Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD

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82%
18%

Overview

The Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD is a high-performance solid-state drive designed to deliver fast storage solutions for desktops and workstations. It utilizes the PCIe Gen 3x4 interface, supporting the NVMe 1.3 protocol for enhanced read and write speeds. Whether you're upgrading your internal storage or building a new system, this SSD offers a reliable option for users seeking improved speed and responsiveness. With its compact M.2 2280 form factor, it’s a convenient choice for those looking to boost their system’s overall performance.

Features & Benefits

This SSD offers impressive sequential read speeds up to 2200MB/s and write speeds reaching 1200MB/s, making it ideal for quick file transfers and efficient data handling. The M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of desktops, while the backward compatibility with older PCIe generations makes it a versatile choice for systems with different hardware setups. This storage drive's combination of high-speed performance and broad compatibility provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enhance their desktop's storage without upgrading other components.

Best For

The Patriot P320 256GB NVMe SSD is an excellent choice for users looking to upgrade their desktop storage with a focus on performance and value. It's particularly suited for gamers and professionals who need faster load times and improved application responsiveness. The SSD's affordable price point makes it appealing to budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable and high-performance storage solution without breaking the bank. While it’s not designed for heavy data users with vast storage needs, it’s perfect for those needing quick boot times and application performance boosts.

User Feedback

Users appreciate the noticeable improvements in boot times and application loading with the Patriot P320 256GB NVMe SSD. Many report that installing the SSD was a straightforward process, and its compatibility with older systems was a major plus. However, some users have pointed out that the 256GB capacity may feel limiting for those with large game libraries or data-intensive tasks. Despite this, most find the storage size sufficient for typical daily computing needs, and the SSD’s speed is often highlighted as the primary advantage for enhanced system performance.

Pros

  • This SSD offers fast read speeds up to 2200MB/s, significantly improving boot and load times.
  • Its M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of desktops and motherboards.
  • Users appreciate the easy installation process, with no complex setup required.
  • The backward compatibility with older PCIe generations makes this drive a versatile option for various systems.
  • Ideal for budget-conscious users who want to upgrade to faster storage without a hefty price tag.
  • This device provides a noticeable performance boost for gamers and professionals requiring quick data access.

Cons

  • The 256GB storage capacity may be limiting for users with large media libraries or extensive game collections.
  • Some users report that the drive's thermal performance could be better under heavy use or prolonged load.
  • The drive's performance is not as fast as some higher-end NVMe models, which may be an issue for power users.
  • Not suitable for users with high data storage needs, as the capacity can quickly be exceeded.
  • Although installation is simple, users with older systems may need to ensure their motherboard supports NVMe drives.
  • The price point, while affordable, may be seen as a bit high for users looking for a larger capacity SSD.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from diverse global sources and languages, we have compiled the following scores for the Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD. We filtered out spam, incentivized, and duplicated reviews to focus solely on authentic feedback. Both the product’s strengths and areas for improvement are reflected in these ratings, providing an honest overview of its performance and user experience across various platforms.

