GIGABYTE AORUS 7300
Phison El8 Controller | 3D TLC NAND Flash | Flexible Thermal Solution
Introduction
The GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD represents a significant leap in PCIe 4.0 storage technology, offering impressive speeds and reliability for tech enthusiasts and power users. This product stands out in the current market as a high-performance option for those seeking to maximize their system's storage capabilities.
Product Overview
The AORUS Gen4 7300 is a cutting-edge M.2 NVMe SSD designed to leverage the full potential of the PCIe 4.0 interface. Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, this drive caters to users who demand top-tier performance for tasks such as content creation, gaming, and data-intensive applications. Its advanced controller and NAND technology push the boundaries of what's possible with current-generation solid-state storage.
Key Features
Phison E18 Controller
At the heart of the AORUS Gen4 7300 lies the Phison E18 controller, an 8-channel powerhouse built on a 12nm process. This advanced controller ensures ample computing power to manage high-speed data transfers and complex storage operations efficiently.
3D TLC NAND Flash
The drive utilizes high-speed 3D TLC NAND Flash, which provides a balance of performance, endurance, and capacity. This technology allows for faster read and write speeds while maintaining data integrity over the long term.
Flexible Thermal Solution
GIGABYTE has implemented a unique packaging design that separates the SSD and its full-coverage heatsink. This approach allows users to choose between the built-in heatsinks on their motherboards or the included AORUS heatsink, offering flexibility in thermal management and compatibility.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
The AORUS Gen4 7300 boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds reaching 6,850 MB/s for the 2TB model. These speeds represent a significant improvement over previous-generation PCIe 4.0 SSDs and are approximately 13 times faster than traditional SATA SSDs.
Random Performance
While specific IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) figures are not provided in the search results, the multi-core architecture of the E18 controller suggests excellent random access performance. This translates to improved responsiveness in tasks that involve frequent small file operations, such as operating system functions and application loading.
Thermal Management
High-performance SSDs generate considerable heat under full load, which can lead to thermal throttling. The AORUS Gen4 7300 addresses this issue with its flexible heatsink solution. Users can opt for the included full-coverage aluminum heatsink or utilize their motherboard's built-in M.2 heatsink, ensuring optimal thermal dissipation and sustained performance during intensive operations.
Compatibility
PlayStation 5
The AORUS Gen4 7300 is explicitly marketed as "PS5 ready." It meets Sony's PlayStation 5 speed and size requirements, making it an excellent choice for expanding the console's storage capacity while maintaining high performance for quick game loading times.
PC Systems
This SSD is fully compatible with motherboards featuring PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 interfaces. For optimal performance, GIGABYTE recommends pairing the drive with their latest AMD motherboards, which have been specifically tuned to maximize the SSD's capabilities.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Exceptional sequential read and write speeds
Flexible thermal management options
PlayStation 5 compatibility
Advanced Phison E18 controller for superior performance
Available in capacities up to 2TB
Constraints
Requires a PCIe 4.0 compatible system for full performance
May be overkill for users with less demanding storage needs
Premium pricing compared to PCIe 3.0 or SATA SSDs
Potential for high power consumption under load
Limited capacity options (only 1TB and 2TB available)
Conclusion
The GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD stands as a formidable option in the high-performance storage market. Its blazing-fast sequential speeds, advanced controller technology, and thoughtful thermal design make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts, content creators, and gamers who demand the utmost in storage performance. While it may be more than necessary for casual users, those looking to future-proof their systems or maximize their PlayStation 5 storage will find the AORUS Gen4 7300 to be a compelling solution. The drive's flexibility in thermal management and strong compatibility with both PC and console platforms further enhance its appeal, solidifying its position as a top-tier PCIe 4.0 SSD option.
Works Cited
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd. "Enjoy the Evolution Speed with AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD!" GIGABYTE, www.gigabyte.com/Press/News/2058. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
GIGABYTE. "AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD 1TB Key Features." GIGABYTE Global, www.gigabyte.com/SSD/AORUS-Gen4-7300-SSD-1TB. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
KitGuru. "Gigabyte Introduces Aorus Gen4 7300 SSD, Read Speeds up to 7.3GB/s." KitGuru, www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/joao-silva/gigabyte-introduces-aorus-gen4-7300-ssd-read-speeds-up-to-7-3gb-s/. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
OnlySSD. "Gigabyte AORUS Gen4 7300 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe SSD AG4732TB." OnlySSD, www.onlyssd.com/buy/gigabyte-aorus-gen4-7300-2-tb-m-2-2280-pcie-4-0-x4-nvme-ssd-ag4732tb/. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Tom's Hardware Forum. "Your Ultimate High-End NVMe List (Gen4)." Tom's Hardware, forums.tomshardware.com/threads/your-ultimate-high-end-nvme-list-gen4.3838919/. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
