GIGABYTE Nvme SSDs: 5 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: PCIe 4.0 gaming with DRAM cache

Storage Capacity

1 TB

Interface

NVMe 1.3, PCI-Express 4.0 x4

Max Read Speed

Up to 5000 MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 4400 MB/s

Cache Type

DDR4 1 GB

Form Factor

M.2

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Affiliate link

This 1 TB M.2 drive uses PCIe 4.0 x4 and NVMe 1.3. It reaches up to 5000 MB/s read and 4400 MB/s write speeds. A Phison E16 controller manages data flow. You get 1 GB of external DDR4 cache. This setup supports 3D TLC NAND flash. It suits gamers who want consistent performance without relying on host memory.

Pros

• 1 TB storage capacity
• Up to 5000 MB/s sequential read speed
• 1 GB external DDR4 cache buffer
• Phison E16 controller

Cons

• Lower read speed than PCIe 5.0 competitors
• No included thermal heatsink
• Heavier than standard M.2 drives

Good fit if

• You want a PCIe 4.0 drive with dedicated DRAM cache
• You need 1 TB of fast storage for gaming
• You prefer a Phison E16 controller

Skip if

• You need PCIe 5.0 speeds
• You want a larger 2 TB capacity
• You require a drive with a built-in heatsink

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 1TB SSD is a solid PCIe 4.0 option for gamers who value external DRAM cache. It delivers strong sequential speeds and reliable random IOPS for its interface generation.

2 Best budget

GIGABYTE AORUS Gen5 12000 1TB SSD

Best for: PCIe 5.0 systems needing high bandwidth

Storage Capacity

1000GB (1TB)

Interface

PCI Express Gen5 x4, NVMe 2.0

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

up to 11700 MB/s

Max Write Speed

up to 9500 MB/s

Cache Type

DDR4 DRAM cache

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen5 12000 1TB SSD Affiliate link

This GIGABYTE drive uses a PCIe 5.0 interface and NVMe 2.0 protocol for high throughput. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 11,700 MB/s and write speeds up to 9,500 MB/s. You get 1TB of storage with a DDR4 DRAM cache to handle sustained loads. The M.2 2280 form factor includes a heatsink. This setup suits users needing top-tier bandwidth for heavy data transfers.

Pros

• PCIe Gen5 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 support
• Sequential read speeds up to 11,700 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 9,500 MB/s
• Includes DDR4 DRAM cache for performance stability
• Comes with a heatsink for thermal management

Cons

• Only available in 1TB capacity
• Requires a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support
• Larger physical profile due to the included heatsink

Good fit if

• You need maximum sequential transfer speeds
• Your system supports PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots
• You require a DRAM cache for consistent performance

Skip if

• You are using a motherboard with only PCIe 4.0 slots
• You need more than 1TB of storage space
• You want a drive without a heatsink for tight cases

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen5 12000 1TB SSD offers extreme read and write speeds for users with compatible PCIe 5.0 systems. It is ideal for those prioritizing bandwidth over capacity or cost efficiency.

3 Best premium

GIGABYTE Aorus Gen4 7000E 2TB NVMe SSD

Best for: Users needing 2TB capacity with fast PCIe 4.0 speeds

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.4

Max Read Speed

Up to 7,100MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 6,500MB/s

Cache Type

HMB (Host Memory Buffer)

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE Aorus Gen4 7000E 2TB NVMe SSD Affiliate link

This GIGABYTE AORUS drive offers 2TB of storage using the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500MB/s. The model supports NVMe 1.4 and includes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology. You get TRIM and S.M.A.R.T support for maintenance. This option suits users who need high capacity without upgrading to the faster and more expensive PCIe 5.0 standard.

Pros

• 2TB storage capacity
• Sequential read speeds up to 7,100MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 6,500MB/s
• PCIe 4.0 x4 interface
• HMB support

Cons

• Slower speeds compared to the Gen5 12000 model
• No DRAM cache listed in specifications
• Higher price point than the 1TB Gen4 7000E variant

Good fit if

• You need 2TB of storage space
• You want fast PCIe 4.0 performance
• You prefer a premium tier drive

Skip if

• You are on a tight budget
• You need the absolute fastest PCIe 5.0 speeds
• You only need 1TB of storage

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 2TB SSD provides high capacity and strong PCIe 4.0 speeds. It fits users who want premium performance without the cost of Gen5.

4 Best 1tb

GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB NVMe SSD

Best for: Standard PCIe 4.0 gaming builds

Storage Capacity

1TB

Interface

PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.4

Cache Type

Host Memory Buffer (HMB)

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB NVMe SSD Affiliate link

This GIGABYTE drive uses PCIe 4.0 x4 and NVMe 1.4 for fast data transfer. It relies on Host Memory Buffer instead of a dedicated DRAM cache to save space. The 3D TLC NAND flash provides consistent performance under stress. You get software management via the GIGABYTE Control Center. It fits users who want reliable Gen4 speeds without the bulk of extra cache components.

