There’s a specific, modern-day frustration that almost every PC enthusiast and console gamer knows intimately. It’s the feeling of your system, once a beacon of speed, now gasping for air. It’s the loading screen that lingers just a few seconds too long, pulling you out of the immersion of a game. It’s the stutter when you’re scrubbing through 4K video footage, or the dreaded “Storage Full” notification that forces you to start making Sophie’s Choice with your installed game library. I remember vividly trying to install a new AAA title on my desktop, only to realize I’d have to uninstall two of my other favorites to make room. That digital juggling act is not just an inconvenience; it’s a bottleneck on your entertainment and creativity. Ignoring it means accepting a compromised experience, longer waits, and a constant, low-level anxiety about managing your digital space.
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs...
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection....
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of...
What to Consider Before Buying an Internal Solid State Drive
An Internal Solid State Drive is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for breathing new life into a sluggish system. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) with their spinning platters and mechanical arms, an SSD operates using flash memory, similar to a massive, incredibly fast USB stick. This fundamental difference translates into monumental gains in performance. The main benefits are dramatic reductions in boot times, near-instantaneous application and game loading, and a snappier, more responsive feel across your entire operating system. For gamers, it means less time staring at loading bars and more time playing. For creators, it means faster file transfers and smoother editing workflows. For PlayStation 5 owners, it’s the only way to expand your internal game storage without sacrificing the console’s signature lightning-fast load times.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact bottlenecks I described: a gamer needing more space for their ever-expanding library, a PC builder seeking high-end performance without the high-end price tag, a content creator tired of waiting for files to render, or a laptop user looking for a significant upgrade in speed and responsiveness. However, a high-speed NVMe drive like this might not be suitable for those with much older computer systems that lack an M.2 PCIe slot. For those users, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD would be a more compatible, albeit slower, alternative. Similarly, if your needs are purely for long-term archival of files that you don’t access often, a larger, more affordable traditional HDD might still make sense.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Form Factor & Compatibility: Not all SSDs are created equal. The BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 uses the M.2 2280 form factor. This means it’s a small stick, 22mm wide and 80mm long. You must ensure your motherboard or laptop has a compatible M.2 slot. Furthermore, to get its maximum speed, you need a PCIe Gen 4.0 slot; it will work in an older Gen 3.0 slot but at reduced speeds. Its single-sided design is also a huge plus for compatibility with ultra-thin laptops.
- Performance & Technology: Look beyond just the maximum read speed. The interface (NVMe vs. SATA), the PCIe generation (Gen4 vs. Gen3), and the type of memory (TLC vs. QLC) are critical. TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND, used in this drive, offers better endurance and sustained write performance than cheaper QLC (Quad-Level Cell) alternatives. Also, consider the controller and whether the drive has a DRAM cache or uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which is a common cost-saving measure in value-oriented drives.
- Thermals & Durability: High-speed NVMe drives generate heat. Without proper cooling, they can “thermal throttle,” meaning they slow down to protect themselves. Look for drives with built-in heat spreaders, like the graphene one on this BIWIN model, or consider using your motherboard’s heatsink. Durability is often measured in Terabytes Written (TBW); a higher number indicates a longer expected lifespan under heavy use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Physical installation is usually straightforward, involving a single screw. However, the software side can be tricky. Look for brands that include free access to cloning software, like the Acronis suite offered with this drive. This makes migrating your operating system from your old drive to the new one a much simpler process, saving you from a fresh install.
Keeping these factors in mind, the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 stands out in several areas, particularly in its blend of modern technology and exceptional value. You can explore its detailed specifications and current pricing here.
While the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially for console gamers, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll...
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- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
First Impressions: Lean, Mean, and Ready for Speed
The BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 arrived in a compact, unassuming box, which is standard for M.2 drives. There’s no unnecessary plastic or wasted space. Inside, the drive itself is nestled securely in a clear tray. My first thought upon picking it up was how sleek it looked. The black PCB is topped with a very thin, metallic-sheen sticker—the 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink. It’s not a bulky, finned heatsink, which is a deliberate choice to ensure maximum compatibility with laptops and PS5s, or for placement under a motherboard’s own M.2 cooling solution. The build feels solid and precisely engineered. Also included was a tiny magnetic screwdriver and an M.2 screw, a thoughtful touch for those who might have misplaced the one that came with their motherboard. As several users have noted, the screwdriver is quite small and may be difficult for some to use, but its inclusion is appreciated nonetheless. Compared to some premium drives that come in elaborate packaging, BIWIN focuses on the essentials, which is a philosophy that seems to extend to the product itself: all performance, no frills.
What We Like
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 drive
- Excellent thermal management keeps it cool under load
- Uses high-endurance 3D TLC NAND flash memory
- Single-sided design ensures wide compatibility with laptops and PS5
- Includes free access to Acronis for easy data migration
What We Didn’t Like
- DRAM-less design might not be ideal for heavy OS multitasking
- Advertised peak speeds are achievable only in optimal system configurations
Deep Dive: A Masterclass in Value-Oriented Performance
After spending considerable time testing and using the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2, it’s clear that this drive isn’t just another budget option. It’s a carefully engineered product that makes smart compromises to deliver a near-premium experience where it matters most, without the premium price tag. We pushed it through synthetic benchmarks, real-world file transfers, game loading tests, and even installed it as a primary OS drive to get a complete picture of its capabilities.
