Looking Beyond the KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD offers dependable performance for everyday systems. It uses a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface and BiCS FLASH technology to deliver balanced speeds. If you are looking for kioxia exceria 500 gb nvme alternatives, you might need different specifications or capacity. Some users prefer faster PCIe Gen4 speeds or larger storage buffers for gaming and heavy workloads. Others may require specific compatibility for laptops or Mac devices.
We selected these alternatives because their core specs overlap with the original drive. You can compare interface types, form factors, and NAND technologies across the list. Each option targets a specific use case, from budget upgrades to high-speed rendering. This guide helps you find a drive that matches your system requirements. You can review the detailed specs to see which drive fits your needs best. The list covers seven distinct options, ensuring you have enough choices to make an informed decision.
How alternatives compare to Kioxia
GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
The GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB uses a PCIe 4.0 interface, which offers significantly higher bandwidth than the KIOXIA EXCERIA’s Gen3 x4 connection. You gain double the storage capacity at 1TB compared to the 500GB model. This drive also uses TLC NAND, which generally provides better endurance and sustained write speeds than the QLC found in many budget drives. The physical dimensions are larger, including a heatsink, so it may not fit in compact laptops. If you need faster load times for gaming or large file transfers, this Gen4 option is a practical upgrade over the older KIOXIA standard.
Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
The Seagate Barracuda Q5 provides 1TB of storage, doubling the capacity of the KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB. It uses the same PCIe Gen3 interface, ensuring broad compatibility with desktops and laptops. The main difference lies in the NAND type; this drive uses QLC technology, which can offer lower endurance than the BiCS FLASH used by KIOXIA. However, the increased capacity makes it suitable for users who need more space for documents and media. It includes cloning software to simplify migration. If your priority is raw storage space on a Gen3 system rather than peak performance, this is a viable alternative.
Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
The Silicon Power UD90 moves to a PCIe 4.0 interface, delivering read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, which is much faster than the KIOXIA EXCERIA’s Gen3 speeds. It also offers 1TB of storage, providing double the capacity of the 500GB KIOXIA drive. This makes it a strong choice for users with compatible motherboards who want both speed and space. The larger capacity and higher interface generation represent a significant step up from the older KIOXIA specifications. If your system supports Gen4 and you need more than 500GB, this drive offers a clear performance and capacity advantage over the baseline model.
S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD
The S Sharkspeed drive is designed specifically for 13-inch non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro models, unlike the universal M.2 2280 form factor of the KIOXIA EXCERIA. It offers 1TB of storage, which is double the KIOXIA capacity. The drive delivers read speeds up to 2500 MB/s, comparable to high-end Gen3 drives. It does not require pinout converter cards, simplifying installation for Mac users. If you are upgrading an older MacBook Pro, this is the correct choice. For standard PC systems, the KIOXIA remains the more compatible option due to its standard M.2 2280 design.
Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
The Intel 660p provides 1TB of storage, offering double the capacity of the KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB. It uses the same PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, ensuring similar compatibility with everyday systems. The key difference is the NAND type; the Intel drive uses QLC, which may have lower endurance than the KIOXIA’s BiCS FLASH. Sequential read and write speeds are rated at 1800 MB/s, which is competitive for Gen3 drives. If you need more storage space on a standard PCIe 3.0 system and are comfortable with QLC endurance characteristics, this is a practical alternative to the smaller KIOXIA drive.
XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD
The XPG SX8200 Pro uses 3D NAND technology, which can offer better performance consistency than the NAND used in the KIOXIA EXCERIA. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s, significantly faster than the KIOXIA’s typical Gen3 performance. The 512GB capacity is slightly larger than the 500GB KIOXIA model. It is designed for PCIe Gen3 systems, maintaining compatibility with the same interface. If you are performing demanding editing or rendering tasks that benefit from higher sequential speeds and 3D NAND efficiency, this drive offers a performance edge over the standard KIOXIA option while keeping similar form factors.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD
Best for: everyday PCIe Gen3 M.2 2280 systems
- Storage Capacity
- 500 GB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen3 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.28 inches
The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB is an internal solid-state drive built with BiCS FLASH memory in a standard M.2 2280 form factor. It operates over a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface using NVMe 1.3c technology and delivers 350,000/400,000 IOPS. If you need a 500 GB drive for routine storage or primary operating system use, this drive fits systems with compatible M.2 slots.