Pros

• PCIe 4.0 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 support
• 3D TLC NAND flash for high stability
• Host Memory Buffer technology for space saving
• GIGABYTE Control Center software integration

Cons

• No dedicated DRAM cache chip
• 1TB capacity is smaller than the 2TB option on this list
• Relies on system RAM for caching

Good fit if

• You need a standard PCIe 4.0 drive for gaming
• You prefer HMB technology over DRAM cache
• You want software management for your SSD

Skip if

• You require PCIe 5.0 speeds
• You need more than 1TB of storage
• You insist on a dedicated DRAM cache

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB NVMe SSD is a solid PCIe 4.0 drive for gamers who value consistency over raw cache size. It suits those who do not need the top-tier speeds of Gen5 or the larger capacity of the 2TB model.

5 Best pcie 4.0

GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB SSD

Best for: PCIe 4.0 performance seekers

Storage Capacity

1000GB (1TB)

Interface

PCI Express 4.0x4, NVMe 1.4

Max Read Speed

7100MB/s

Max Write Speed

6100MB/s

Form Factor

M.2

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB SSD Affiliate link

This is a GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E SSD with 1TB of storage. It uses a PCIe 4.0x4 interface and NVMe 1.4 protocol. You get sequential read speeds up to 7100MB/s and write speeds up to 6100MB/s. The drive fits in an M.2 2280 slot. It suits users who need fast data transfer for gaming or content creation without the premium cost of PCIe 5.0 models.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 7100MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 6100MB/s
• PCIe 4.0x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 support
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• Lower capacity compared to the 2TB option on this list
• Slower speeds than the PCIe 5.0 models included here
• 1TB size may fill up quickly for large game libraries

Good fit if

• You want high PCIe 4.0 performance
• You need a standard M.2 2280 drive
• You are building a budget-conscious high-speed PC

Skip if

• You need the absolute fastest PCIe 5.0 speeds
• You require more than 1TB of storage
• You are looking for a SATA SSD

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB SSD delivers strong PCIe 4.0 speeds for gamers and creators who prioritize performance per dollar over the latest generation technology.

Specifications side by side

GIGABYTE SSDs: Specs and Picks

The lineup splits into two distinct groups based on interface generation. The PCIe 5.0 AORUS Gen5 12000 targets users needing extreme bandwidth for compatible systems. The remaining drives use PCIe 4.0, offering strong sequential speeds without the premium cost of Gen5. You can choose between the 1TB and 2TB AORUS Gen4 7000E models for high capacity and consistent performance.

Most options feature the M.2 form factor, ensuring broad compatibility with modern gaming builds. The AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 stands out for its TLC NAND and external DRAM cache, which supports reliable random IOPS. This cache helps maintain speed during heavy workloads. The AORUS Gen4 7000E 1TB also offers a solid PCIe 4.0 experience for gamers who prioritize performance per dollar over raw cache size.

Where GIGABYTE Fits Your Build

GIGABYTE’s current lineup focuses on M.2 form factors in 1TB and 2TB capacities. The range spans PCIe 4.0 and the newer PCIe 5.0 interfaces. You will find drives with external DRAM cache for gaming stability and high-bandwidth options for next-generation systems. The physical designs are primarily black, with one multicolour variant available. There are no SATA or 2.5-inch options listed, nor are there drives smaller than 1TB. If you need lower capacities or legacy interfaces, this brand’s current selection does not cover those needs. You should choose based on your motherboard’s generation support.

How to Choose Your GIGABYTE SSD

1. Match Interface to Board

   Check your motherboard slots before buying. The GIGABYTE AORUS Gen5 12000 requires a PCIe 5.0 slot to reach its high bandwidth. If your system only supports PCIe 4.0, this drive will run slower. The other models in this list use PCIe 4.0 interfaces. These work in standard modern boards. Ensure your hardware matches the drive's interface generation for proper functionality and speed.

2. Select Correct Form Factor

   All drives here use the M.2 form factor. This is the standard shape for modern desktop and laptop storage. You need an available M.2 slot on your motherboard. Check the slot length compatibility. Most M.2 slots accept the 2280 size, which is common for these drives. Verify your case and motherboard support this specific physical form factor before installation to avoid fitting issues.

3. Check DRAM Cache Needs

   Some drives include external DRAM cache for better performance. The top-ranked GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD features this cache. It helps maintain consistent speeds during heavy random read and write tasks. This is useful for gaming and multitasking. Other models in the list do not list DRAM cache in their attributes. If you need maximum consistency, choose the model with the cache. Otherwise, cache-less drives are sufficient for basic storage.

4. Choose NAND Type

   Look at the NAND type for reliability and speed. The GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD uses TLC NAND. This type offers a good balance of performance and endurance for most users. TLC is standard for high-performance drives. It handles multiple writes efficiently. Ensure the drive you pick uses TLC or better. Avoid older QLC types if you plan to write large files often. The specs listed confirm the NAND type for each model.

5. Verify Capacity Requirements

   Decide on the storage size you need. The list includes 1TB and 2TB options. The GIGABYTE Aorus Gen4 7000E 2TB NVMe SSD offers double the space of the 1TB models. This is ideal for large game libraries or video projects. The 1TB drives are sufficient for standard OS and application storage. Compare your current free space needs with these capacities. Choose the size that fits your budget and usage habits without overpaying for unused space.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• gigabyte aorus nvme gen4 m 2 vs aorus gen5 12000 SSD
• GIGABYTE vs XPG nvme SSD
• best GIGABYTE gaming laptops with 2TB SSD
• best GIGABYTE laptops