6 Best Alternatives to the SP Silicon Power Silicon Power 1TB UD90 (2026)

How these drives compare to the UD90

KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD

The Kioxia Exceria 500GB NVMe SSD differs significantly from the Silicon Power UD90 in both capacity and interface generation. While the UD90 provides 1TB of storage and PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, the Kioxia offers only 500GB. This makes the Kioxia a lighter option for users who do not require large storage volumes. The UD90 leverages SLC caching for improved write performance, whereas the Kioxia focuses on dependable performance for older systems. If you are upgrading an older PC or building a budget system, the Kioxia provides a practical solution without the higher cost of Gen4 speeds. It suits those prioritizing value over raw throughput and maximum capacity.

GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

The GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD offers a different approach to performance stability compared to the Silicon Power UD90. While both drives provide 1TB of storage and PCIe 4.0 connectivity, the GIGABYTE model includes a 1 GB DDR4 cache. The UD90 relies on SLC caching for speed management. The GIGABYTE drive uses TLC NAND, which can offer more consistent performance under sustained high-speed workloads. This makes it a better choice for gaming or heavy content creation where data handling stability matters more than peak sequential numbers. If you need a premium drive with dedicated cache memory for complex tasks, the GIGABYTE AORUS is a strong alternative to the UD90.

Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD

The Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD takes a different path by focusing on value rather than peak speed. Unlike the UD90, which supports PCIe 4.0 and reaches 5,000 MB/s, the Barracuda Q5 is optimized for PCIe 3.0 performance. It provides 1TB of storage, matching the UD90’s capacity, but with lower sequential read and write speeds. The drive uses QLC NAND, which is suitable for everyday tasks but may not handle sustained heavy writes as efficiently as TLC or SLC-cached drives. This makes the Barracuda Q5 ideal for budget laptop or desktop upgrades where capacity is key. If you prioritize storage space and cost-effectiveness over high-speed data transfers, this drive is a practical choice.

S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD

The S Sharkspeed 1TB NVMe SSD is designed specifically for older MacBook Pro 13-inch models, unlike the Silicon Power UD90 which targets general PC builds. Both drives offer 1TB of storage, but the S Sharkspeed is tailored for Mac compatibility and comes with pre-loaded macOS. The UD90 relies on PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, while the S Sharkspeed provides reliable Gen3 performance optimized for Apple hardware. If you are upgrading an A1708 MacBook Pro, the S Sharkspeed offers a hassle-free installation path. The UD90 is better suited for Windows PCs or Macs with compatible PCIe 4.0 slots. Choose the S Sharkspeed for Mac-specific convenience and compatibility.

Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD offers a budget-friendly alternative to the Silicon Power UD90 with a focus on capacity over speed. Both drives provide 1TB of storage, but the Intel 660p uses QLC NAND and PCIe 3.0 interface, resulting in lower sequential speeds compared to the UD90’s PCIe 4.0 capabilities. The UD90 includes SLC caching and data protection features for enhanced reliability, while the Intel 660p prioritizes affordable storage for everyday tasks. If you are upgrading an older PCIe 3.0 system and need large capacity without paying for Gen4 speeds, the Intel 660p is a practical choice. It suits users who value storage space and cost efficiency over high-performance throughput.

XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD

The XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD differs from the Silicon Power UD90 in capacity and NAND technology. While the UD90 offers 1TB of storage with PCIe 4.0 speeds, the XPG provides 512GB and relies on PCIe 3.0 performance. The XPG uses 3D NAND, which is known for reliability and consistent speeds in content creation workflows. The UD90 uses SLC caching to boost performance, whereas the XPG focuses on strong Gen3 speeds for users with compatible motherboards. If you need a smaller drive with proven 3D NAND reliability for PC builds, the XPG SX8200 Pro is a solid option. It suits users who prioritize data integrity and proven technology over maximum capacity and the latest PCIe 4.0 speeds.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: PCIe 4.0 desktop and laptop upgrades

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

View on Amazon: Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

The Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is an M.2 NVMe drive designed for modern desktop and laptop motherboards. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s using PCIe 4.0 bandwidth. Built with SLC caching and a 5-year warranty, it suits you if you need reliable Gen4 transfer rates for heavy file workflows.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s
• PCIe 4.0 interface provides nearly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0
• Supports LDPC coding, RAID, and end-to-end data protection
• Comes with a 5-year limited warranty

Cons

• Relies on SLC caching without dedicated onboard DRAM cache
• Top read speed of 5,000 MB/s does not reach maximum PCIe 4.0 bandwidth limits

Good fit if

• You have a PCIe 4.0 motherboard slot and want read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s.
• You want built-in data integrity features including LDPC and RAID support.
• You need 1TB of storage backed by a 5-year warranty.