Blistering Gen4 Speeds in the Real World
BIWIN advertises this drive with exhilarating speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write. In the world of storage, these are top-tier Gen4 numbers. To put them to the test, we installed the drive in our AMD AM5 test bench, placing it in the primary M.2 slot connected directly to the CPU for maximum bandwidth. Running CrystalDiskMark, we saw sequential read speeds consistently hitting around 7,050 MB/s and write speeds around 6,100 MB/s. While not hitting the absolute package-topping numbers, this is phenomenal real-world performance that aligns perfectly with what other users have reported. One user with a high-end Intel i9 system reported similar figures, while another noted slightly lower speeds of 6,526 MB/s read when using a chipset-connected M.2 slot—an expected and completely normal variance based on system architecture.
But what do these numbers mean for actual use? It means the end of waiting. We cloned our game library to the drive and fired up notoriously slow-loading titles. The initial load into the vast world of Starfield was cut by more than half compared to our older Gen3 SSD. Fast-traveling in Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City became virtually instantaneous. For our creative workflow, transferring a 150GB folder of 4K video assets, a task that used to be a coffee-break affair, was completed in under a minute. The drive’s Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and Smart Cache optimization work seamlessly in the background to ensure that even without a dedicated DRAM cache, performance remains snappy and consistent for the vast majority of consumer tasks, including intense gaming sessions.
The Unsung Hero: Impressive Thermal and Power Efficiency
One of the biggest concerns with high-speed Gen4 drives is heat. When these SSDs get too hot, they engage thermal throttling, drastically reducing their speed to prevent damage. This is a common issue in poorly ventilated cases, compact laptops, and the tight confines of a PlayStation 5. This is where the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 truly shines. Its combination of a power-efficient controller (identified by users as the Maxio MAP1602) and the simple but effective 0.5mm graphene heat spreader works wonders.
During our stress tests, which involved looping benchmarks and transferring hundreds of gigabytes of data continuously, the drive’s temperature, as reported by hardware monitoring software, never exceeded 52°C. This was under our motherboard’s own heatsink, but the results are echoed by users running it with just its integrated spreader. One reviewer was amazed that the drive, installed directly behind their heat-generating GPU, never went above 45°C. Another noted that in a 28°C ambient room, benchmark temperatures stayed below 50°C. This is outstanding thermal performance. It means that you can count on the NV7400 to deliver its full speed for sustained periods without fear of throttling, making it an incredibly reliable choice for any application, from marathon gaming sessions to rendering large video files. The efficient PMIC (Composite Power Management IC) also contributes to lower power draw, a welcome benefit for laptop users looking to maximize battery life.
The Smart Trade-Off: TLC NAND without the DRAM Premium
At this price point, manufacturers often have to make a choice: use cheaper, lower-endurance QLC NAND with a DRAM cache, or opt for higher-quality TLC NAND and forgo the expensive DRAM chip. BIWIN made the right choice for their target audience. The NV7400 is a DRAM-less drive, which initially might give enthusiasts pause. DRAM is used to cache the mapping table of where data is stored on the drive, speeding up access. Instead, this drive uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which allocates a small amount of your system’s main RAM for this task. For gaming, media consumption, and general use, the performance difference is negligible.
The benefit of this trade-off is the inclusion of premium 3D TLC NAND flash. Several technically-inclined users have confirmed receiving drives with high-quality YMTC 232-layer TLC chips. TLC NAND offers significantly better write endurance and more consistent performance under heavy, sustained writes compared to QLC. This is reflected in the drive’s excellent TBW rating, which one user cited as a key reason for their purchase. For a user who is primarily loading games or using it as a secondary storage drive, the longevity and reliability of TLC memory are far more valuable than the fractional performance gains a DRAM cache might offer in very specific, write-heavy multitasking scenarios. It’s a strategic design decision that prioritizes long-term health and core performance, allowing you to get a high-endurance 2TB drive at an incredible price.
Seamless Upgrade Path: From Box to Boot-Up
BIWIN elevates the user experience by providing a key to Acronis True Image OEM software. For anyone upgrading from an older, smaller drive, this is a game-changer. It transforms a potentially daunting task—reinstalling your operating system and all your applications—into a straightforward cloning process. We tested this by cloning a 512GB boot drive to the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2. The process, as outlined by another user, was simple: download the software from BIWIN’s site, install it, select the source (old drive) and destination (new drive), and let it run. The cloning process can take time, especially with large amounts of data, but it is a “set it and forget it” operation. Once complete, we simply swapped the drives, and our system booted up perfectly from the new BIWIN SSD, with all files, programs, and settings intact. This free inclusion adds immense value and makes this powerful hardware upgrade accessible even to novice builders.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 is overwhelmingly positive, centered on its phenomenal value proposition. Many users, like us, were impressed by the real-world speeds that come very close to the advertised maximums. One user succinctly called it, “the best value gaming SSD on the market right now,” praising its speed and “superb thermals.”
