SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA vs SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (2026): Key Differences
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When you compare the sk hynix gold s31 500gb sata vs SSD 512gb m 2 2280, you are choosing between two SK Hynix drives with different physical designs. Both offer reliable storage from a major memory manufacturer. The main difference lies in their interface and form factor. One uses a traditional SATA connection with a 2.5-inch drive, while the other uses a faster PCIe NVMe connection in a slim M.2 stick. You need to check your system's available slots to see which format fits your hardware.
Key differences
| Aspect | SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD | SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA Gen3 | PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 560MB/s | 3400MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 525MB/s | 2500MB/s |
| Cache Type | HYPERWRITE, DRAM | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD if
- You have a desktop or laptop that only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives.
- You want a drive with confirmed DRAM cache for consistent performance.
- You are cloning an existing system using Macrium software.
Choose SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD if
- You need significantly faster read and write speeds for large files.
- Your motherboard has an available M.2 2280 slot for a compact install.
- You want to save space inside your case with a smaller form factor.
Verdict: The SATA Gold S31 is the practical choice for older systems or users who value DRAM cache and proven cloning tools. The PCIe NVMe drive is better for modern systems where speed and compact size are the top priorities. Your decision should depend entirely on the physical slots and interface support in your specific computer.
SK Hynix Gold S31 vs PC601
Transfer speed
The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD offers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. These figures are typical for a SATA Gen3 drive. The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is significantly faster. It provides sequential read speeds of 3400 MB/s and write speeds of 2500 MB/s. This speed difference is substantial. You will notice quicker file transfers and faster application loading times with the NVMe drive. The SATA drive is limited by its interface bandwidth. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface allows the NVMe drive to move data much more efficiently.
Interface
You need to check your system’s available ports before buying. The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD uses a SATA Gen3 interface. It connects via a standard 2.5-inch drive bay. This interface is widely supported by older desktops and laptops. The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD uses a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. It connects via an M.2 slot. This interface requires a compatible motherboard slot. It does not use the SATA protocol. If your computer lacks an M.2 slot, you cannot use the NVMe drive. The SATA drive is more compatible with legacy systems.
Form factor
The physical size of the drive determines where it fits in your computer. The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD is a 2.5-inch drive. It measures 3.94 inches in length, 2.75 inches in width, and 0.28 inches in height. It weighs 1.85 ounces. This form factor is standard for desktops and many laptops. The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is an M.2 2280 drive. It is much smaller, measuring 3.15 inches in length, 0.87 inches in width, and 0.12 inches in height. Its compact size saves space in ultrabooks and modern thin laptops.
Cache type
Cache memory helps manage data flow and improves performance consistency. The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD includes DRAM cache. It also features proprietary SK Hynix HYPERWRITE cache technology. This combination helps maintain speed during heavy workloads and improves random access performance. The specifications for the SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD do not explicitly list a DRAM cache type. It relies on its NVMe controller and PCIe interface for performance. While it offers high random read and write IOPS, the presence of dedicated DRAM in the SATA drive may offer better sustained performance in some scenarios.
Storage capacity
Both drives offer similar storage amounts, but the numbers differ slightly. The SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD provides 500GB of usable space. This is sufficient for most operating systems and a large number of applications. The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD provides 512GB of space. This is a small increase over 500GB. The difference is negligible for everyday use. Both capacities are entry-level options in the current market. You should consider your actual data needs. If you store large media files, you might need a larger drive regardless of the interface type.
Choose based on your device interface
Users with older SATA-only laptops or desktops
This drive uses a SATA Gen3 interface and a 2.5-inch form factor. It fits standard bays where M.2 slots are absent. You get sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. The inclusion of DRAM and HYPERWRITE cache helps maintain consistent performance during heavy loads.
Owners of modern laptops or desktops with M.2 slots
This model connects via PCIe Gen3 x4 using the M.2 2280 form factor. It delivers significantly higher speeds, with sequential reads up to 3400MB/s and writes up to 2500MB/s. The compact design saves space inside your chassis. It is compatible with systems supporting NVMe protocols for faster data transfer.
Buyers prioritizing high capacity in a compact size
You receive 512GB of storage in a small M.2 2280 package. This interface allows for much faster random read and write IOPS compared to SATA. The PCIe 3.0 x4 connection ensures you utilize the full bandwidth of modern motherboards without the bottleneck of the older SATA standard.
