Looking Beyond the KIOXIA BG4 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Alternatives to Kioxia BG4 Compared

Western Digital 256GB M.2 2230 PCIe 3.0 SSD

The Western Digital SN530 shares the M.2 2230 form factor and PCIe 3.0 interface with the Kioxia BG4, making it a direct physical replacement for Steam Deck and Surface Pro upgrades. It matches the compact footprint required by these handhelds and tablets. However, the data does not list specific sequential read or write speeds for this drive. You get the same tiny dimensions but potentially different performance characteristics. Choose this if you want a budget-friendly 2230 option and do not have strict speed requirements beyond standard Gen3 operation. It offers a practical alternative for users prioritizing physical compatibility over benchmarked throughput figures.

XPG SX6000 Lite 512GB NVMe SSD

The XPG SX6000 Lite steps up to the standard M.2 2280 form factor, measuring 3.15 inches in length compared to the Kioxia BG4's 1.18 inches. It doubles the storage capacity to 512GB while retaining the PCIe 3.0 interface. This drive uses 3D NAND technology. You gain significant storage space and longer physical length, but you lose the ability to fit in compact handhelds like the Steam Deck. This alternative suits desktops and laptops that have standard M.2 2280 slots. Pick this if you need more room for files and games, and your device does not require the ultra-compact 2230 size found in portable gaming consoles.

SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD

The SK Hynix PC601 also uses the M.2 2280 form factor, offering 512GB of storage on the PCIe 3.0 NVMe interface. Its physical dimensions match standard desktops and laptops, with a length of 3.15 inches, which is much larger than the Kioxia BG4's 1.18-inch length. This drive provides double the capacity of the 256GB Kioxia model. You trade the compact handheld-friendly size for greater storage volume and standard compatibility. Choose this alternative for standard builds where space is not a constraint. It is ideal if you prioritize capacity and proven Gen3 speeds over the miniaturized footprint required by portable devices like the Surface Pro or Steam Deck.

TEAMGROUP MP33 512GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD

The TeamGroup MP33 features the M.2 2280 form factor and 512GB capacity, contrasting with the Kioxia BG4's 256GB and 2230 size. It uses 3D NAND TLC memory with an SLC cache for improved sequential read performance. The drive measures 3.15 inches long, making it incompatible with compact handhelds. You gain double the storage and caching benefits for desktop or laptop upgrades. This option is best for users who need reliable sustained write speeds and more space. Avoid this if your device strictly requires the small 2230 footprint. It serves general upgrades where capacity and cache efficiency matter more than the tiny dimensions of the Kioxia BG4.

PNY CS1030 500GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD

The PNY CS1030 provides 500GB of storage in the M.2 2280 form factor, offering nearly double the capacity of the Kioxia BG4's 256GB. It uses the PCIe 3.0 interface but measures 3.1 inches in length, far exceeding the Kioxia's 1.18-inch length. This drive is designed for standard desktops and laptops. You sacrifice the compact size needed for handhelds to gain substantial storage space. Select this alternative if you are upgrading a standard PC and need more room for data. It is not suitable for Steam Deck or Surface Pro users. The larger form factor ensures compatibility with mainstream systems while providing higher capacity than the small Kioxia drive.

Addlink S70 Lite 512GB PCIe Gen3 M.2 SSD

The Addlink S70 Lite uses the M.2 2280 form factor and 512GB capacity, differing significantly from the Kioxia BG4's 256GB and 2230 size. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 3000 MB/s, which exceeds the Kioxia's 2200 MB/s read speed. The drive is 3.2 inches long, making it incompatible with compact handhelds. You gain faster read performance and more storage but lose the ability to fit in small devices. This option is ideal for gaming builds and standard desktops. Choose this if you prioritize maximum throughput and capacity over the tiny footprint. It is the better choice for users who do not need the specific 2230 dimensions required by portable gaming consoles.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

KIOXIA BG4 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD

Best for: Steam Deck and Surface Pro storage upgrades

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4

Max Read Speed

2200 MB/s

Max Write Speed

1400 MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2230

Dimensions

1.18 × 0.9 × 0.1 inches

View on Amazon: KIOXIA BG4 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD Affiliate link

The Kioxia BG4 is a compact 256GB NVMe drive built for tight spaces. It uses the M.2 2230 form factor, measuring just 30mm long. This small size fits devices like the Steam Deck and Surface Pro. You get sequential read speeds up to 2200 MB/s and write speeds up to 1400 MB/s. It connects via PCIe Gen3 x4. This drive suits users needing reliable storage in ultra-portable systems without extra bulk.

