This article covers MSI M461 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe 1.4 M.2 3D Nand 内蔵ソリッドステートドライブ.

Overview

The MSI M461 2TB is an entry-level Gen4 NVMe SSD from MSI's SPATIUM lineup, offering a compelling price-to-performance ratio for users who want fast storage without breaking the bank. With sequential read speeds up to 5,000MB/s and writes up to 4,200MB/s, it easily handles game loading, OS boot, and large file transfers. The M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern desktops and laptops. While Gen5 SSDs dominate the high-end, the M461 is positioned as a cost-effective solution for the vast majority of users who still benefit greatly from Gen4 speeds.
This 2TB drive provides ample space for a large game library, creative projects, or as a system drive. The NVMe 1.4 protocol ensures low latency and efficient data handling. One standout is the competitive pricing at roughly ¥69,000 (≈$480 USD) for 2TB, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders. However, the total bytes written (TBW) rating of 450TB is modest compared to some rivals, so heavy write workloads should be considered.

Compatibility Guide

  • Form Factor: M.2 2280 (single-sided)
  • Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (backward compatible with Gen3, but speed limited)
  • Protocol: NVMe 1.4
  • Supported Devices: Desktop PCs, some laptops with M.2 slot (check thickness)
  • Power: Supplied via PCIe slot (~5W typical)
  • OS: Windows 10/11, Linux, PlayStation 5 (works but not officially listed)
    To achieve full Gen4 speeds, pair with a motherboard that has a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, such as any B550, X570, B660, or Z690 board. Using a Gen3 slot caps performance at around 3,500MB/s read.

Product Info

Released in early 2023, the MSI M461 2TB currently retails around ¥69,000 in Japan. The drive comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. It sits in the entry-to-mid-range Gen4 SSD segment, competing with drives like the Western Digital SN580 and Crucial P3 Plus. Its key advantage is high capacity at a low price, though endurance is slightly below competitors.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget Gamers: Ideal for storing a large game collection. 5,000MB/s read speeds reduce load times in open-world titles. Avoid if you frequently install/uninstall games or have heavy write patterns (e.g., recording gameplay locally).
  • Content Creator Secondary Storage: Use as a fast project drive for frequently accessed files (e.g., RAW photos, video proxies). The write speed is decent, but low TBW means it's not suitable for scratch disks or constant render cache writes. Better paired with a high-endurance primary drive.
  • General System Drive: Perfect for OS and daily apps. 2TB capacity allows room for games and media. If your PC has only Gen3 support, consider cheaper Gen3 alternatives unless you plan a future platform upgrade.
  • PS5 Expansion: Technically works, though sequential read falls slightly short of Sony's recommended 5,500MB/s. In practice, load times are similar to compatible drives. Use with a heatsink for thermal management.

Things to Consider

  • Moderate Endurance: 450TBW translates to about 1.2 years of daily 1TB writes—but for typical users (30GB/day), it's roughly 41 years. Still, heavy writers (video editors, torrent users) should look at drives with higher TBW (e.g., SN580 with 900TBW).
  • Gen4 Lock-in: Without a PCIe 4.0 motherboard, you lose nearly 30% of read speed. If upgrading soon, keep the drive; otherwise, a Gen3 SSD offers better value.
  • No Included Heatsink: Single-sided design; use motherboard's M.2 heatsink or buy an aftermarket one to prevent thermal throttling during sustained writes.
  • Competitor Comparison: WD SN580 offers higher TBW but lower read speed (4,150MB/s). Crucial P3 Plus matches read speed but has slightly lower TBW (440TBW) and often higher price. The M461's strength is its 2TB price point.

FAQ

Q: Is the MSI M461 2TB compatible with PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, it can be used as an internal SSD expansion. The 5,000MB/s read speed is slightly below Sony's recommended 5,500MB/s, but real-world performance is similar to officially supported drives. Ensure you install a heatsink (not included).
Q: I only have a Gen3 motherboard. Should I still buy this?
A: The drive will work at about 3,500MB/s, which is still fast but not much better than a good Gen3 SSD. If you plan to upgrade your motherboard within a year or two, the M461 is a future-proof investment. Otherwise, save money with a dedicated Gen3 drive.
Q: 450TBW seems low. How long will it really last?
A: For typical home use (20-30GB writes per day from gaming and browsing), the TBW provides over 40 years of life before failure. Only users doing 100GB+ daily writes (e.g., 4K video editing, heavy database work) should be concerned. The warranty is 5 years, which covers most real-world scenarios.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Seller: MUSE WORLD
  • Fulfilled by: MUSE WORLD
  • ASIN: B0BTPH7YZM
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.