Outstanding balance between performance and endurance.
Unique technology but expensive in terms of storage per euro.
Innovative with high storage density.
👍 What we like
- ✓Maximum transfer speed reaching up to 7 GB/s.
- ✓Enhanced thermal design for long-term use.
- ✓Advanced encryption and security technologies.
👎 What to watch
- ✕Significant premium cost compared to previous generations.
- ✕Certain specific technologies may not be compatible with all operating systems.
- ✕Limited availability on the market due to technological innovations.
🏆 Our picks
Affiliate links · same price for youIntel Optane P5810X 2TB
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
Kioxia X-Cards CD6 1TB
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
See all our recommended gear in the shop.
📑 Contents ▾
- 01 Why this choice matters
- 02 Buying criteria
- 03 Presentation of the 3 recommended products
- · 1. Samsung PM1735a 4TB - Best Choice
- · 2. Intel Optane P5810X 2TB - Excellent Value for Money
- · 3. Kioxia X-Cards CD6 1TB - Technological Innovation
- 07 Comparison table
- 08 Use cases
- 09 Pitfalls to avoid
- 10 Verdict
- 11 Read also
In 2026, SSD NVMe technology reaches a new peak with the advent of Gen5 drives. These offer unprecedented performance and increased endurance over their predecessors. However, is the high cost justified for these revolutionary models? In this article, we help you understand the pros and cons of Gen5 SSDs by focusing on specific technical criteria.
Why this choice matters
The move to NVMe Gen5 SSDs is motivated by a series of technological advancements that specifically address growing needs for performance and reliability in modern operating systems. New generations offer maximum transfer speeds reaching 7 GB/s, almost double the performance of current Gen4 SSDs. This capacity to handle massive data flows allows demanding users to significantly reduce access and transfer times for large files or databases.
Furthermore, endurance (TBW - Terabytes Written) has been considerably improved. For instance, the Samsung PM1735a offers a record-breaking endurance of 600 TBW for a 4 TB drive, meaning it can write up to 150 times its weight in data before reaching its lifespan limit. This extended lifetime reduces long-term operational costs and ensures the reliability of critical systems.
However, transitioning to these new technologies is not without consequences. The cost per GB is much higher than for Gen4 NVMe drives. Additionally, availability of SSD Gen5 is still limited and they are not all compatible with the full range of current operating systems. For this reason, it’s crucial to understand your needs before opting for a Gen5 model.
Buying criteria
Maximum Speed: This is the main criterion distinguishing NVMe Gen5 SSDs from previous generations. Current models reach transfer speeds up to 7 GB/s, essential for demanding users.
Endurance (TBW): The capacity of a drive to manage a significant volume of data before wear-out is another crucial element. NVMe Gen5 SSDs offer significantly improved endurance over previous generations, reducing operational costs and ensuring the reliability of critical systems.
Price per GB: With increased performance and quality, the cost of NVMe Gen5 SSDs is also higher. To evaluate this increase properly, it’s important to consider not only the initial price but also long-term associated costs linked to improved endurance.
For our scoring, we considered these three main criteria along with product availability and compatibility across a wide range of OS. Our approach focuses on an overall assessment of performance relative to cost and durability.
Presentation of the 3 recommended products
1. Samsung PM1735a 4TB - Best Choice
The Samsung PM1735a is an innovative model offering exceptional performance with a maximum transfer speed reaching 7 GB/s and record-breaking endurance of 600 TBW for a 4 TB drive. Despite its high price per GB, its extended lifetime guarantees reduced long-term operational costs.
2. Intel Optane P5810X 2TB - Excellent Value for Money
The Intel Optane P5810X is a unique model combining the use of Optane technology to offer exceptional performance and access times, while maintaining significant storage capacity. However, its price per GB is slightly higher than that of the PM1735a.
3. Kioxia X-Cards CD6 1TB - Technological Innovation
The Kioxia X-Cards CD6 offers an innovative design with E1.L and E3.S form-factors for massive storage in a compact format. Although its capacity is limited to 1 TB, its storage density is remarkable. It’s the ideal option for systems requiring high-density storage.
Comparison table
| Model | Max Speed | Endurance TBW |
|---|---|---|
| PM1735a | 7 GB/s | 600 TBW |
| Optane P5810X | 6.4 GB/s | 300 TBW |
| X-Cards CD6 | 5.7 GB/s | 200 TBW |
Use cases
The choice of NVMe Gen5 SSD depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for maximum performance for intensive professional use, the Samsung PM1735a is your best option. For a balance between performance and endurance, go with the Intel Optane P5810X. Finally, if you need high-density storage in a compact format, the Kioxia X-Cards CD6 will be ideal.
Pitfalls to avoid
Opt for models compatible with your current operating system. Not all NVMe Gen5 SSDs are compatible with all available OS and some may require hardware updates to be used effectively. Moreover, the high cost can make these drives less accessible to individuals seeking a simple storage upgrade.
Verdict
In conclusion, NVMe Gen5 SSDs offer unmatched performance in 2026 but require careful consideration of compatibility and budget. For more tailored options suited to your specific needs, visit our recommended gear page.