Pros

• Compact M.2 2230 form factor fits small devices
• Sequential read speeds up to 2200 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 1400 MB/s
• Compatible with Steam Deck and Surface Pro

Cons

• Limited 256GB storage capacity
• Only 30mm length restricts compatibility to 2230 slots
• No included mounting hardware or thermal pad listed

Good fit if

• You need a drive for Steam Deck or Surface Pro
• You require a compact M.2 2230 SSD
• You want fast sequential read speeds in a small package

Skip if

• You need more than 256GB of storage
• Your device only supports M.2 2280 slots
• You require PCIe Gen4 speeds

Verdict: Kioxia BG4 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is a practical solution for handhelds and tablets. It delivers strong speeds in a tiny footprint. Choose this if your device strictly requires the 2230 size.

2 Best budget

Western Digital 256GB M.2 2230 PCIe 3.0 SSD

Best for: Steam Deck and Surface Pro storage upgrades

Storage Capacity

256GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3 x4

Max Read Speed

2400 MB/s

Max Write Speed

950 MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2230

Dimensions

1.18 × 0.86 × 0.1 inches

View on Amazon: Western Digital 256GB M.2 2230 PCIe 3.0 SSD Affiliate link

This Western Digital drive uses a compact M.2 2230 form factor designed for tight spaces like the Surface Pro or Steam Deck. It offers sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s and write speeds up to 950 MB/s on a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. The 256GB capacity suits users needing reliable storage for portable devices without requiring a larger 2280 module.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s
• Compact M.2 2230 form factor fits small devices
• PCIe Gen3 x4 interface for efficient data transfer
• Compatible with Surface Pro and Steam Deck

Cons

• 256GB capacity is smaller than 512GB alternatives
• Sequential write speed of 950 MB/s is lower than larger drives
• Physical dimensions of 1.18 x 0.86 x 0.1 inches limit use to specific slots

Good fit if

• You need an SSD for a Steam Deck or Surface Pro
• You require a PCIe Gen3 x4 drive in a 2230 size
• You are upgrading a device with limited internal space

Skip if

• You need more than 256GB of storage
• Your device only accepts the larger M.2 2280 form factor
• You require PCIe Gen4 speeds for maximum performance

Verdict: Western Digital SN530 256GB M.2 2230 is a practical solution for users upgrading portable hardware like the Steam Deck. It delivers fast Gen3 speeds in a tiny package, provided you do not need higher capacity or larger physical dimensions.

3 Best premium

XPG SX6000 Lite 512GB NVMe SSD

Best for: Standard desktops and laptops needing 512GB

Storage Capacity

512GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3x4, NVMe 1.3

Max Read Speed

1800MB/s

Max Write Speed

1200MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2280

NAND Type

3D NAND

View on Amazon: XPG SX6000 Lite 512GB NVMe SSD Affiliate link

The XPG SX6000 Lite offers 512GB of storage in a standard M.2 2280 form factor. It uses PCIe Gen3x4 and NVMe 1.3 protocols to deliver read speeds up to 1800MB/s and write speeds up to 1200MB/s. The single-sided design helps it fit into slim ultrabooks and desktop PCs. This drive suits users who need reliable performance and double the capacity of the 256GB options listed here.

Pros

• 512GB storage capacity
• Read speeds up to 1800MB/s
• Single-sided design for slim devices
• PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.3 interface

Cons

• Slower write speeds than the Kioxia BG4
• Larger 2280 size than the 2230 alternatives
• No included thermal heatsink

Good fit if

• You need 512GB of storage space
• You are upgrading a standard desktop or laptop
• You want faster sequential read speeds

Skip if

• You are building for a Steam Deck or ROG Ally
• You require the smallest possible M.2 2230 footprint
• You need write speeds exceeding 1200MB/s

Verdict: XPG SX6000 Lite 512GB NVMe SSD provides solid Gen3 performance for standard desktops and laptops. It fits users who prioritize capacity and read speed over the compact size required by handheld consoles.

4 Also great

SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: Standard desktops and laptops needing speed

Storage Capacity

512GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3 x4

Max Read Speed

3400 MB/s

Max Write Speed

2500 MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Compatibility

Laptop, Desktop

View on Amazon: SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD Affiliate link

The SK Hynix PC601 is a 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen3 x4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 3400 MB/s and write speeds up to 2500 MB/s. This model fits standard desktops and laptops. It suits users needing reliable storage for general computing tasks without the bulk of larger drives.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds reach 3400 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds reach 2500 MB/s
• 512GB storage capacity for ample space
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• Larger 2280 size does not fit 2230 slots
• No included heatsink for thermal management
• PCIe Gen3 limits speeds vs newer standards

Good fit if

• You need a standard M.2 2280 drive
• You want high sequential read speeds
• You are upgrading a desktop or laptop

Skip if

• You have a small form factor PC
• You require PCIe Gen4 performance
• You need a compact 2230 module

Verdict: SK Hynix PC601 512GB NVMe SSD delivers strong Gen3 speeds for standard builds. It fits users who prioritize capacity and speed in a common form factor.

