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NVMe SSD Drives

NVMe SSD Drives deliver lightning-fast load times and instant responsiveness for Windows, apps, games, and creative work. As a UK online retailer trading since 1988, we stock a wide range of PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSDs for desktops, laptops, consoles, and workstations, with clear compatibility notes, fast UK delivery, and easy returns.

Pick an M.2 2280 NVMe drive. For the best value, choose PCIe 4.0 at 1 TB or 2 TB. For peak speed, choose PCIe 5.0 and add a heatsink. Check your motherboard slot, drive length, single-sided vs double-sided for laptops, TBW endurance, and whether a heatsink is included. PS5 needs PCIe 4.0 NVMe 2280 with a low-profile heatsink.

Why buy NVMe SSD drives from us

  • UK online shop since 1988, with expert, friendly guidance

  • Curated range of PCIe 5.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives

  • Clear fit notes for M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110, plus laptop and console checks

  • Options with heatsinks, DRAM cache, and high endurance TLC

  • Fast UK delivery, simple returns, and UK-based support

Types of NVMe SSD drives

  • PCIe 5.0 NVMe – extreme transfer speeds for pro creators and heavy workflows

  • PCIe 4.0 NVMe – best all-around choice for gaming and everyday speed

  • PCIe 3.0 NVMe – perfect upgrade for older systems at low cost

  • Compact 2230 NVMe – for handhelds and tight laptop bays

  • High endurance TLC NVMe – higher TBW for editing, scratch and write-heavy tasks

  • DRAM and HMB variants – DRAM boosts sustained performance while HMB saves cost and power

NVMe SSD buying guide

1) Choose interface and capacity

Use caseInterfaceCapacity guideWhy it fits
Everyday home and studyPCIe 4.01 TBSmooth launches and headroom
Gaming PCPCIe 4.02 TBSpace for modern titles and DLC
Creator work and 4K videoPCIe 5.0 or fast 4.02 TB to 4 TBFaster imports and scratch work
Older desktop or laptopPCIe 3.0 or 4.0 is backwards compatible1 TBBig uplift over SATA
PS5 internal upgradePCIe 4.0 with heatsink1 TB or 2 TBMeets console spec

2) Form factor, length, and fit

  • M.2 2280 is standard for most desktops and laptops

  • M.2 2230 suits handhelds and some ultra compact laptops

  • Single sided drives fit tight laptop slots better than double-sided

  • Check the standoff position and keep the M.2 screw safe during installation

3) Speed and real world performance

  • PCIe 5.0 reads can exceed 10,000 MB s

  • PCIe 4.0 commonly delivers 5,000 to 7,500 MB s reads

  • PCIe 3.0 offers 2,000 to 3,500 MB s reads

  • Look beyond peak numbers. Sustained write speed, random IOPS, and thermal behaviour matter for large copies and project files

4) NAND, cache, and controller

  • TLC NAND balances speed and endurance for most users

  • QLC NAND cuts cost per GB but slows on very long writes

  • DRAM cache helps with mapping and sustained transfers

  • HMB uses system RAM to save cost. Fine for light use

  • Quality controllers and firmware maintain speed under load and heat

5) Endurance, warranty, and thermals

  • Check TBW or DWPD for write-heavy use

  • Typical retail warranties are 3 to 5 years

  • High-speed NVMe runs hot. Use a motherboard heatsink or a low-profile add-on heatsink, and ensure airflow

6) Compatibility and special cases

  • PS5 requires PCIe 4.0 NVMe 2280 plus a heatsink that fits the bay

  • Laptops may require single-sided drives and specific lengths

  • Motherboards can share lanes. Filling certain M.2 slots may disable SATA ports. Check the manual

Quick comparisons

FeaturePCIe 5.0 NVMePCIe 4.0 NVMePCIe 3.0 NVMe
Peak readVery highHighModerate
ValuePremiumExcellentBudget friendly
Heat outputHigherMediumLower
Best forHeavy creation and huge transfersGaming and everyday speedOlder systems and tight budgets

Expert tips

  • Leave 10 to 20 percent free space on SSDs to keep speeds consistent

  • Update SSD firmware and the motherboard BIOS for best compatibility

  • Place OS and apps on your fastest NVMe and use a second drive for projects or games

  • Use the board’s top M.2 slot where possible. It often has the direct CPU lanes

  • Enable TRIM in Windows and avoid traditional defrag on SSDs

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Buying M.2 SATA by accident instead of M.2 NVMe

  • Choosing the wrong length, such as 22110, when the standoff only supports 2280

  • Forgetting a heatsink on a high-speed drive under a graphics card

  • Cloning to a new SSD and leaving the old drive as the first boot in BIOS

  • Filling the SSD to 100 percent and wondering why it slows down

  • Mixing QLC for heavy scratch work, where TLC would last longer

  • Ignoring lane sharing and losing SATA ports when adding extra M.2 drives

Setup, migration, and care

  • Back up first. Then clone or clean install Windows

  • Set the NVMe as the primary boot in BIOS after cloning

  • Check that AHCI NVMe and TRIM are enabled

  • Keep drivers current and run the vendor SSD tool for firmware and health checks

  • Clean dust from case filters to keep the M.2 area cool

Popular sub categories

  • PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD drives

  • PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD drives

  • Compact 2230 NVMe SSD drives

  • High endurance TLC NVMe

  • PS5 compatible NVMe with heatsink

  • Heatsinks, screws, and M.2 accessories

  • USB enclosures and cloning kits

FAQs – NVMe SSD Drives

1) What size NVMe SSD should I buy
For a modern PC, 1 TB is a sensible minimum. 2 TB gives plenty of room for games and media.

2) PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0. Which should I choose
PCIe 5.0 is the fastest on paper. PCIe 4.0 offers excellent real-world speed at better prices and cooler operation.

3) Will an NVMe SSD work in any M.2 slot
Only if the slot supports NVMe M key. Some M.2 slots are SATA only. Check your manual.

4) Do I need a heatsink
Recommended for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 drives, especially if the slot sits under a graphics card. Many boards include a heatsink.

5) TLC or QLC. What is better
TLC is the best all-around choice for speed and durability. QLC is cheaper per GB but not ideal for heavy write workloads.

6) What is DRAM cache, and does it matter
A DRAM cache keeps mapping tables on the drive, which helps sustained performance. HMB uses system RAM and is fine for lighter tasks.

7) Can I upgrade a PS5 with an NVMe drive
Yes. It must be PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 and have a low-profile heatsink that fits the bay.

8) Will PCIe 4.0 NVMe work on a PCIe 3.0 board
Yes. It runs at PCIe 3.0 speeds but still feels very fast compared with SATA.

9) My laptop slot is tight. What should I check
Look for single-sided drives and confirm the required length, such as 2230, 2242, or 2280.

10) Why is my new NVMe slower than the spec sheet
Peak speeds apply to short bursts. Large copies hit the end of the SLC cache and drop to sustained speed. Heat can also throttle speed.

11) Do I need to defragment an NVMe SSD
No. Ensure TRIM is enabled. Use the Windows optimise tool, not traditional defrag.

12) How much free space should I leave
Keep 10 to 20 percent free to help wear levelling and maintain performance.

13) Can I use an NVMe SSD in a SATA only PC
Not on the internal M.2 slot. You can use a USB NVMe enclosure externally for transfers or backups.

14) What is TBW, and why does it matter
Terabytes Written indicates endurance. Higher TBW is better for heavy write workloads.

15) Do NVMe SSDs improve game frame rates
They reduce load times and stutter. Frame rates are set by the GPU and CPU.

16) How do I move Windows to a new NVMe
Clone the old drive to the new one with a reliable tool. Then set the new NVMe as the first boot in BIOS.

17) Can I add a second NVMe for scratch
Yes. Many boards have two or more M.2 slots. Place scratch or project files on a second drive to reduce wear on the OS drive.

18) What cables do I need for M.2 NVMe
None. M.2 NVMe connects directly to the slot. You only need the M.2 screw and sometimes a heatsink.

19) Why did my SATA ports stop working after adding an NVMe
Some boards share lanes. Filling certain M.2 slots can disable SATA ports. Check the manual and move cables as needed.

20) What warranty do NVMe SSD drives come with
Most include a 3 to 5-year manufacturer’s warranty plus our easy UK returns. See each product page for exact cover.

Ready to upgrade your storage

Explore NVMe SSD drives in PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 options, with or without heatsinks, in sizes from compact 2230 to standard 2280. With clear compatibility notes, fast UK delivery, and trusted service since 1988, you can install with confidence and feel the speed straight away.

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