Overview

The Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD is a solid storage solution for those looking to upgrade their system with improved performance and reliability. This drive leverages NVMe technology to significantly speed up data transfers, offering much faster access times compared to traditional hard drives. Its compact M.2 form factor makes it a great choice for desktop PC users who need a cost-effective yet powerful upgrade. This SSD is designed to enhance system responsiveness and is ideal for everyday computing, gaming, and light content creation.

Features & Benefits

The Patriot SSD boasts impressive read speeds of up to 1700MB/s and write speeds up to 1100MB/s, delivering quick load times and efficient file transfers. It incorporates advanced data protection features such as SmartECC technology and thermal throttling, ensuring data integrity and preventing overheating during intense usage. With a 5-year warranty, users can enjoy long-term peace of mind. These performance and durability features make it a great option for users seeking a reliable, high-speed storage solution for their PCs.

Best For

This M.2 PCIe drive is perfect for a variety of users. It’s well-suited for PC enthusiasts seeking faster boot times and improved overall system responsiveness. Gamers will appreciate the faster load times, while content creators can benefit from quicker file access during editing tasks. Moreover, those looking for an affordable SSD upgrade without breaking the bank will find this a compelling option. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants the performance of an NVMe drive without the high price tag of premium models.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise this Patriot SSD for its reliable performance and noticeable speed improvements over older SATA drives. Installation is quick and simple, with many noting that it’s a hassle-free upgrade. However, some power users mention that the write speeds may fall short when handling large files or demanding workloads. Despite this, the drive is widely considered a great value for users who need solid, everyday performance without the need for extreme speeds in write-heavy applications.

Pros

  • This M.2 PCIe drive offers a significant speed improvement over older SATA SSDs and traditional hard drives.
  • Ideal for users looking for an affordable SSD upgrade with good performance for general desktop tasks.
  • The 5-year warranty provides peace of mind for long-term reliability.
  • SmartECC and thermal throttling features help maintain stability during prolonged use.
  • Installation is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those with limited technical knowledge.
  • It’s an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who need fast load times without breaking the bank.

Cons

  • Some users report that the write speeds may not be fast enough for heavy workloads like 4K video editing.
  • The drive is not the best option for power users or professionals with intensive data transfer needs.
  • While the read speeds are impressive, they are limited by the drive’s write performance under certain conditions.
  • This SSD may not provide enough speed for users working with larger files on a regular basis.
  • It’s not suitable for older systems that don’t support NVMe technology or have limited PCIe slots.
  • Some users feel that the overall performance doesn’t quite match higher-end SSDs at similar prices.

Ratings

The scores for the Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD were generated by analyzing verified user reviews from various platforms and languages worldwide. Spam, incentivized, and off-topic feedback was excluded to ensure accuracy, with only high-quality, authentic reviews informing the results. While the product is praised for its strong performance and value, a few users have pointed out minor concerns regarding write speeds in more demanding use cases. Both strengths and potential drawbacks are reflected in the ratings.

