TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB PCIe Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This teamgroup t force cardea a440 graphene review looks at a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive built for speed and thermal management. It features a Phison E18 controller paired with 3D TLC NAND and DRAM cache. The drive offers sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,500 MB/s. It includes both graphene and aluminum heatsinks to handle high temperatures. This setup supports the latest NVMe standard and is compatible with M.2 2280 slots. The 1TB capacity provides ample space for games and large files while maintaining high performance under load.
What stands out
- Phison E18 controller with DRAM and SLC cache for consistent performance.
- Sequential read speeds reach 7,000 MB/s on PCIe Gen4 x4.
- Includes both graphene (3.7mm) and aluminum (12.9mm) heatsinks.
- 5-year limited warranty with TBW coverage based on JEDEC standards.
- PS5 compatible with specific heatsink options for different slot lid heights.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this drive if you need high bandwidth for large file transfers or gaming. The Phison E18 controller and DRAM cache help maintain speed during sustained writes. It is ideal for users building a high-end desktop or upgrading a PlayStation 5. The included graphene heatsink fits tight PS5 slots, while the aluminum option works for desktops with more clearance. If you want fast PCIe 4.0 speeds without thermal throttling, this spec set meets those needs.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you are using a PCIe 3.0 motherboard, as you will not reach the full 7,000 MB/s speed. It is also not suitable for users needing a low-profile M.2 drive without a heatsink, as the graphene option is 3.7mm tall. If you require a drive without a heatsink for minimal height, this model may not fit your case. Additionally, if you only need basic storage for office work, the high-end controller and cache are unnecessary overhead for your use case.
Verdict: The TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB delivers top-tier PCIe 4.0 performance with effective thermal solutions. It is a strong choice for gamers and creators who need fast, reliable storage.
Key specs for this drive
Max Read Speed: 7,000 MB/s
This value shows how fast the drive pulls data from its memory chips. You see this speed when loading large game files or opening heavy video projects. It is much faster than SATA SSDs, which top out near 560 MB/s. This high rate helps when moving large files between drives. It ensures your system does not wait for data to arrive from the storage device.
Max Write Speed: 5,500 MB/s
This number indicates how quickly you can save data to the drive. It matters when you are copying large videos or saving game installations. Faster write speeds reduce the time you spend waiting for transfers to finish. It is significantly quicker than older PCIe 3.0 drives. This efficiency keeps your workflow smooth during intensive tasks like video editing.
Cache Type: DRAM, SLC Cache
DRAM cache holds a map of where data lives on the flash chips. This mapping allows the drive to find files faster and handle multiple tasks at once without slowing down. SLC cache uses a portion of the TLC NAND as fast temporary storage. Together, these caches maintain high speeds during large file transfers. This setup is essential for desktop performance and console gaming.
Cooling: Graphene & Aluminum Heatsink
High-speed NVMe drives generate significant heat. This heatsink draws that heat away from the controller and NAND chips. Graphene improves thermal conductivity, while aluminum provides structural heat dissipation. Keeping the drive cool prevents speed throttling during long sessions. This feature is crucial for PS5 compatibility and sustained desktop performance.
Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe
This interface defines how the drive connects to your motherboard. PCIe Gen4 x4 offers a wide data highway for high-speed communication. NVMe is the protocol that efficiently manages this data flow. This combination is required for the drive's maximum speeds. It is not backward compatible with SATA ports. You need a motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot.
Design and Build Quality
The listing describes the TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 as a 1TB M.2 2280 drive. It includes a graphene and aluminum heatsink. The packaging lists a weight of 1.62 ounces. These numbers are based on the product data provided by the manufacturer. You should verify the exact dimensions on your specific unit before installation.
The drive comes with two distinct heatsink options. One is a graphene version with a 3.7mm height. The other is an aluminum version with a 12.9mm height. This dual approach allows you to choose based on your case space. The low-profile graphene option fits directly into the PlayStation 5 SSD slot. The taller aluminum option requires removing the slot lid.
This design choice addresses thermal management for high-speed performance. The Phison E18 controller and TLC NAND generate significant heat. The aluminum material helps dissipate this heat away from the drive. The graphene layer adds another path for thermal transfer. You benefit from stable speeds during long transfers. The physical layout ensures compatibility with both standard desktops and the PS5. You simply select the cooler that fits your hardware constraints.
Setup and Everyday Use
Setting up this drive requires matching your system’s physical space to the included cooling options. The listing provides two distinct heatsinks. You have a graphene option with a 3.7mm height. This fits directly into the PlayStation 5 SSD slot. The aluminum heatsink stands at 12.9mm. You must install this without the PS5 slot lid. For desktop PCs, you will need to ensure your motherboard’s M.2 2280 slot has adequate clearance for the selected cooler.
The drive uses a Phison E18 controller and DRAM cache. This combination helps manage data efficiently during heavy workloads. You will see sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s. This speed benefits tasks like loading large game assets or editing high-resolution video. The 1TB capacity provides ample room for your operating system and key applications.