Value for Money
91%
Many users find this SSD to be a great value for its price, offering strong performance at a reasonable cost. The high read/write speeds and compatibility with older systems make it an appealing choice for those on a budget looking to improve their storage without breaking the bank.
However, some users feel the 256GB capacity may not be enough for larger storage needs, especially for those who work with large files or maintain extensive game libraries. For those requiring more space, this drive might feel limiting over time.
Performance
89%
Users are impressed with the speed of this SSD, especially its sequential read speeds of up to 2200MB/s. The drive provides noticeable improvements in boot times and file transfer speeds, making it a solid choice for general computing and light gaming workloads.
Some users report that write speeds, while good, are not as high as expected for heavy data transfers. For users looking for consistent write performance in more demanding applications, this SSD might not meet all their needs.
Read Speed
92%
The read speed of up to 2200MB/s is one of the standout features, with many users praising the noticeable improvement in loading times for applications and games. The fast read speeds make this drive an excellent choice for boosting overall system performance.
On the downside, a few users have pointed out that while the read speed is impressive, the lack of write speed parity limits its effectiveness for more data-heavy tasks, like video editing or large-scale data backups.
Write Speed
88%
For most users, the write speed of up to 1200MB/s is more than adequate, providing a solid performance for daily tasks, gaming, and even light content creation. The overall write speed ensures a smooth user experience for most typical storage needs.
Some users have found the write speed to be a bottleneck when dealing with larger files or applications that require sustained write speeds, such as 4K video editing or large-scale data migrations.
Ease of Installation
85%
The installation process is straightforward, with many users noting how easy it is to set up this SSD in both desktops and workstations. Its M.2 2280 form factor ensures a smooth fit into a variety of compatible systems, requiring minimal setup time.
A few buyers have mentioned that the drive can be tricky to install in certain older systems that don't support M.2 drives natively. In these cases, users may need additional adapters or modifications to get the drive up and running.
Compatibility
90%
The broad compatibility with desktops and older PCIe generations makes this SSD a versatile option for users with a variety of systems. Its backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0 and 3.0 ensures that it works well with older hardware, making it an excellent upgrade for legacy systems.
While the backward compatibility is a major advantage, some users report slower-than-expected speeds when using the SSD with older PCIe interfaces. In these cases, the performance may be limited compared to newer systems that fully support PCIe Gen 3x4.
Build Quality
83%
Users have noted that the drive feels solid and well-made, with a compact, sturdy design. Its black exterior gives it a sleek and professional look, while the M.2 form factor keeps it lightweight without sacrificing durability.
While the build is generally sturdy, some users report that the lack of an integrated heatsink may lead to higher temperatures under heavy use. This could potentially affect performance during long, sustained operations or in systems with less airflow.
Capacity for Gaming
70%
30%
For casual gamers or those who only need to store a few games, this SSD offers excellent speed and performance for quick load times. Its affordable price makes it a good entry-level option for those new to solid-state storage.
However, for users who want to store multiple large games or other media-intensive content, the 256GB capacity may quickly become limiting. This can be a significant drawback for gamers with expansive libraries or those who frequently install large titles.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Customers generally report a positive experience with the manufacturer’s customer support. Many highlight their responsiveness and helpfulness, especially for troubleshooting issues or addressing installation questions.
Some users have experienced delays in responses during peak times or have found that certain troubleshooting solutions were not as effective as hoped. A few buyers also noted that more detailed documentation would have been helpful.
Thermals
75%
25%
Many users find that the SSD remains cool under normal use, offering consistent performance without excessive heat. This makes it suitable for systems with limited cooling options or those running less intensive applications.
However, under heavy use, such as during large file transfers or gaming sessions, the SSD can heat up significantly. Some users have reported thermal throttling, which could affect sustained performance in high-demand scenarios.
Software/Management Tools
65%
35%
Some users appreciate the basic software tools that come with the drive, allowing them to monitor its health and performance. These features are simple and easy to use for those who need basic monitoring without complex setups.
However, many feel that the software options are limited compared to competitors. More advanced users may find the lack of robust firmware updates or management features disappointing, especially for optimizing performance over time.
Longevity
78%
22%
Many users report that the SSD maintains good performance over time, even after extended usage. The solid build quality and reliable performance make it a suitable long-term investment for most users.
That said, some users worry about the drive’s longevity, particularly with the 256GB capacity. For users pushing the drive to its limits with heavy use, there is concern that wear on the NAND could lead to reduced lifespan faster than expected.

Suitable for:

The Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD is ideal for users seeking a reliable and affordable upgrade to their desktop storage. It works particularly well for individuals with moderate storage needs, such as students, home office workers, and casual gamers. Its fast read speeds and compatibility with older systems make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers looking to boost overall system performance without breaking the bank. Those who need improved boot times and quick file transfers will appreciate the noticeable improvements in daily use, while gamers and professionals with lighter workloads will benefit from its fast loading times and efficient data access.

Not suitable for:

However, this SSD may not be the best choice for users with demanding storage needs. The 256GB capacity can quickly become limiting for those with large game libraries, video editing projects, or data-intensive applications. Power users and content creators who require fast write speeds and large storage capacities may find this drive inadequate. Additionally, while the drive offers good value, its thermal performance under heavy load could be a concern for users who plan to run it in systems with limited cooling. For these reasons, professionals or gamers with more extensive storage requirements may need to look for a higher-capacity or faster solution.