Performance (Read Speed)
91%
Many users are impressed with the fast read speeds, which make a noticeable difference when loading large files or booting up the system. The read performance of this M.2 PCIe drive offers a significant upgrade over older SATA drives, especially in daily computing tasks.
A few users mentioned that the read speed, while fast, doesn't always live up to the highest standards when comparing it to more premium SSDs. Some noted that it falls short in more demanding workloads, especially when paired with high-end components.
Performance (Write Speed)
83%
The write speed of this SSD is praised by most users for everyday use, such as saving files or loading games. It offers a noticeable improvement compared to HDDs and older SSDs, making it a solid choice for general computing and light-to-moderate gaming workloads.
Some users found the write speeds to be slower than expected, especially for power users or those handling large amounts of data. In some heavy workloads, like video editing or file transfers, the write speeds might not meet the needs of demanding applications.
Value for Money
92%
This M.2 PCIe drive is frequently mentioned for providing excellent value for money, with performance that rivals more expensive models. Buyers appreciate the balance of speed, reliability, and cost, especially for those upgrading their desktop storage without breaking the bank.
A few users felt that while the price is competitive, the performance doesn't quite match the highest-end models on the market. For those willing to pay more, there are faster drives available, though they come at a significantly higher cost.
Build Quality
89%
Users find the build quality of this SSD to be robust and reliable, especially considering its price range. The compact 2280 form factor is well-suited for most desktops, and the drive performs well under typical use conditions without overheating.
Some buyers noted that while the build is sturdy, there are occasional reports of heating issues under continuous load. These concerns were less common but still worth mentioning for those looking to push the device under heavy workloads.
Ease of Installation
88%
Several users highlighted how simple it is to install this SSD, even for those with limited technical knowledge. The M.2 form factor allows for quick mounting on most desktop motherboards, making it a user-friendly upgrade for anyone looking to boost their system performance.
A few users reported that while installation is generally easy, they had trouble with the drive not being immediately recognized by some older motherboards. In those cases, a BIOS update or troubleshooting was required to get it to work properly.
Reliability
90%
The reliability of this SSD is frequently praised by users who have been using it for months without issues. The built-in SmartECC and thermal throttling features help maintain consistent performance, especially during long usage sessions, ensuring the drive stays functional over time.
A few users reported occasional performance dips, especially when the drive was subjected to high temperatures or sustained use. However, these instances are rare and typically resolved with proper cooling or usage adjustments.
Thermal Performance
85%
This SSD performs well thermally under typical workloads, thanks to its thermal throttling technology, which helps prevent overheating during use. Users who installed it in standard desktop systems found that it stayed within safe temperature ranges even during extended use.
A small percentage of users mentioned that the drive can heat up significantly under heavy load, particularly when gaming or doing intensive tasks like video editing. In those cases, adding additional cooling or ensuring adequate airflow may be necessary.
Compatibility
87%
The SSD is widely compatible with desktops and laptops that support the M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 interface. It works well with a range of systems running Windows 7 through 11, making it a versatile upgrade for various setups.
Some users with older systems or less common motherboards reported compatibility issues, requiring BIOS updates or other adjustments. This is a minor issue but could be a consideration for users with legacy hardware.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Patriot's customer support has been generally helpful for users who ran into installation or compatibility issues. Many found the response time acceptable, and the support staff provided clear solutions to common problems.
Some users experienced delays when reaching out to customer support, particularly for more complex technical issues. In a few cases, users reported having to follow up multiple times to get a satisfactory resolution.
Warranty (5-year)
93%
The included 5-year warranty provides peace of mind for most buyers, especially considering the affordable price point. Users appreciate knowing that they are covered for an extended period, which enhances the product's overall value.
While the warranty is a strong selling point, some users mentioned that the warranty process could be cumbersome if they needed to initiate a claim. However, such instances were rare, and many users felt confident in the longevity of the product.
Gaming Performance
84%
Gamers have noticed a significant performance boost in loading times and data retrieval speed when using this SSD for gaming. The fast read and write speeds provide a smoother experience when running modern games or accessing game files.
Some hardcore gamers reported that while it works well for most games, the write speed may not be fast enough for tasks like video editing or large-scale game modding. For those looking for peak gaming performance, a more premium SSD may be a better option.
Data Integrity Features
88%
The SmartECC and end-to-end data path protection features ensure that data integrity is maintained, which is appreciated by users who store critical files. The inclusion of thermal throttling also helps to protect the drive during long sessions of heavy use.
A few users found that the thermal throttling kicked in more often than expected, reducing performance in high-demand situations. While the data integrity features work as intended, some feel that the drive is not quite as fast as others in the same price range during sustained use.

Suitable for:

The Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD is a great choice for budget-conscious PC users looking for a performance upgrade from older hard drives or SATA SSDs. It’s particularly suitable for casual gamers, students, and professionals who need fast load times for applications, games, or file storage without spending too much. Users who want a straightforward, reliable storage solution for general tasks like web browsing, document editing, or media consumption will appreciate the improved speed and efficiency this drive provides. Its compatibility with Windows 7 through 11 makes it a versatile option for a wide range of desktops, making it an ideal first SSD upgrade for anyone entering the world of NVMe technology.

Not suitable for:

This M.2 PCIe drive might not be the best fit for users with very high-performance needs, such as content creators working with 4K video editing or power users who regularly deal with massive files. While the read and write speeds are solid for most use cases, some users report that the write speed may not meet the demands of intensive workloads. Those who need ultra-fast data transfer speeds for heavy tasks may want to consider more premium SSD options. Additionally, users with older systems that don’t support NVMe drives or have limited motherboard compatibility might face installation challenges, making it less ideal for legacy setups.

