Fikwot FN950 500GB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280

This article covers Fikwot FN950 500GB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280.

Overview

The Fikwot FN950 500GB NVMe SSD is a budget-oriented PCIe 4.0 drive that aims to bring Gen4 speeds to cost-conscious builders. It offers sequential reads up to 5,000 MB/s and writes up to 2,400 MB/s, making it a solid choice for everyday computing, gaming, and as a PS5 expansion drive. Despite its low price, it uses 3D QLC NAND with SLC caching to keep performance competitive. This model is positioned at the entry level of the PCIe 4.0 market, offering a significant leap over SATA SSDs without breaking the bank.

Compatibility Guide

The FN950 uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor and connects via a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface (NVMe 1.3). It is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, though speeds will be limited to PCIe 3.0 levels. It works with desktop PCs, laptops equipped with an M.2 NVMe slot, and the PlayStation 5 (though it does not meet Sony's recommended 5,500 MB/s read speed). No special drivers are needed for Windows 7/8/10/11. Ensure your motherboard’s M.2 slot supports NVMe (not SATA only). The drive is single-sided, so it fits in slim laptops and PS5 without issue.

Product Info

Released in 2024, the Fikwot FN950 is an entry-level PCIe 4.0 SSD. It features 3D QLC NAND with a dynamic SLC cache to boost write speeds. The controller uses HMB (Host Memory Buffer) instead of a dedicated DRAM cache, keeping costs low. The drive comes with a 5-year warranty. In the market, it competes with other budget Gen4 drives like the Teamgroup MP44L or Crucial P3 Plus, often undercutting them on price. It is widely available on online retailers and other online retailers.

Best Use Cases

• Budget-conscious PC builders looking for Gen4 speed: If you want faster boot and load times than SATA or PCIe 3.0 SSDs but don't want to spend much, the FN950 is a strong candidate. It's ideal for a gaming PC where the primary focus is read performance for loading games.
• PS5 storage expansion on a tight budget: While not meeting the official 5,500 MB/s recommendation, the FN950 can still be used in the PS5's internal slot. Load times will be longer than with premium drives, but for the price difference, many users will find it acceptable.
• Laptop upgrade for everyday use: The single-sided design and low power consumption make it suitable for notebooks. It's a great way to breathe new life into an older laptop with a slow HDD or SATA SSD.
  Who should avoid: Heavy content creators who write large files frequently (video editing, large datasets) would benefit from a TLC-based SSD with DRAM for sustained write performance. Also, users who demand the absolute fastest PS5 loading times should look at drives rated above 5,500 MB/s.

Things to Consider

The FN950 uses QLC NAND, which has lower endurance than TLC. Although official TBW figures are not provided from the manufacturer, typical QLC drives in this class have moderate endurance. The lack of DRAM can impact random write performance under heavy multi-tasking. Sustained write speeds drop significantly once the SLC cache fills up. For typical home and office use, these limitations are minor, but power users should consider alternatives. Additionally, the drive can run warm under sustained Gen4 loads, so a heatsink is recommended (many motherboards include one). Also, be aware that the 500 GB capacity may feel tight if you install many modern games.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this SSD with the PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, physically it fits and works, but the read speed is below Sony's recommended 5,500 MB/s. You may experience slightly longer load times compared to faster drives. For the price, it's a feasible expansion option.
Q: Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
A: No, it uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology that borrows part of your system RAM. For most users, this is fine, but if you frequently move large numbers of small files, a DRAM-equipped drive would perform better.
Q: What is the warranty period?
A: Fikwot offers a 5-year warranty for the FN950 series. Keep in mind warranty terms may vary by region; always check with the retailer.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

• Manufacturer: Fikwot
• Seller: Amazon US
• Fulfilled by: Amazon US
• ASIN: B0GFHS1DHY
• Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.