KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD vs KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230: Spec Comparison
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You are looking at the kioxia exceria 500 gb nvme vs SSD 1tb bg4 m 2 comparison. Both drives use PCIe Gen3 x4 interfaces and NVMe technology. They share the same brand foundation. The main difference lies in their physical design and storage capacity. One uses the standard M.2 2280 size with 500 GB. The other uses the compact M.2 2230 form factor with 1 TB. This affects where you can install them.
Key differences
| Aspect | KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD | KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB | 1 TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2230 |
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.28 inches | 1.18 x 0.86 x 0.10 inches |
| Sequential Read Speed | not listed | Up to 2300 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | not listed | Up to 1800 MB/s |
| Cooling Feature | not listed | Single Sided design for less heat |
Which one should you choose?
Choose KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD if
- You need a drive for a standard desktop or laptop with an M.2 2280 slot.
- You prefer a larger physical footprint that fits most standard NVMe bays.
- You require 350,000 to 400,000 IOPS for random read/write tasks.
Choose KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD if
- You are installing the SSD in a compact device like a Steam Deck or ultrabook.
- You need 1 TB of storage space in a very small M.2 2230 form factor.
- You want single-sided construction to help manage heat in tight spaces.
Verdict: Choose the EXCERIA if your system uses the standard M.2 2280 slot and you do not need the extra capacity. Choose the BG4 if you are upgrading a compact device like a Steam Deck or ultrabook that requires the smaller M.2 2230 size. The BG4 also offers double the storage capacity for those specific form factors.
Spec Comparison: Capacity and Form Factor
Storage Capacity
The KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD offers 1TB of storage space. This is double the capacity of the KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, which provides 500GB. If you need more room for large files, games, or system backups, the BG4 gives you more space. The EXCERIA is suitable for users who only need basic storage for essential operating system files and moderate data. The difference in capacity is significant for anyone planning to store large media libraries or extensive software collections over time.
Form Factor
Physical size matters for compatibility. The KIOXIA EXCERIA uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor, measuring 3.94 inches in length. The KIOXIA BG4 uses the smaller M.2 2230 form factor, measuring only 1.18 inches in length. The BG4 is designed for compact devices like ultrabooks and handheld consoles. The EXCERIA fits standard desktops and most laptops with full-sized M.2 slots. You must check your device specifications to ensure the slot matches the drive length. A 2280 drive will not fit in a 2230 slot without an adapter.
Transfer Speeds
The KIOXIA BG4 1TB lists sequential read speeds up to 2300 MB/s and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s. The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB does not list specific sequential speed figures in its provided data. However, both drives operate on the PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. This interface typically supports high throughput. The BG4 provides explicit speed metrics that suggest strong performance for large file transfers. Without specific numbers for the EXCERIA, the BG4 offers clearer performance data for buyers who prioritize fast read and write capabilities for heavy workloads.
IOPS Performance
Random input/output operations per second affect system responsiveness. The KIOXIA BG4 1TB specifies random read speeds of 390K IOPS and write speeds of 200K IOPS. The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB lists 350,000 read IOPS and 400,000 write IOPS. The EXCERIA shows higher write IOPS, which can help with saving large amounts of data quickly. The BG4 shows slightly higher read IOPS. Both drives offer robust random access performance typical of modern NVMe drives. The choice depends on whether you prioritize reading data or writing it more frequently.
Compatibility
The KIOXIA BG4 1TB explicitly lists compatibility with systems featuring M.2 2230 slots, including Steam Deck, Surface Tablets, and ultrabooks. It is also noted for use in Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops. The KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB is a standard M.2 2280 drive, fitting most desktop motherboards and larger laptops. If you are upgrading a handheld console or a very thin laptop, the BG4 is the required choice. For standard desktops or older laptops, the EXCERIA is the safer bet. Always verify your device slot size before purchasing.
Choose the Right Kioxia SSD for You
Steam Deck or Surface tablet owners
The BG4 fits M.2 2230 slots found in handhelds and ultrabooks. Its 30mm length matches these compact devices perfectly. You get 1TB of storage in a single-sided design that runs cooler. This form factor is essential for your specific hardware compatibility needs.
Desktop builders needing standard drives
The EXCERIA uses the standard M.2 2280 size, fitting most desktop motherboards easily. It offers 500GB of space with NVMe 1.3c technology. The longer 80mm length ensures broad compatibility with standard PC cases and expansion slots without requiring adapters.
Users wanting higher sequential speeds
The BG4 provides sequential read speeds up to 2300 MB/s and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s. These figures are significantly faster than the EXCERIA's typical Gen3 performance. If you transfer large files often, these throughput numbers benefit your workflow directly.