Specifications

  • Storage Capacity: The SSD offers a 256GB storage capacity, providing ample space for operating systems, applications, and moderate data storage.
  • Interface: It uses the M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 interface, ensuring faster data transfer rates compared to SATA SSDs.
  • Read Speed: The SSD supports sequential read speeds of up to 1700MB/s, significantly improving file access times.
  • Write Speed: It offers sequential write speeds of up to 1100MB/s, providing solid performance for general use and light content creation.
  • 4K Random Write: The drive achieves up to 260K IOPs in 4K aligned random write operations, offering enhanced performance in multi-tasking scenarios.
  • Form Factor: This SSD has a 2280 form factor, which is compatible with most modern desktops and laptops.
  • NAND Type: It uses TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory, balancing speed and endurance for general consumer use.
  • Thermal Management: The drive includes thermal throttling technology to prevent overheating during prolonged use and ensure stable performance.
  • Data Integrity: SmartECC technology provides error correction to ensure data integrity and reduce the risk of data corruption.
  • Warranty: It comes with a 5-year warranty, offering long-term reliability and peace of mind for users.
  • Compatibility: The SSD is compatible with systems running Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, and fits into most M.2 PCIe slots.
  • End-to-End Data Protection: End-to-end data path protection helps ensure data safety during read and write operations, minimizing the risk of corruption.
  • Power Loss Protection: The drive includes built-in power loss protection to safeguard against data loss during unexpected shutdowns.
  • Operating Temperature: This SSD operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, ensuring stability under normal usage conditions.
  • Weight: The SSD weighs approximately 7 grams, making it lightweight and easy to install in your system.
  • Dimensions: It measures 80mm x 22mm x 3.5mm, fitting easily into most desktop M.2 slots.
  • Power Consumption: The drive consumes low power, ensuring energy efficiency, especially during idle and low-demand periods.

FAQ

The Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD is designed to upgrade your desktop's storage with faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs. It's ideal for users looking to improve system performance, particularly for tasks like gaming, content creation, or general desktop usage.

Installing this SSD is straightforward. First, ensure your desktop has an M.2 PCIe slot available. Once inserted, secure the drive and ensure it is properly connected. After physically installing the SSD, you can format it through your system’s disk management tool, and it will be ready for use.

The Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD offers sequential read speeds up to 1700MB/s and write speeds up to 1100MB/s. These speeds are much faster than traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs, providing a noticeable boost in data transfer and load times.

The Patriot P300 is compatible with most modern PCs that have an M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 slot. It works with systems running Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, but older computers or those without an NVMe-compatible slot may require an adapter or may not support this drive.

This SSD comes with a 5-year warranty, offering long-term reliability for users. It also includes data integrity features like SmartECC and thermal throttling, which help maintain its performance over time, ensuring that it lasts for many years under normal usage conditions.

Yes, this device is an excellent choice for gaming. With fast read and write speeds, it helps reduce game load times and improves the responsiveness of your system. Gamers will appreciate the speed boost over traditional hard drives, particularly when running games with large data sets.

Compared to SATA SSDs, this M.2 PCIe drive offers significantly faster performance, especially in read speeds. With sequential read speeds up to 1700MB/s and write speeds up to 1100MB/s, it delivers a much smoother and quicker computing experience, especially in tasks that require frequent file transfers or heavy data loads.

One downside noted by some users is that while the read speeds are impressive, the write speeds may not be sufficient for power users handling very large files, such as 4K video editors. Additionally, it is not the best choice for extremely high-demand tasks that require continuous heavy data writing.

The Patriot P300 SSD is ideal for users who want to upgrade from a traditional hard drive or SATA SSD without breaking the bank. It's perfect for everyday desktop users, gamers, or light content creators who need a reliable, fast storage solution for booting the OS, running applications, and storing moderate amounts of data.

To maintain the performance of this SSD, ensure that your system has adequate cooling, as thermal throttling can occur under high loads. Additionally, periodically check for firmware updates from the manufacturer to ensure the SSD operates efficiently and securely.