This article covers KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO NVMe SSD M.2 2280 フォームファクター 1TB 7300MB.
Overview
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO NVMe SSD M.2 2280 1TB is a high-end internal SSD from KIOXIA, a company with roots in Toshiba Memory. It leverages the PCI Express 4.0 interface to deliver sequential read speeds of up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,400MB/s, dramatically reducing game load times and accelerating large file editing workflows. This drive adopts the M.2 2280 form factor with a single-sided design, making it compatible with a wide range of systems from thin notebooks to desktop PCs. It is powered by the Phison E18 controller paired with KIOXIA's own BiCS FLASH 3D TLC NAND (112-layer), and the 1TB model includes 1GB of DRAM cache for sustained high-load performance. Positioned firmly in the high-end segment, the EXCERIA PRO competes directly with the Samsung 980 PRO and WD SN850 series. It is designed for hardcore gamers and content creators who demand the fastest possible storage performance.
Compatibility Guide
The EXCERIA PRO uses the M.2 2280 form factor and supports the NVMe 1.4 protocol. It connects via a PCI Express 4.0 x4 interface, but is fully backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, where speeds will be limited to approximately 3,500MB/s. It is compatible with both notebooks and desktops that have an M.2 slot supporting NVMe. Be sure to check your motherboard's specifications, as some older boards may have M.2 slots that only support SATA. It can also be used as internal storage expansion for the PS5, though a separate heatsink is required as one is not included.
Product Info
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO series launched in 2021. The 1TB model typically retails between ¥15,000 and ¥20,000+ depending on market conditions, placing it in the standard price range for PCIe 4.0 SSDs. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty or until the TBW (Total Bytes Written) limit is reached, whichever comes first. Its market position is clearly high-end. The 7,300MB/s sequential read speed places it among the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives available, making it well-suited for creative workloads and high-end gaming.
Best Use Cases
High-End Gamers: Ideal for those playing the latest AAA titles. The 7,300MB/s read speed significantly reduces map loading and level transitions in open-world games, and the benefits are even greater with DirectStorage-compatible titles. Video Editors & Creators: Strongly recommended for professionals working with 4K/8K video or large RAW photo libraries. The 6,400MB/s write speed drastically cuts down export and rendering times. * Users Seeking the Fastest System Drive: Perfect for anyone wanting the quickest possible OS and application boot times. Upgrading from a PCIe 3.0 drive will yield a noticeable improvement in everyday responsiveness.
Things to Consider
If your system only supports PCIe 3.0, you will not achieve the full advertised speeds. Performance will be roughly halved, so a dedicated PCIe 3.0 SSD might offer better value for money in that scenario. The drive does not come with a heatsink. Under sustained heavy write loads, the controller can generate significant heat, potentially leading to thermal throttling. If your motherboard lacks a built-in M.2 heatsink, purchasing an aftermarket cooler is highly recommended. Compared to rivals like the Samsung 980 PRO and WD SN850X, the KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO is often priced slightly more competitively. However, its random access performance and firmware maturity may not quite match the market leaders in every scenario. Evaluate your specific workload before making a final decision.
Product Disclosure (Amazon)
- Manufacturer: KIOXIA
- Seller: ReAL
- Fulfilled by: ReAL
- ASIN: B09MJN35SL
- Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.