The drive supports PCIe Gen4 x4 and the NVMe standard. This ensures compatibility with modern motherboards and consoles like the PlayStation 5. The listing confirms it meets Sony’s requirements for interface, capacity, and sequential read speed. You can rely on the 5-year limited warranty or the TBW rating for long-term use. Technical support is available through TEAMGROUP’s official website. This setup process is straightforward if you verify your case or console’s height restrictions before installation.
Before you buy this SSD
You need to verify your motherboard supports PCIe Gen 4 x4. This drive uses the NVMe standard, so it will not fit in older SATA slots. The included graphene heatsink is only 3.7mm high, making it ideal for tight spaces like the PlayStation 5 slot. If you choose the aluminum option, ensure your case has enough clearance for the 12.9mm height. You should also check your system’s compatibility with DRAM cache for consistent performance during heavy loads. While the listing highlights speed, real-world gains depend on your CPU and interface. This drive sits alongside other high-end PCIe 4.0 options. It suits users who need fast sequential transfers for large files. It may be overkill for basic office tasks. Ensure your cooling solution handles the heat from the Phison E18 controller. Regular backups are always wise for any storage device.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your motherboard supports PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe.
- Check case clearance for the 12.9mm aluminum heatsink.
- Verify PS5 slot compatibility if using the graphene option.
- Ensure your CPU supports the required NVMe speeds.
The product at a glance
TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Best for: PS5 upgrades and high-speed data transfers
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,000 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 5,500 MB/s
- Cache Type
- DRAM, SLC Cache
View on Amazon: TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Affiliate link
This 1TB NVMe drive uses the Phison E18 controller and TLC NAND to reach 7,000 MB/s read speeds. It includes both a graphene and an aluminum heatsink to manage heat. The DRAM cache helps maintain consistent performance during heavy loads. It fits the M.2 2280 form factor and supports PCIe Gen4 x4. The package includes two heat sinks, one thin enough for PlayStation 5 slots.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
- Includes both graphene and aluminum heatsinks
- Features DRAM cache for performance stability
- Phison E18 controller for reliable operation
- Graphene heatsink fits PS5 SSD slot
Cons
- Lower write speed of 5,500 MB/s compared to read speed
- Graphene heatsink has a limited 3.7mm height
- Aluminum heatsink may not fit all PS5 slots with lids
Good fit if
- You need high sequential read speeds for large files
- You want a drive compatible with PlayStation 5
- You prefer a drive with included cooling solutions
Skip if
- You require a drive with no heatsink attached
- You need write speeds exceeding 5,500 MB/s
- You are building a system with limited vertical clearance for the aluminum heatsink
Verdict: TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB offers strong read performance and versatile cooling options, making it a solid choice for gamers and content creators who need fast data access and reliable thermal management.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 7,000 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 5,500 MB/s |
| Cache Type | DRAM, SLC Cache |
| Cooling | Graphene & Aluminum Heatsink |
| NAND Type | 3D NAND, TLC |
| Size | 1TB |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 19.7 × 19.7 × 11 inches |
| Weight | 1.62 ounces |
| Color | A440 |
| Model | TM8FPZ001T0C327 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 include a heatsink?
Yes, the drive comes with cooling solutions. The product data lists an aluminum heatsink and mentions graphene options. This helps manage temperatures during high-speed data transfers. You get versatile thermal management for your system. The materials are specified in the listing details.
Is this drive compatible with PlayStation 5?
It is a solid choice for PS5 upgrades. The listing highlights a graphene heatsink option with a 3.7mm height. This low profile fits directly into the PlayStation 5 SSD slot. You can use it for fast game loading. The form factor matches the required M.2 2280 standard.
What type of NAND memory does it use?
The drive uses 3D TLC NAND. This type of memory offers a balance of speed and endurance. It is paired with a DRAM cache for better performance. You get reliable data access for content creation. The specifications confirm the use of 3D NAND technology in the listing.
Does the CARDEA A440 have DRAM cache?
Yes, it includes DRAM cache. This component helps manage data flow more efficiently. You experience faster response times when opening heavy projects. The cache works with the SLC cache for sustained writes. This setup supports high-speed sequential reads up to 7,000 MB/s.
What is the form factor of this SSD?
It uses the M.2 2280 form factor. This is the standard size for most modern desktops and laptops. You need a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard. The drive fits into PCIe 4.0 slots. It is not compatible with older SATA interfaces.
Is this SSD suitable for gaming?
It is ideal for gamers needing fast data access. The strong read performance helps load large game files quickly. You benefit from the high sequential speeds. The drive is ranked as a top pick for this use. The thermal management ensures consistent performance during long sessions.
What interface does the TEAMGROUP CARDEA A440 use?
It uses the PCIe 4.0 interface. This provides high bandwidth for data transfer. You see faster speeds compared to PCIe 3.0 drives. The drive follows the NVMe standard. This interface is required to achieve the listed read speeds.