The products compared
KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD
Best for: Standard desktops needing affordable Gen3 storage
- Storage Capacity
- 500 GB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen3 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.28 inches
View on Amazon: KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The Kioxia Exceria is a 500 GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD using PCIe Gen3 x4. It delivers 350,000 read and 400,000 write IOPS. The drive uses BiCS FLASH technology. Its standard 2280 size fits most desktops and laptops. You get reliable storage for everyday tasks. It suits users who need a proven, budget-friendly drive.
Pros
- PCIe Gen3 x4 interface
- M.2 2280 form factor
- 350,000 read IOPS
- 400,000 write IOPS
Cons
- Only 500 GB capacity
- No DRAM cache mentioned
- Smaller capacity than 1 TB competitors
Good fit if
- You need a standard M.2 2280 drive
- You want PCIe Gen3 performance
- You are upgrading an older system
Skip if
- You need more than 500 GB
- You require PCIe Gen4 speeds
- You need a compact 2230 form factor
Verdict: Kioxia Exceria 500GB NVMe SSD offers solid Gen3 performance for standard desktops. It fits users needing reliable, affordable storage without needing extra capacity.
KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD
Best for: Steam Deck and ultrabook upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen3 x4
- Max Read Speed
- 2300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 1800 MB/s
- Form Factor
- M.2 2230
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop
View on Amazon: KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD Affiliate link
This Kioxia drive offers 1TB of storage in a compact M.2 2230 form factor. It uses PCIe Gen3 x4 to reach sequential read speeds of 2300 MB/s and write speeds of 1800 MB/s. The single-sided design helps manage heat. It fits systems with M.2 2230 slots, including Steam Deck and ultrabooks. You get high capacity in a small footprint.
Pros
- 1TB storage capacity
- Sequential read up to 2300 MB/s
- Single-sided design for cooler operation
- Compact M.2 2230 size
Cons
- Limited to PCIe Gen3 interface
- Small M.2 2230 form factor restricts desktop use
- Lower sequential write speed than Gen4 drives
Good fit if
- You need 1TB storage for a Steam Deck
- You have an ultrabook with an M.2 2230 slot
- You want a single-sided drive for better heat management
Skip if
- You need PCIe Gen4 speeds
- Your motherboard only supports M.2 2280 drives
- You want the highest possible write performance
Verdict: Kioxia BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD provides ample storage for compact devices like the Steam Deck. It suits users who prioritize capacity and size over maximum transfer speeds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD | KIOXIA BG4 1TB M.2 2230 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB | 1TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen3 x4 | PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | not stated | 2300 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | not stated | 1800 MB/s |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.28 inches | 1.18 × 0.86 × 0.1 inches |
| Size | 500 GB | not stated |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | LRC10Z500GG8 | KBG40ZNS1T02 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kioxia Exceria 500GB NVMe SSD compatible with standard desktop motherboards?
Yes, this drive is designed for standard desktops. It uses an M.2 form factor with an NVMe interface. This combination fits most modern desktop motherboards that support PCIe Gen3 x4 slots. You get reliable storage without needing specialized compact hardware.
Can I use the Kioxia BG4 1TB SSD in a desktop PC?
Yes, the Kioxia BG4 supports both laptop and desktop compatibility. Although it is a compact M.2 2230 drive, it works in desktops with the right slot or adapter. It offers 1TB of storage, making it suitable for users who need more space in a small form.
What is the physical size difference between the Exceria 500GB and the BG4 1TB?
The Exceria 500GB is a standard M.2 drive measuring 3.94 inches in length. The BG4 1TB is much smaller at 1.18 inches long, fitting the 2230 form factor. The BG4 is also thinner, standing only 0.1 inches high compared to the Exceria's 0.28 inches.
Does the Kioxia BG4 1TB support NVMe protocol?
Yes, the BG4 uses an M.2 2230 form factor with a PCIe 3.0 interface. While the Exceria explicitly lists NVMe, the BG4 operates on the same PCIe 3.0 standard. Both drives provide fast data transfer speeds suitable for modern computing tasks and gaming applications.
Which drive offers more storage capacity?
The Kioxia BG4 1TB offers double the storage of the Exceria 500GB. The BG4 provides 1TB of space, while the Exceria provides 500GB. If you store large games or media files, the BG4 gives you more room to work without needing additional drives.
Is the Kioxia Exceria 500GB suitable for handheld gaming devices?
No, the Exceria 500GB is not ideal for handhelds. It uses a standard M.2 form factor that is too large for compact devices like the Steam Deck. You should choose the BG4 1TB instead, as its 2230 size fits the specific slots found in these handheld consoles.
What model number identifies the Kioxia BG4 1TB SSD?
The Kioxia BG4 1TB SSD is identified by the model number KBG40ZNS1T02. This specific model ensures you are purchasing the correct 2230 form factor drive. It is designed for compatibility with ultrabooks and handheld devices that require smaller, high-capacity storage solutions.