Skip if

• You need top-tier PCIe 4.0 read speeds exceeding 7,000 MB/s.
• You require an SSD with dedicated onboard DRAM cache for sustained heavy write loads.

Verdict: Silicon Power UD90 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers fast Gen4 read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and strong data integrity features for PC builders who want a balanced 1TB NVMe drive. It fits anyone upgrading from older PCIe 3.0 storage to improve daily multi-tasking and large file transfers.

2 Best budget

KIOXIA EXCERIA 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD

Best for: budget upgrades for older systems

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

The Kioxia Exceria is a 500 GB NVMe SSD using PCIe Gen3 x4 and NVMe 1.3c technology. It delivers 350,000 read and 400,000 write IOPS with BiCS FLASH memory. This M.2 2280 drive fits standard slots. It suits you if you need reliable storage for everyday computing tasks without requiring the highest speeds available on the market.

Pros

• PCIe Gen3 x4 interface for solid performance
• 350,000 read and 400,000 write IOPS
• Uses reliable BiCS FLASH memory technology
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• 500 GB capacity is smaller than the 1 TB options listed
• PCIe Gen3 speed is slower than Gen4 alternatives
• Lacks the higher throughput of modern NVMe 2.0 drives

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly internal drive for basic tasks
• You have a laptop or desktop with an M.2 slot
• You prioritize reliability over maximum transfer speeds

Skip if

• You require 1 TB or more of storage space
• You need Gen4 speeds for heavy video editing
• You are building a high-end gaming PC

Verdict: Kioxia Exceria 500GB NVMe SSD offers dependable performance for users who do not need large capacity or Gen4 speeds. It is a practical option for upgrading older systems or adding storage to budget builds.

3 Best premium

GIGABYTE AORUS 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: Gaming and sustained high-speed workloads

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

This GIGABYTE drive uses PCIe Gen4 and TLC NAND for sustained performance. It includes a 1 GB DDR4 external cache buffer to help manage data efficiently. Sequential speeds reach 5000 MB/s read and 4400 MB/s write. You get reliable random IOPS for gaming and heavy workloads. The Phison E16 controller supports NVMe 1.3. It is a solid choice for users who need consistent speeds without relying on DRAM-less designs.

Pros

• 1 GB DDR4 external cache buffer
• 3D TLC NAND flash memory
• Up to 5000 MB/s read speed
• Phison E16 controller

Cons

• Write speed is lower than the top UD90 alternative
• Heavier and bulkier than standard M.2 modules

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated DRAM cache for stability
• You run heavy gaming or content creation tasks
• You want TLC NAND for better endurance

Skip if

• You prioritize the absolute highest write speeds
• You need a compact drive for tight spaces
• You are on a tight budget

Verdict: GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 1TB SSD offers a 1 GB DDR4 cache and TLC NAND for consistent performance. It fits users who value data handling stability over peak sequential write numbers.

4 Best laptop

Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD

Best for: budget 1TB M.2 SSD 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

View on Amazon: Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD

The Seagate Barracuda Q5 is a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen3 ×4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s. It uses 3D QLC NAND. This drive suits users who need reliable storage for desktops or laptops without the premium price of Gen4 models. It includes DiscWizard software for data migration.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 2400 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 1800 MB/s
• M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
• Includes Seagate DiscWizard software for cloning

Cons

• PCIe Gen3 interface limits speed vs Gen4 drives
• Uses QLC NAND which has lower endurance
• Write speeds lag behind high-end NVMe drives

Good fit if

• You want 1TB storage on a budget
• You use a PCIe Gen3 compatible system
• You need a standard M.2 2280 drive

Skip if

• You need maximum Gen4 speeds
• You require TLC NAND for heavy workloads
• You want speeds over 2400 MB/s

Verdict: Seagate Barracuda Q5 1TB NVMe SSD provides solid Gen3 performance for everyday tasks. It fits users prioritizing capacity and value over raw speed.

