s compatible with a range of devices, including SSD Enclosures, high-performance PCs, and laptops.
For creators, the CS3140 offers an excellent balance of speed, capacity, and reliability, making it a solid investment for anyone serious about their craft.