Pros
- PCIe Gen3 x4 interface with NVMe 1.3c technology
- Delivers 350,000/400,000 IOPS performance
- Standard M.2 2280 form factor for broad compatibility
- Built with BiCS FLASH memory
Cons
- PCIe Gen3 interface rather than faster Gen4
- 500 GB capacity provides limited space for large file libraries
Good fit if
- You need a 500 GB M.2 2280 SSD for a PCIe Gen3 compatible motherboard.
- You want BiCS FLASH storage rated for 350,000/400,000 IOPS.
Skip if
- You need 1 TB or more storage space.
- You require a faster PCIe Gen4 interface.
Verdict: KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB PCIe Gen3 SSD delivers dependable M.2 2280 performance using BiCS FLASH and a Gen3 x4 interface. It provides a balanced 500 GB storage option for systems requiring NVMe 1.3c technology.
GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: Gaming systems needing Gen4 speeds and TLC endurance
- 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
This drive uses PCIe Gen4 x4 and NVMe 1.3 to reach 5000 MB/s reads. It includes a 1 GB DDR4 cache and 3D TLC NAND. The Phison E16 controller manages data flow. You get 1 TB of storage in an M.2 form factor. It suits gamers who need fast load times and consistent performance without QLC slowdowns.
Pros
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface for high bandwidth
- 1 GB external DDR4 cache buffer
- 3D TLC NAND flash for endurance
- Sequential read speeds up to 5000 MB/s
Cons
- Only available in 500 GB and 1 TB capacities
- Heavier build at 3.64 pounds
- Limited to 2 capacity options
Good fit if
- You need PCIe Gen4 speeds for gaming
- You prefer TLC NAND over QLC
- You want a 1 TB capacity with DDR cache
Skip if
- You require capacities larger than 1 TB
- You are using a PCIe Gen3 only system
- You need more than 1 TB of storage
Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers Gen4 speeds with TLC endurance. It fits gamers who want fast loads and a 1 TB buffer without QLC risks.
Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
Best for: desktop and laptop 1TB storage upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen3 ×4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 2400 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 1800 MB/s
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop
The Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB NVMe SSD gives you double the capacity of a standard 500GB drive in the M.2 2280 form factor. Operating on a PCIe Gen3 ×4 interface, it delivers sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s using 3D QLC NAND flash. It suits desktop and laptop users who need expanded internal storage and included DiscWizard software for drive cloning.
Pros
- 1TB capacity in an M.2 2280 form factor
- Sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s
- Seagate DiscWizard software provided for drive cloning and migration
- Includes 1-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
Cons
- Uses QLC NAND flash memory
- Speeds limited to PCIe Gen3 ×4 bus bandwidth
Good fit if
- You need 1TB of PCIe Gen3 storage for a desktop or laptop upgrade.
- You want included cloning software to migrate data from an older drive.
Skip if
- You require PCIe Gen4 transfer speeds for your system.
- You prefer TLC flash memory instead of QLC NAND.
Verdict: Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB NVMe SSD delivers reliable Gen3 speeds up to 2400 MB/s alongside DiscWizard cloning tools for easy storage expansion. It provides a straightforward 1TB capacity upgrade for compatible desktop and laptop systems.
Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: PCIe 4.0 systems needing fast 1TB storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 5,000 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 4,800 MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Caching
The Silicon Power UD90 1TB is an M.2 NVMe solid-state drive built for PCIe 4.0 systems. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s. It includes SLC Caching, LDPC coding, and RAID support for data protection. This drive suits you if you want double the PCIe 3.0 bandwidth and double the capacity of 500GB drives for faster file transfers.
Pros
- PCIe 4.0 interface with read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s
- 1TB storage capacity provides double the space of standard 500GB drives
- Supports SLC Caching and LDPC coding for data transmission accuracy
- Equipped with RAID support and built-in E2E data protection
- Includes a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Uses SLC caching instead of a dedicated onboard DRAM cache
- Standard style comes without an included heatsink
Good fit if
- You have a motherboard equipped with a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot to reach peak speeds.
- You want 1TB of storage capacity alongside read rates reaching 5,000 MB/s.
- You need hardware-level data integrity protections like LDPC coding and RAID support.