5 Best mac

S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD

Best for: MacBook Pro 13 A1708 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

View on Amazon: S Sharkspeed 1TB MacBook Pro Internal SSD

This 1TB NVMe SSD is built for MacBook Pro 13-inch A1708 models from 2016 and 2017. It uses PCIe Gen3.0x4 technology to deliver read speeds up to 2500MB/s and write speeds up to 2000MB/s. The drive includes ECC technology and thermal management for reliability. It comes pre-installed with macOS. You need macOS 10.13 or later for proper recognition. It fits non-Touch Bar models only.

Pros

• Read speeds up to 2500MB/s
• Write speeds up to 2000MB/s
• Pre-installed with macOS
• Includes ECC and TRIM support

Cons

• Limited to PCIe Gen3.0x4 interface
• Only compatible with specific non-Touch Bar Mac models
• Requires macOS 10.13 or newer for firmware

Good fit if

• You own a MacBook Pro 13-inch A1708 (2016-2017)
• You want a drive pre-loaded with macOS
• You need a direct NVMe replacement without adapters

Skip if

• You have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar
• You are using a model other than A1708
• You need PCIe Gen4.0 speeds

Verdict: S Sharkspeed 1TB NVMe SSD for Mac offers a direct upgrade path for older 13-inch MacBook Pros. It suits users who need a hassle-free installation with pre-loaded macOS and reliable Gen3 performance.

6 Also great

Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

Best for: Budget-conscious upgrades to PCIe 3.0 systems

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

View on Amazon: Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The Intel 660p is a 1 TB M.2 2280 drive using PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4. It delivers up to 1800 MB/s for both reads and writes. The drive uses Intel QLC 3D NAND. This makes it a solid option for users who need reliable storage without the premium cost of higher-end models. It fits well in standard desktops and laptops.

Pros

• 1 TB storage capacity
• M.2 2280 form factor
• PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface
• 1800 MB/s sequential read speeds
• Intel QLC 3D NAND

Cons

• Lower read and write speeds compared to Gen4 alternatives
• QLC NAND may have lower endurance than TLC
• No included heatsink for thermal management

Good fit if

• You need 1 TB of storage on a budget
• You are using a PCIe 3.0 compatible system
• You want a standard M.2 2280 size

Skip if

• You require maximum sequential write speeds over 3000 MB/s
• You need a drive with an included heatsink
• You prefer TLC NAND for higher endurance

Verdict: The Intel 660p 1TB QLC NVMe SSD offers dependable performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. It is a practical choice for users upgrading older PCIe 3.0 systems who prioritize capacity over peak speed.

7 Best 3d nand

XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD

Best for: PC users needing fast Gen3 NVMe storage

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

View on Amazon: XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD

The XPG SX8200 Pro is a 512GB M.2 2280 drive using 3D NAND and PCIe NVMe Gen3x4. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3000 MB/s. This performance makes it suitable for video editing and rendering. It is not compatible with Mac systems. You should verify your motherboard supports the M.2 PCIe slot before purchasing.

Pros

• 3D NAND flash memory
• PCIe NVMe Gen3x4 interface
• Read speeds up to 3500 MB/s
• Write speeds up to 3000 MB/s

Cons

• Limited to 512GB capacity in this variation
• Not compatible with Mac systems
• Requires motherboard support for M.2 PCIe NVMe

Good fit if

• You need fast sequential read speeds for media editing
• You have a PC with an M.2 PCIe slot
• You prefer 3D NAND technology

Skip if

• You own a Mac computer
• You require more than 512GB storage
• Your motherboard only supports SATA M.2 slots

Verdict: XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB NVMe SSD offers strong Gen3 speeds for content creators. It fits users with compatible PC motherboards who need reliable 3D NAND performance.

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Frequently asked questions