This article covers Apacer AS2280Q4U (Phison E18 + Micron B47R) 512 GB.
Overview
The Apacer AS2280Q4U is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD featuring the Phison E18 controller and Micron B47R TLC NAND flash. With a capacity of 512GB and a 512MB DRAM cache, it offers solid random access performance for everyday computing. Released in July 2022, this drive sits in the mid-range segment, balancing PCIe 4.0 speed with an affordable price point. It's a strong candidate for gamers and content creators looking to upgrade from SATA SSDs without breaking the bank.
Compatibility Guide
This SSD uses the M.2 2280 form factor and communicates over PCIe 4.0 x4 via the NVMe protocol. It is compatible with any motherboard that has an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 x4, such as those with AMD B550/X570 or Intel Z590/Z690 chipsets and newer. It will also work in PCIe 3.0 x4 slots, but performance will be limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds. Note that while it physically fits the PlayStation 5's internal expansion slot, its sequential read speed is not officially confirmed to meet Sony's 5500 MB/s requirement, so we do not recommend it for PS5 use.
Product Info
The Apacer AS2280Q4U (model AS2280Q4U-512G) launched in July 2022 as a mid-range PCIe 4.0 SSD. It pairs a Phison E18 controller with Micron's 176-layer B47R TLC NAND and includes 512MB of DRAM cache on the 512GB variant. The drive carries a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer. Its market positioning is clear: it offers PCIe 4.0 performance at a budget-friendly price (approximately ¥28,766), making it ideal for entry-level to mid-range gaming builds where every yen counts.
Best Use Cases
Budget 1080p/1440p gaming PC: The 512GB capacity is sufficient for the operating system and a handful of games. The DRAM cache ensures snappy load times and responsive multitasking. However, if you plan to install many large AAA titles, consider a 1TB or larger drive. Cost-conscious PCIe 4.0 upgrade: Users moving from a SATA or PCIe 3.0 SSD will notice faster file transfers and game loading. The Phison E18 controller delivers competitive sequential speeds, though exact figures are not officially published for this model. * Secondary storage for a desktop or laptop: If your system has a spare M.2 slot, adding this drive can accelerate application launches and file access. Avoid using it for write-heavy tasks like video editing cache or database storage, as the TBW rating is not disclosed.
Things to Consider
The most significant drawback is the lack of an official TBW (Total Bytes Written) specification. This makes it difficult to assess long-term endurance for heavy write workloads. Competitors like the WD SN770 and Samsung 980 Pro provide clear TBW ratings and longer warranties, offering more peace of mind. Additionally, the 512GB capacity may feel cramped for users who store many large games or media files. While the price is attractive, the unknown endurance and limited capacity mean this drive is best suited for light to moderate use rather than professional or high-write environments. Also, as mentioned, PS5 compatibility is not guaranteed. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use this SSD in a PlayStation 5? A: Physically it fits, but Sony requires a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. Apacer does not publish official speed figures for this model, so we cannot confirm compliance. For PS5, we recommend drives like the Samsung 980 Pro or WD SN850. Q: Is the DRAM cache important? A: Yes. DRAM-cached SSDs maintain consistent random read/write performance under mixed workloads, which is beneficial for an OS drive. The 512MB DRAM on this Apacer model helps avoid the performance drops seen on DRAM-less SSDs during heavy multitasking. Q: What is the warranty period? A: Apacer provides a 3-year warranty for the AS2280Q4U series. Always check with your retailer for any additional coverage options.