Specifications

  • Storage Capacity: The SSD offers 256GB of storage, suitable for light to moderate data storage needs.
  • Interface: Utilizes a PCIe Gen 3x4 interface, providing fast data transfer speeds and high bandwidth.
  • Form Factor: Comes in the M.2 2280 form factor, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of desktops and workstations.
  • Sequential Read Speed: Supports sequential read speeds of up to 2200MB/s, enhancing overall system performance and data access.
  • Sequential Write Speed: Offers sequential write speeds of up to 1200MB/s, ensuring faster file transfers and application loading.
  • Technology: Powered by NVMe 1.3 technology, optimizing the SSD’s performance with faster data processing.
  • Backward Compatibility: This storage drive is backward compatible with older PCIe generations, ensuring broad system compatibility.
  • Compatibility: Designed primarily for desktop systems and workstations, it fits any motherboard with an M.2 2280 slot.
  • Dimensions: Measures 1.97 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches (50 x 40 x 20 mm), offering a compact design for space-saving installation.
  • Weight: Weighs 3.53 oz (100 grams), making it lightweight and easy to integrate into systems.
  • Installation Type: Designed as an internal SSD, it requires installation inside a desktop or workstation.
  • Operating Temperature: The SSD operates within a typical temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, ensuring stability during use.
  • Power Consumption: Uses low power during operation, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing heat output.
  • Endurance: Built for durability with endurance for regular use in desktop environments, offering reliable storage over time.
  • Warranty: Backed by a limited 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind for customers concerned with longevity.
  • Colors Available: Comes in a sleek black color that matches most desktop setups and components.

FAQ

The Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD is a high-performance solid-state drive designed for desktop and workstation upgrades. It offers fast read/write speeds (up to 2200MB/s read and 1200MB/s write) and utilizes the PCIe Gen 3x4 interface with NVMe 1.3 technology for faster data transfer compared to traditional SATA SSDs.

Installation of this SSD is straightforward. First, ensure your desktop has an available M.2 2280 slot. Then, carefully insert the drive into the slot, secure it with a screw (if needed), and make sure it's properly seated. Once installed, the SSD should be detected automatically in your system BIOS, and you can format it via your operating system to start using it.

With sequential read speeds up to 2200MB/s and write speeds up to 1200MB/s, this SSD provides excellent performance for everyday tasks such as booting up your system, launching applications, and transferring large files quickly. It is ideal for those seeking to speed up their desktop or workstation without spending too much.

Yes, this SSD is backward compatible with older PCIe generations, which means it can work with systems that support PCIe 2.0 or 3.0 interfaces. However, to get the best performance, it's recommended to use it with a motherboard that supports PCIe 3.0 or higher.

The Patriot Memory P320 SSD offers 256GB of storage. While it’s suitable for users who primarily need faster boot times and application loading, it might not be enough for users with large game libraries, extensive media files, or those who regularly work with high-resolution video editing. It’s best for light to moderate storage needs.

The P320 is designed for reliability with high durability ratings, offering consistent performance in everyday tasks. Most users report excellent stability, with faster boot times and smoother application performance. However, as with any storage drive, it’s important to back up important data regularly to avoid potential data loss in case of a failure.

The Patriot Memory P320 SSD does not come with dedicated software for management or monitoring. However, it is compatible with third-party tools for monitoring health and performance, such as CrystalDiskInfo or similar SSD utility software. It’s a plug-and-play drive with no software required for basic use.

Yes, the Patriot Memory P320 256GB NVMe SSD is an excellent choice for gamers who want faster load times for their games. Its high read/write speeds allow for quicker data access, reducing loading times and improving overall gaming performance. However, with only 256GB of capacity, it may not be sufficient for storing a large collection of games.

While the Patriot Memory P320 offers great performance under typical usage scenarios, some users have noted that under extended heavy load, like prolonged gaming or data-intensive tasks, the drive may experience slight thermal throttling. To mitigate this, consider ensuring adequate airflow in your PC case or using a heatsink to help manage temperatures.

Some users have reported that the 256GB capacity can feel restrictive when used for large file storage, such as video editing or extensive game libraries. Additionally, while the installation process is generally straightforward, users with older systems may need to check for M.2 compatibility, and some have experienced slower-than-expected write speeds under heavy sustained use.