The products compared
SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: SATA upgrades with DRAM cache
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA Gen3
- Form Factor
- 2.5 inch
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 560MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 525MB/s
- Cache Type
- HYPERWRITE, DRAM
View on Amazon: SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD Affiliate link
This 500GB SATA SSD uses a 2.5-inch form factor for standard desktops and laptops. It offers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. The drive includes DRAM cache and HYPERWRITE technology for consistent performance. It is built with in-house 3D NAND and comes with a 5-year warranty. You get reliable storage for everyday computing tasks.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s
- Includes DRAM cache and HYPERWRITE technology
- 5-year warranty with 600 TBW endurance
- Uses in-house 3D NAND and controller
Cons
- SATA interface limits speed compared to NVMe drives
- 2.5-inch form factor is bulkier than M.2
- 500GB capacity is smaller than 512GB options
Good fit if
- You need a reliable SATA drive for a desktop or laptop
- You want DRAM cache for better sustained performance
- You prefer the standard 2.5-inch drive size
Skip if
- You need the fastest possible NVMe speeds
- You require an M.2 form factor for compact builds
- You want more than 500GB of storage
Verdict: SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD is a solid choice for users upgrading from a hard drive who want SATA reliability. It fits those who value DRAM caching and a long warranty over raw speed.
SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: Laptops and desktops needing fast Gen3 NVMe storage
- 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
This is a 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 3400 MB/s and write speeds up to 2500 MB/s. The compact black module fits laptops and desktops. You get high performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It is a solid upgrade for systems supporting NVMe protocols.
Pros
- Sequential read speed up to 3400 MB/s
- Sequential write speed up to 2500 MB/s
- Random read IOPS up to 390K
- Random write IOPS up to 420K
- Compatible with M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 systems
Cons
- Limited to PCIe Gen3 speeds, not Gen4
- Only 512GB capacity available in this listing
- No included mounting hardware or software suite mentioned
Good fit if
- You need fast load times for games and apps
- You are upgrading a laptop or desktop with an M.2 slot
- You want reliable sequential transfer speeds for file management
Skip if
- You require PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 speeds
- You need more than 512GB of storage
- Your motherboard only supports SATA or older M.2 SATA protocols
Verdict: SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD offers strong Gen3 performance for users who need faster boot times and game loading than SATA drives provide. It is ideal for standard laptops and desktops that do not support newer PCIe standards.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD | SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 512GB |
| Interface | SATA Gen3 | PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 inch | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 560MB/s | 3400 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 525MB/s | 2500 MB/s |
| Cache Type | HYPERWRITE, DRAM | not stated |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop |
| Size | 500GB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.12 inches |
| Weight | 1.85 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Gold | Black |
| Model | SHGS31-500GS-2 | HFS512GD9TNG 0V4RWG V4RWG |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SK Hynix Gold S31 in a laptop that only has an M.2 slot?
No. The SK Hynix Gold S31 uses a 2.5-inch SATA III interface. It requires a specific 2.5-inch bay found in many desktops and older laptops. It will not physically fit into an M.2 slot, which is designed for smaller, stick-like drives.
What is the physical size difference between these two drives?
The SK Hynix Gold S31 is a 2.5-inch block measuring 3.94 inches long and 0.28 inches thick. The PCIe NVMe drive is an M.2 2280 form factor, measuring 3.15 inches long and just 0.12 inches thick. The NVMe drive is significantly smaller and thinner.
Does the SK Hynix Gold S31 support NVMe protocol?
No. This drive uses the SATA III interface. It does not support the NVMe protocol. If your system requires NVMe for booting or high-speed data transfer, this SATA drive will not work. You need the PCIe 3.0 NVMe model for that functionality.
Which drive is better for a modern desktop with an M.2 slot?
The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is the better choice. It fits directly into M.2 slots on modern motherboards. It offers faster data transfer rates than SATA drives. The 2.5-inch SATA drive is only suitable if your system lacks an M.2 slot.
Is the 500GB capacity of the SATA drive comparable to the 512GB NVMe drive?
Yes, the capacities are nearly identical for practical use. The SATA drive offers 500GB, while the NVMe drive offers 512GB. The slight difference is negligible. You get roughly the same amount of storage space on either drive for your operating system and files.
Do I need a bracket to install the SK Hynix Gold S31?
Usually no. The drive comes in a standard 2.5-inch form factor with its own casing. It connects via a standard SATA data cable and power connector. You only need a bracket if your case lacks a 2.5-inch drive bay and you are mounting it externally.
Can I use the M.2 NVMe drive in a system that only supports SATA?
No. The SK Hynix 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD requires a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports NVMe. It cannot connect to standard SATA ports. If your computer only has SATA connectors, you must use the 2.5-inch SATA Gold S31 model.