Testing
The following system was used to test the SSD
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– RAM: GOODRAM IRDM PRO 16GB DDR4-3600MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial MX500
– Mass Storage: GOODRAM IRDM PRO GEN.2 1TB
– CPU Cooler: SilverStone Permafrost PF240W-ARGB
– PSU: Seasonic Snow Silent 750W Platinum
– Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe White
To test the SSD, the following software was used:
– ATTO Disk Benchmark,
– CrystalDiskMark 8,
– Shadow of the Tomb Raider;
– Windows File Copy.
In order to obtain a precise result each test was performed three times.
CrystalDiskMark 8 – Read
CrystalDiskMark 8 – Write
ATTO Disk Benchmark Read
ATTO Disk Benchmark Write
Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Level Loading
Windows File Copy
Temperature
Final thoughts
The Silicon Power P34A80 1TB is a good NVME SSD, with a good performance in any scenario. This SSD is also priced lower than the competition, with an average price tag of 135 USD or EUR for the 1TB version.
The performance is good, the file copy speed on this SSD is sitting at around 1GB per second. However, once the cache of the drive is full, the speed drops to almost 600mb/s.
The thermal performance is alright for the most part, especially since this SSD has no dedicated heatsink included. Once the thermal throttling point is reached, at around 75 degrees Celsius, the speed is dropped to a crawl, close to 200mb/s.
The build quality is excellent, with good soldering on the PCB and no issues on the traces. The label placed on the front of the SSD will help cool the components placed on the PCB, albeit to a very small extent.
The Silicon Power P34A80 1TB has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and an endurance rating of 1665 TBW.
In conclusion, the Silicon Power P34A80 1TB is a good M.2 SSD that offers a great performance in both games and workspace. One highlight of this drive is the fact that it is affordable. The thermal performance is also acceptable for an SSD that has no heatsink included.
SP are indeed good products at great pricing. Only problem I found, from actual experience, is them honouring the warranty. On pretty much every occasion they have rejected it and told me to go to the point of sale and sort it out with them. Even when it is past a reasonable time frame eg 2 years into the 5 year warranty. Shame as that is the one downside, and major one, on otherwise excellent choice.