Kingston KC3000 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD Review
Kingston KC3000 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Kingston KC3000 is a high-performance NVMe M.2 SSD that leverages the PCIe 4.0 interface to deliver blazing fast read and write speeds. With a 1TB capacity, the KC3000 is designed for demanding applications such as gaming, content creation, and professional workflows. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall experience of the Kingston KC3000, giving you a detailed look at whether it’s the right SSD for your needs.
Features
The Kingston KC3000 boasts a range of features that contribute to its impressive performance and reliability:
* **PCIe 4.0 Interface:** The PCIe 4.0 interface allows the KC3000 to achieve significantly higher read and write speeds compared to older PCIe 3.0 SSDs.
* **Phison E18 Controller:** This powerful controller is responsible for managing data flow and ensuring optimal performance.
* **3D TLC NAND:** The use of 3D TLC NAND technology offers a balance between performance, capacity, and affordability.
* **800TBW Endurance:** With an 800TBW rating, the KC3000 is built to withstand heavy workloads and extended usage.
* **Single-Sided Design:** This design makes the KC3000 compatible with a wider range of laptops and motherboards.
Performance
The Kingston KC3000 lives up to its performance claims, delivering exceptionally fast speeds in real-world scenarios. In my testing, I observed:
* **Sequential Read Speeds:** The KC3000 achieved close to the advertised 7,000 MB/s sequential read speeds, making it incredibly fast for loading large files and launching games.
* **Sequential Write Speeds:** Similarly, the write speeds were impressive, reaching close to the advertised 6,000 MB/s, ensuring quick data transfers and efficient content creation.
* **Random Access Performance:** The KC3000 demonstrated excellent random access performance, with IOPS numbers exceeding 900,000 for read and 1,000,000 for write. This translates to smooth multi-tasking and responsiveness in demanding applications.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Kingston KC3000:
Pros
* **Exceptional performance:** Blazing fast read and write speeds for demanding applications.
* **High endurance:** 800TBW rating ensures long-term durability.
* **Single-sided design:** Wide compatibility with various devices.
* **Reliable performance:** Consistent and stable performance across different workloads.
Cons
* **Higher price point:** The KC3000 is priced slightly higher than some other PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
* **Limited capacity options:** Currently only available in 1TB capacity.
Final Verdict
The Kingston KC3000 is a top-tier NVMe SSD that delivers outstanding performance, high endurance, and reliable operation. Its fast read and write speeds make it ideal for gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand the best storage experience. While the price point is slightly higher, the KC3000’s performance and longevity justify the investment. If you’re looking for an SSD that can handle your most demanding tasks and deliver years of reliable service, the Kingston KC3000 is a strong recommendation.
Specifications
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe |
| Capacities | 1024GB |
| Controller | Phison E18 |
| NAND | 3D TLC |
| Sequential read/write | 1024GB – 7,000/6,000MB/s |
| Random 4K read/write | 1024GB – up to 900,000/1,000,000 IOPS |
| Total Bytes Written (TBW) | 1024GB – 800TBW |
| Power consumption | 1024GB – 50mW idle / 0.33W avg / 2.8W (MAX) read / 6.3W (MAX) write |
| Storage temperature | -40°C~85°C |
| Operating temperature | 0°C~70°C |
| Dimensions | 80mm x 22mm x 2.21mm |
| Weight | 512GB-1024GB – 7g |
| Vibration operating | 2.17G peak (7-800Hz) |
| Vibration non-operating | 20G Peak (20-1000Hz) |
| MTBF | 2,000,000 hours |