5 Best slc cache

TEAMGROUP MP33 512GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD

Best for: General desktop and laptop upgrades

Storage Capacity

512GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3x4

Max Read Speed

1700 MB/s

Max Write Speed

1400 MB/s

Cache Type

SLC Cache

Form Factor

M.2 2280

View on Amazon: TEAMGROUP MP33 512GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD Affiliate link

The TeamGroup MP33 is a 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen3x4 and 3D TLC NAND. It offers sequential read speeds up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds up to 1400 MB/s. The drive includes SLC caching to help maintain performance during large file transfers. It is designed for laptops and desktops that support the M.2 2280 form factor.

Pros

• 512GB storage capacity
• Sequential read speed up to 1700 MB/s
• SLC caching technology for enhanced performance
• Compatible with Intel and AMD platforms

Cons

• Slower write speed than top PCIe Gen4 drives
• M.2 2280 form factor limits use in 2230 slots
• No DRAM cache mentioned in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly 512GB upgrade for a desktop or laptop
• Your system uses an M.2 2280 slot and PCIe Gen3 interface
• You prioritize sequential read speeds for general computing tasks

Skip if

• You require a compact 2230 form factor for small form factor builds
• You need the highest possible write speeds for heavy video editing
• You are looking for a drive with a DRAM cache

Verdict: TeamGroup MP33 512GB NVMe SSD is a solid option for users needing reliable sequential read performance in a standard M.2 2280 size. It fits well in desktops and laptops that do not require the smallest 2230 footprint.

6 Best 500gb

PNY CS1030 500GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD

Best for: Standard desktops or laptops needing 500GB

Storage Capacity

500GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe

Max Read Speed

Up to 2,000MB/s

Max Write Speed

Up to 1,100MB/s

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Compatibility

Laptop, Gaming

View on Amazon: PNY CS1030 500GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD Affiliate link

The PNY CS1030 is a 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. It offers sequential read speeds up to 2,000MB/s and write speeds of 1,100MB/s. This capacity doubles the storage of the 256GB Kioxia BG4 alternatives on this list. It suits users needing more space for operating systems and applications in standard desktop or laptop slots.

Pros

• 500GB storage capacity
• Up to 2,000MB/s sequential read speed
• 1,100MB/s sequential write speed
• PCIe Gen3 x4 interface

Cons

• Lower sequential write speed than the 3,000MB/s+ options
• Standard 2280 form factor may not fit 2230 slots
• No mention of DRAM cache in specifications

Good fit if

• You need 500GB of storage capacity
• You have a standard M.2 2280 slot available
• You want faster boot times than SATA drives

Skip if

• You are building a compact device requiring a 2230 form factor
• You require sequential write speeds above 1,500MB/s
• You need 256GB capacity specifically

Verdict: PNY CS1030 500GB M.2 2280 SSD provides double the storage of the 256GB alternatives with solid Gen3 speeds. It fits users upgrading standard laptops or desktops who prioritize capacity over maximum throughput.

7 Also great

Addlink S70 Lite 512GB PCIe Gen3 M.2 SSD

Best for: Gaming builds needing fast 2280 NVMe storage

Storage Capacity

512GB

Interface

PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.3

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

3000 MB/s

Cache Type

HMB, SLC Cache

Compatibility

Gaming

View on Amazon: Addlink S70 Lite 512GB PCIe Gen3 M.2 SSD Affiliate link

The Addlink S70 Lite is a 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen3 x4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 3000 MB/s. It uses 3D TLC NAND with an SLC cache and HMB support. This configuration suits gamers and laptop users who need reliable performance. It fits standard desktop and mobile builds.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 3000 MB/s
• 512GB storage capacity
• PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe 1.3 interface
• HMB and SLC cache support

Cons

• DRAM-less architecture may limit sustained heavy loads
• Larger 2280 form factor does not fit 2230 slots
• No mention of hardware encryption features

Good fit if

• You need a high-speed upgrade for a desktop PC
• You are building a gaming rig on a budget
• You require a 512GB capacity for games and apps

Skip if

• You are upgrading a compact laptop requiring a 2230 drive
• You need maximum endurance for constant heavy writes
• You require a drive with a dedicated DRAM cache

Verdict: Addlink S70 Lite 512GB M.2 2280 SSD delivers fast 3000 MB/s reads for gamers. It fits standard desktops and larger laptops but not compact 2230 devices.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions