Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD

86%

Value for Money

Performance

Installation Ease

Reliability

Durability (No Moving Parts)

Boot Time Improvement

Read/Write Speed

Compatibility with Laptops

Customer Support

Gaming Performance

Software/Additional Features

Size and Form Factor

Heat Management

Overview

The Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD is an affordable solution for users looking to boost their system performance without breaking the bank. This entry-level SSD offers fast read speeds of up to 2100MB/s and write speeds of 1100MB/s, making it an excellent choice for general computing and light gaming. Compact form factor and simple installation make this drive compatible with a variety of laptops and small PCs. Its no moving parts design ensures reliability, with an MTBF of 1 million hours, making it a solid and cost-effective choice for everyday use.

Features & Benefits

The Kingston NV1 SSD uses PCIe Gen 3.0 technology, which provides improved speed and efficiency over traditional SATA drives. It’s particularly effective at boosting boot times and speeding up application loading, offering a noticeable performance increase in older systems. Available in multiple capacities, the 250GB version offers a balance of price and performance for users looking to upgrade without overspending. Thanks to its durable design and lack of moving parts, it is a reliable option that reduces the risk of failure over time. The compact M.2 2280 form factor ensures easy installation.

Best For

This Kingston SSD is ideal for users looking to upgrade storage on laptops or desktops. Its fast performance and affordable price point make it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable NVMe SSD for everyday computing. Gamers who need quicker load times in their games and applications can benefit, though it’s not the fastest option available. It’s also an excellent choice for PC builders looking for a reliable entry-level drive to pair with other system components without overspending.

User Feedback

The Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD has earned praise for its value and speed at an entry-level price. Many users report a significant performance boost in older systems, particularly with faster boot times and better overall responsiveness. However, some users have noted that while it is fast for general use, it may not be the best choice for demanding workloads like high-end gaming or content creation. It excels as an affordable upgrade but may not meet the needs of those requiring maximum data transfer speeds.

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Pros

Offers great value for budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable SSD upgrade.
Fast read speeds up to 2100MB/s improve system boot times and overall responsiveness.
Compact M.2 2280 form factor makes installation in laptops and small PCs simple.
Durable with no moving parts, making it more reliable than traditional hard drives.
Compatible with a variety of devices, including laptops and small form factor PCs.
A solid choice for basic system upgrades without breaking the bank.

Cons

Not the best option for users who require ultra-fast performance for heavy workloads.
Some users report slower write speeds compared to higher-end SSDs, especially under load.
250GB storage may not be sufficient for those needing large amounts of space for media.
While great for casual use, it may fall short for high-end gaming or professional applications.
Lacks the speed and performance needed for intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
Limited to PCIe Gen 3.0 speeds, which could be a bottleneck for future-proofing or high-performance builds.

Ratings

The ratings for the Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD were derived from analyzing verified user reviews from multiple countries and platforms. Spam, bot-generated, incentivized, and off-topic reviews were filtered out to ensure only authentic, high-quality feedback influenced the results. While the product is highly regarded for its affordability and performance in everyday computing, some users have pointed out limitations for heavy workloads or high-end gaming. Overall, both strengths and pain points are reflected in the following scores, which cover a range of aspects relevant to potential buyers worldwide.

Value for Money

92%

Many buyers are impressed with the affordable price of this SSD, especially considering the performance improvements it brings. The fast read and write speeds make it a solid choice for everyday computing and system upgrades. For budget-conscious buyers, it's hard to beat the value of this drive at the given price point.

A few users mentioned that while the price is great, it may not be the best option for more demanding tasks or heavy workloads. Some customers feel that it might not provide long-term value if you require larger capacities or extreme speed for high-end applications.

Performance

85%

The drive delivers solid performance with read speeds up to 2100MB/s and write speeds up to 1100MB/s, making it an excellent choice for improving system responsiveness. Users appreciate how it speeds up boot times and system load, making daily tasks feel faster and smoother. It's perfect for users who need a quick boost without breaking the bank.

However, some users report that the speeds are adequate but not exceptional for demanding applications like large file transfers or high-end gaming. While it's great for casual use, those looking for the fastest possible speeds may be disappointed by its limitations compared to premium models.

Installation Ease

93%

Installation is straightforward, and many users highlight how easy it is to integrate this SSD into laptops or small form factor PCs. Its M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with most devices, and the drive slots in seamlessly without requiring additional hardware. The plug-and-play setup makes it a hassle-free upgrade for most users.

While installation is simple for many, a small number of users did note issues when installing it into older devices or custom-built systems. In some cases, users had to update their BIOS or adjust settings to ensure proper compatibility.

Reliability

89%

Many users trust this device for its reliability, particularly because it uses NAND flash memory with no moving parts. This makes it less prone to physical damage compared to traditional HDDs. The durability factor ensures a longer lifespan, with users reporting stable performance even after months of use.

On the downside, a few users have raised concerns about the long-term performance of this drive, especially under heavy write loads. While it works well for regular tasks, it's not the most reliable option for those who constantly push their storage to the limit.

Durability (No Moving Parts)

91%

This SSD's lack of moving parts is a key advantage, offering greater durability and less risk of failure compared to mechanical hard drives. It's designed to handle daily use without significant wear and tear. Users value this for its longevity, making it a dependable choice for both casual and professional use.

Some buyers who were used to traditional HDDs were skeptical about the flash memory's longevity over time. While the SSD is generally considered durable, users who do frequent large file transfers may see more wear compared to those using lower-demand applications.

Boot Time Improvement

87%

Users are particularly impressed by the noticeable improvement in boot times. Replacing an older HDD with this SSD gives systems a fresh boost, making everything from startup to file access significantly quicker. For many users, this upgrade results in a smoother, more responsive experience.

Despite the fast boot times, a few users reported that performance gains are less noticeable in systems already equipped with solid-state drives. The difference in speed is more impactful when upgrading from older mechanical drives.

Read/Write Speed

84%

For general use, the 2100MB/s read and 1100MB/s write speeds are a solid upgrade over traditional hard drives. Users appreciate the improved file access speeds, especially when opening large files or loading programs. These speeds make the SSD a good balance between cost and performance.

However, some users felt that these speeds were somewhat underwhelming for more intensive tasks, such as large-scale video editing or gaming. For power users, the SSD might not meet the performance standards set by higher-end models in the market.

Compatibility with Laptops

90%

The Kingston NV1 250GB SSD is widely praised for its compatibility with a range of laptops, making it an excellent choice for laptop upgrades. Its small M.2 2280 form factor ensures it fits in most devices without issue. Many users have reported a smooth and easy installation process.

A few users with older or less common laptop models mentioned compatibility issues, particularly with devices that lack M.2 slots. However, this is more of an issue for users with specific hardware configurations rather than a widespread concern.

Customer Support

82%

18%

Kingston's customer support receives generally favorable feedback. Many users appreciated their prompt responses to inquiries and their willingness to assist with installation or troubleshooting. In the event of issues, the brand’s warranty offers added peace of mind.

Some customers, however, reported slow response times and difficulty getting resolutions for more complex issues. While most had positive experiences, a few felt the support could be more responsive, especially for users who experienced technical difficulties.

Gaming Performance

75%

25%

While not aimed at gamers, some users have still noticed improvements in game load times compared to older hard drives. The SSD can offer faster access to games and reduce loading screens, enhancing the overall gaming experience for casual users.

Serious gamers, however, pointed out that this drive lacks the speed and capacity needed for high-end gaming. For those running modern AAA games or extensive libraries, the performance might not be sufficient, especially in terms of write speeds and long-term usage.

Software/Additional Features

70%

30%

The drive’s simplicity is appreciated by users who don’t need extra software or complex features. It works right out of the box, with no need for additional drivers or configuration. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a plug-and-play upgrade without additional bloatware.

The lack of software features, such as a proprietary dashboard or optimization tools, has been a point of contention for some users. For those looking for enhanced performance management or monitoring, this drive might feel lacking compared to models with bundled software.

Size and Form Factor

95%

The compact 2280 M.2 form factor allows this SSD to fit into a wide range of devices, including ultrabooks, desktops, and compact PCs. Its small size also makes it lightweight and easy to install without taking up much space, making it ideal for space-constrained systems.

A small number of users found the size a bit too compact for certain custom builds, where a larger form factor might have been easier to handle. However, this issue is relatively minor and pertains mostly to advanced setups or those with unique requirements.

Heat Management

80%

20%

Users appreciate that the SSD remains cool during everyday tasks. Many note that the lack of moving parts and the efficient design help keep temperatures in check even during extended use, contributing to a longer lifespan and more consistent performance.

A few users who put the drive through intensive workloads reported that it heats up slightly under heavy load, which can cause minor performance throttling. While this is not a major issue for most, it's something to consider for power users or those running high-demand applications.

Suitable for:

The Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD is ideal for users looking for an affordable upgrade to their laptop or small PC. It's especially well-suited for budget-conscious buyers who want to improve system performance without spending a lot. Students or casual users who need a fast, reliable storage solution will appreciate the faster boot times and improved system responsiveness. Additionally, it’s a great choice for PC builders starting with an entry-level NVMe drive. Those looking to replace old hard drives with something more modern and faster will find this SSD offers excellent value for its price.

Not suitable for:

This SSD may not be the best option for users with high-demand applications, such as video editors, gamers, or professionals who need to run large programs and manage heavy data loads. While the Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD offers decent speed, its read and write speeds are not competitive with higher-end models designed for intensive tasks. Power users who prioritize top-tier performance may find it lacks the necessary speed for optimal performance under heavy workloads or high-end gaming. Additionally, users who require larger storage capacities for extensive media libraries or applications may need to look for alternatives, as this drive's 250GB capacity might fall short for their needs.

Specifications

Capacity: This SSD offers 250GB of storage, providing ample space for system files, applications, and some media storage.
Form Factor: The SSD is designed in a compact M.2 2280 form factor, making it compatible with laptops and small form factor PCs.
Interface: It uses PCIe Gen 3.0 interface, offering faster data transfer speeds compared to older SATA drives.
Read Speed: With a maximum read speed of 2100MB/s, it provides faster load times for applications and system boot-up.
Write Speed: The drive offers a write speed of up to 1100MB/s, which is ideal for general computing and system tasks.
Compatibility: This SSD is compatible with devices that support M.2 2280 and PCIe NVMe interfaces, including many laptops and desktops.
Durability: The SSD has no moving parts, increasing its durability and reducing the risk of failure due to physical damage.
Operating Temperature: It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, ensuring stable performance across typical usage environments.
MTBF: With a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1 million hours, it offers reliable long-term performance.
Dimensions: The SSD measures 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.14 inches, making it compact and easy to install in most devices with an M.2 slot.
Weight: Weighing just 0.212 oz, this drive is lightweight, adding minimal weight to your system.
Power Consumption: The power consumption is low, making it suitable for energy-efficient devices and systems.
Capacity Options: Available in multiple capacities, including up to 2TB, offering flexibility for different storage needs.
Color: The drive comes in a blue finish, contributing to its sleek and simple appearance.
Shock Resistance: The lack of moving parts provides enhanced shock resistance, making it more resilient to bumps and drops compared to HDDs.
Encryption Support: This drive supports basic hardware-based encryption for added data security.
Usage: Ideal for upgrading storage in laptops and PCs, this SSD significantly boosts boot times and general system responsiveness.
Warranty: It is backed by a limited warranty, ensuring peace of mind for users against manufacturing defects.
Firmware Updates: The drive is compatible with firmware updates, ensuring continued improvements and optimizations from the manufacturer.

FAQ

The Kingston NV1 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD offers read speeds up to 2100MB/s and write speeds up to 1100MB/s, providing a solid performance boost for most tasks like booting up your system or loading applications.

Yes, this SSD is compatible with most laptops and small form factor PCs that support an M.2 2280 slot and PCIe Gen 3.0 interface. However, make sure your laptop's motherboard supports NVMe drives to take full advantage of the speed.

The installation of this SSD is straightforward, thanks to its compact M.2 2280 form factor. Simply remove the back panel of your laptop, find the M.2 slot, insert the SSD, and secure it. No special tools or software are required.

PCIe Gen 3.0 offers a significant improvement in data transfer rates over older storage interfaces like SATA. It allows for faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker boot times and better overall system responsiveness, especially for entry-level builds.

For many users, 250GB is adequate for operating systems, applications, and some files. However, if you store large media files like videos or have extensive game libraries, you may find yourself running out of space quickly. Consider upgrading to a larger capacity if needed.

While the Kingston NV1 offers good performance for general use, it is not designed for extreme tasks like high-end gaming or heavy content creation. For more demanding workloads, you may want to consider an SSD with higher read/write speeds and more robust features.

This SSD is built with no moving parts, making it more durable and less prone to mechanical failure compared to traditional hard drives. It also has a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1 million hours, indicating a high level of reliability for typical consumer use.

Upgrading from a SATA drive to an NVMe SSD like this one will significantly boost your system's performance. You’ll notice faster boot times, quicker application launches, and smoother multitasking due to the higher read and write speeds of NVMe technology.

Yes, this SSD provides excellent value for those building a budget-friendly PC. Its affordable price point combined with solid performance makes it a great option for users who need reliable storage without breaking the bank.

This drive does not include any proprietary software or management tools, but it is compatible with third-party utilities for monitoring and firmware updates. If you need advanced features, such as drive encryption or secure erasure, you may need to use other software.