The technical aspects also receive high marks. A particularly detailed review confirmed, “TLC DRAM-less is satisfactory… temperatures remain below 50°C,” which validates our own findings on its cool-running nature. This makes it a highly recommended option for those worried about thermal throttling in compact builds.
The most common piece of constructive feedback revolves around its DRAM-less architecture. As one thoughtful user pointed out, “If I were choosing a main OS drive, I’d opt for one with DRAM—even if the capacity were smaller. That’s something I can live with, especially since my primary use for this drive is simple data storage.” This is a fair and accurate assessment; while it performs admirably as a boot drive, power users who engage in constant, heavy multitasking might notice a difference compared to top-tier drives with large DRAM caches. However, for its intended use as a game drive or secondary storage, it’s a non-issue for the vast majority of people.
How Does the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 Compare to the Alternatives?
The BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 occupies a sweet spot of performance and price, but it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market. The alternatives provided cater to very different needs, budgets, and system capabilities.
1. KingSpec 1TB M.2 2280 SATA SSD
- Fast and Extraordinary: The M.2 NGFF interface (SATA III 6Gb/s) delivers impressively high speed performance for your daily computing tasks, sequential read speed up to 560 MB/s and sequential write...
- Outstanding Performance: The KingSpec m.2 2280 sata ssd supports advanced Garbage Collection, S.M.A.R.T, Wear-Leveling, TRIM, Over-Provisioning, Bad Block Management and ECC technologies, these make...
- Widely Compatibility: Compatible with various desktops or laptops that have m.2 SATA interface, such as Lenovo model B5400, B4400, M5400, K2450, K4450A, G410, E431, E531, HP model 820G1, 430G2,650G1,...
The KingSpec drive uses the same M.2 form factor as the BIWIN, but that’s where the similarity ends. It operates on the much older and slower SATA III interface, which caps its performance at around 560 MB/s. While this is still a massive improvement over a traditional hard drive, it’s less than a tenth of the speed of the BIWIN NV7400. This drive is a suitable choice for someone upgrading an older laptop or desktop that has an M.2 slot but doesn’t support the NVMe protocol. It’s a budget-focused option for breathing basic life into an aging machine, not for high-performance gaming or content creation.
2. Crucial MX500 1TB 2.5 Inch Internal SSD
- Sequential reads/writes up to 560/510 MB/s and random reads/writes up to 95K/90K on all file types
- Accelerated by Micron 3D NAND technology
- Integrated Power Loss Immunity preserves all your saved work if the power unexpectedly gets cut
The Crucial MX500 is a legendary drive, but it represents a different technology class. As a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, it’s designed for the drive bays found in most older desktops and laptops, making it a universal upgrade option. Its performance is similar to the KingSpec, limited by the SATA interface to around 560 MB/s. The MX500 is renowned for its reliability and typically includes a DRAM cache, making it an excellent and dependable choice for an OS drive in a system that lacks an M.2 slot. However, if your system supports NVMe, the BIWIN offers an exponential leap in performance for a comparable price per gigabyte.
3. Patriot Memory P300 256GB SSD
- Phison E13T Series Controller;2280 M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 4, NVMe 1.3
- Built in end-to-end data path protection, SmartECC technology, and Thermal throttling technology
- Supports LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) to correct error during read to ensure data integrity and NANDXtend ECC technology to extend the lifespan of NAND Flash
The Patriot P300 is an interesting comparison as it’s also an NVMe M.2 drive, but it utilizes the older PCIe Gen3 standard. Its speeds are respectable—often around 2,100 MB/s read and 1,650 MB/s write—which is three to four times faster than SATA, but still less than a third of the BIWIN’s Gen4 performance. With its small 256GB capacity, the P300 is positioned as a very low-cost boot drive for a budget build. It’s for users who want faster-than-SATA speeds on a Gen3 motherboard but don’t need the massive capacity or cutting-edge speed of the BIWIN NV7400.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable High-Performance Bargain
After extensive hands-on testing, the conclusion is clear: the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 is a triumph of value engineering. It delivers a true PCIe Gen4 experience, with load times and transfer speeds that rival drives costing significantly more. Its standout features are not just its raw speed, but its incredibly efficient thermal management and the smart decision to use durable TLC NAND flash. This combination makes it a reliable workhorse that won’t buckle under pressure.
While the DRAM-less design is a valid consideration for the most extreme power users, for its target audience of gamers, streamers, content creators, and PS5 owners, it is a perfectly executed compromise that makes 2TB of blazing-fast storage remarkably affordable. It’s a no-brainer recommendation for anyone looking to make the most impactful upgrade to their system without emptying their wallet. It doesn’t just compete in the value segment; it redefines the level of performance you should expect from it.
If you’ve decided the BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 2TB SSD Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 is the right fit for your speed and storage needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API