Skip if
- You run an older PCIe 3.0 system that cannot utilize Gen4 bandwidth.
- You require an SSD with dedicated DRAM rather than dynamic SLC caching.
Verdict: Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD brings Gen4 read rates up to 5,000 MB/s and 1TB of storage to compatible motherboards. It provides a distinct speed and capacity upgrade over older PCIe 3.0 alternatives.
S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD
Best for: 13-inch non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen3.0x4
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 2500MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 2000MB/s
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Compatibility
- Mac
This S Sharkspeed drive is a 1TB PCIe Gen3.0x4 NVMe internal solid-state drive built for non-Touch Bar Apple laptops. You get sequential read speeds up to 2500MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 2000MB/s via native pin compatibility, eliminating extra adapters. It comes with pre-installed macOS, TRIM support, and built-in thermal management. This SSD suits you if you want to expand storage on a compatible laptop without modifying hardware interfaces.
Pros
- Up to 2500MB/s read and 2000MB/s write speeds via PCIe Gen3.0x4 interface
- Native connector fits supported systems without extra adapters
- Pre-installed macOS included on the drive
- Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T., bad block management, and ECC
Cons
- Restricted exclusively to non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro 13 models matching EMC 2978 or 3164
- Requires prior host system update to macOS 10.13 or newer for EFI firmware recognition
Good fit if
- You own a compatible non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro 13 and need 1TB of internal storage.
- You want a direct swap drive that connects without an aftermarket pin adapter.
Skip if
- You need a standard M.2 2280 SSD for a Windows desktop or generic PC motherboard.
- You have a Touch Bar MacBook Pro model or incompatible EMC revision.
Verdict: S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro NVMe SSD delivers 1TB of Gen3 storage tailored strictly for specific non-Touch Bar Apple machines. It offers read speeds up to 2500MB/s without requiring pinout converter cards.
Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: everyday systems needing 1 TB PCIe 3.0 storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1 TB
- Interface
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 1800 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 1800 MB/s
- NAND Type
- QLC
The Intel 660p provides 1 TB of storage using an M.2 2280 form factor and a PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 1800 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 1800 MB/s using Intel QLC 3D NAND flash. This drive suits you if you need double the storage capacity of a 500GB drive for everyday data needs without requiring Gen4 bandwidth.
Pros
- 1 TB storage capacity provides double the space of 500GB drives
- Up to 1800 MB/s sequential read and write speeds
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface using standard M.2 2280 form factor
- Available in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacity options
Cons
- Sequential speeds cap at 1800 MB/s, lower than PCIe 4.0 drives
- Uses QLC NAND rather than TLC flash
Good fit if
- You need a 1 TB M.2 2280 drive for standard PCIe 3.0 systems.
- You want equal 1800 MB/s sequential read and write throughput.
- You prioritize storage capacity over peak PCIe Gen4 transfer rates.
Skip if
- You require sequential transfer rates faster than 1800 MB/s.
- You prefer TLC flash instead of QLC NAND memory.
Verdict: Intel 660p 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD delivers 1800 MB/s read and write performance on an M.2 2280 form factor. It offers a practical 1 TB storage capacity for everyday systems that use the PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface.
XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD
Best for: PCIe Gen3 editing and rendering workstations
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB
- Interface
- PCIe NVMe Gen3x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 3500 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 3000 MB/s
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND
The XPG SX8200 Pro is a 512GB M.2 2280 solid-state drive built on 3D NAND flash memory. It connects through a PCIe NVMe Gen3x4 interface, delivering maximum sequential speeds up to 3500 MB/s read and 3000 MB/s write. If you handle video editing, photo workflows, or 3D rendering tasks on a compatible PC motherboard, this drive gives you fast PCIe Gen3 transfer rates in a standard compact form factor.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 3500 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds reach up to 3000 MB/s
- Built with 3D NAND flash memory
- Standard M.2 2280 form factor on a PCIe Gen3x4 interface
Cons
- Not directly compatible with Mac systems without extra parts
- Incompatible with SATA-only M.2 slots
Good fit if
- You need read speeds up to 3500 MB/s for creative applications like rendering or editing
- You have an M-key M.2 slot supporting PCIe NVMe
- You want 512GB of 3D NAND storage in a 2280 format
Skip if
- You need plug-and-play internal storage for a Mac system
- You only have a legacy SATA M.2 motherboard connection
Verdict: XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD delivers 3500 MB/s reads and 3D NAND storage for PCIe Gen3 systems. It offers reliable sequential speeds for demanding PC workflows.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD | GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD | Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD | XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB | 1 TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1 TB | 512GB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen3 x4 | NVMe 1.3, PCI-Express 4.0 x4 | PCIe Gen3 ×4 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe Gen3.0x4 | PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 | PCIe NVMe Gen3x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | not specified | M.2 2280 | M.2 | not specified | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | not specified | Up to 5000 MB/s | 2400 MB/s | 5,000 MB/s | Up to 2500MB/s | 1800 MB/s | 3500 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | not specified | Up to 4400 MB/s | 1800 MB/s | 4,800 MB/s | Up to 2000MB/s | 1800 MB/s | 3000 MB/s |
| Cache Type | not specified | DDR4 1 GB | not specified | SLC Caching | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Compatibility | not specified | Gaming | Laptop, Desktop | not specified | Mac | not specified | not specified |
| NAND Type | not specified | TLC | QLC | not specified | not specified | QLC | 3D NAND |
| Size | 500 GB | not specified | 1TB | 1 TB | 1TB | 1 TB | 512 GB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.28 inches | 5.12 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.08 inches | 19.7 × 19.7 × 11 inches | not specified | 6.5 × 4.75 × 0.75 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.14 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 3.64 pounds | not specified | not specified | 1.06 ounces | 1.6 ounces | not specified |
| Color | Black | Black | Multicolor | 1TB | SSD For Macbook Pro A1708 | black | 512gb |
| Model | LRC10Z500GG8 | GP-AG41TB | ZP1000CV3A001 | SP01KGBP44UD9005 | A1708 SSD | SSDPEKNW010T8X1 | XPGSSD |
If you are also choosing a power supply, you can compare wattage and efficiency across evga 500 w1 alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which NVMe SSD offers the best performance for gaming systems?
The GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is the best premium choice for gaming. It delivers Gen4 speeds and uses TLC NAND for better endurance than QLC options. This drive provides 1TB of storage, which is double the capacity of the KIOXIA EXCERIA. It fits systems that need fast load times and reliable performance for demanding games.
What is the best NVMe SSD for upgrading a laptop?
The Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD is the best option for laptops. It provides 1TB of storage with reliable Gen3 speeds up to 2400 MB/s. It includes DiscWizard cloning tools to make upgrades easier. This drive is compatible with both desktop and laptop systems, offering a straightforward storage expansion for users needing more space.
Is there a budget-friendly PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available?
The Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is the best budget alternative. It offers Gen4 read rates up to 5,000 MB/s for compatible motherboards. You get 1TB of storage, which is a significant capacity upgrade over the 500GB KIOXIA model. It provides distinct speed and capacity benefits for systems that support the newer PCIe 4.0 interface.
Which NVMe SSD is compatible with a 13-inch non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro?
The S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD is designed specifically for this Apple machine. It delivers 1TB of Gen3 storage with read speeds up to 2500MB/s. You do not need pinout converter cards for installation. This drive offers a tailored solution for upgrading specific non-Touch Bar Apple machines without requiring additional adapters or complex setup steps.
What is the best NVMe SSD for editing and rendering workstations?
The XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD is the best choice for 3D NAND performance. It delivers 3500 MB/s reads for demanding PC workflows. It uses 3D NAND technology on a PCIe Gen3 interface. This drive offers reliable sequential speeds suitable for editing and rendering tasks, providing a robust option for users requiring consistent high-speed data access.
Which NVMe SSD provides 1TB of storage for everyday systems?
The Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is a great alternative for everyday use. It delivers 1800 MB/s read and write performance on an M.2 2280 form factor. It uses the PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface, similar to the KIOXIA EXCERIA. This drive offers a practical 1TB storage capacity for systems that do not require the higher speeds of PCIe Gen4.
How does the KIOXIA EXCERIA compare to other 500GB options?
The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB uses BiCS FLASH and a Gen3 x4 interface for dependable performance. It provides a balanced 500GB storage option for everyday systems. While the XPG SX8200 Pro offers faster 3500 MB/s reads, it is also 512GB. The KIOXIA model remains a solid choice for users who prioritize stability and standard Gen3 speeds over maximum bandwidth.