Silicon Power 2TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD Review: Speed Meets Affordability

The Silicon Power 2TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage solution designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand speed and reliability. With read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 4,800 MB/s, this SSD leverages PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver nearly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 drives. It’s packed with features like SLC Caching, Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding, and End-to-End (E2E) data protection, ensuring both speed and data integrity. Plus, its M.2 2280 form factor makes it compatible with a wide range of systems, including laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles like the PS5.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.

Pros: What Customers Love

1. Blazing-Fast Speeds

The standout feature of the Silicon Power UD90 is its incredible speed. Customers rave about how it transforms their systems, with lightning-fast boot times, quick game loading, and seamless file transfers. One user noted, “This drive is insanely fast. Boot times, game loading, and file transfers are all lightning quick now.” Another customer using it in their PS5 said, “It’s very fast and works great for games on the PS5.”

For content creators and professionals handling large files, the UD90 delivers consistent performance. A reviewer shared, “The load times are incredibly fast. I’ve installed it in multiple computers, and it still works great.”

2. Easy Installation

Installation is a breeze, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Customers appreciate the plug-and-play nature of the SSD. One user mentioned, “Installation was simple—plug and play with no issues.” Another reviewer highlighted its compatibility with tight spaces, saying, “The UD90 is single-sided and very thin, making it perfect for my miniPC with limited room.”

3. Great Value for Money

The UD90 offers top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of competing brands. Customers consistently praise its affordability. One reviewer stated, “It performs just as well as more expensive drives but at a fraction of the cost.” Another added, “It’s great to see SSD prices coming way down, and this drive offers comparable performance at a significantly lower cost.”

4. Reliable Brand Reputation

Silicon Power has built a reputation for reliability, and the UD90 is no exception. Many customers have used multiple Silicon Power drives without issues. One reviewer shared, “I’ve bought many drives from this brand and have never had an issue with quality and longevity.” Another customer praised the company’s customer service, saying, “They upgraded and replaced my old failed drive for free. Amazing company and amazing products!”

Cons: Where It Falls Short

1. Sustained Write Speeds Drop Significantly

While the UD90 excels in short bursts, its sustained write speeds can be disappointing. One user reported, “Copying large files (about 1TB) exposed just how bad the performance is—sustained writes quickly dropped to an abysmal 150MB/s–250MB/s.” This suggests that the SLC cache is relatively small, leading to throttling during prolonged tasks.

2. Potential QLC NAND Concerns

Some customers suspect that the drive uses QLC NAND instead of TLC, which could explain the performance drop-off after the cache fills up. A reviewer noted, “This strongly suggests the drive is using QLC NAND instead of TLC, which explains the poor sustained performance.” While Silicon Power advertises TLC NAND, the real-world performance has left some users skeptical.

3. Limited Customer Support

A few customers expressed frustration with Silicon Power’s customer support. One reviewer shared, “I reached out to Silicon Power’s support to confirm the NAND type and explain the performance problems, but after three days with no response, I decided to dig into the issue myself.”

Final Verdict

The Silicon Power 2TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD is a solid choice for users seeking high-speed storage at an affordable price. Its blazing-fast read/write speeds, easy installation, and reliable performance make it a great option for gamers, content creators, and professionals. However, its sustained write speeds and potential QLC NAND concerns may be a dealbreaker for users handling large, continuous workloads.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly SSD for everyday use or gaming, the UD90 is a fantastic pick. But for those who need consistent, high-performance storage for intensive tasks, it might be worth investing in a slightly pricier TLC-based drive.

In conclusion, the Silicon Power UD90 offers excellent value for most users, but it’s not without its flaws. Weigh your needs carefully before making a decision!