Nextorage NEM-PA
PCle 4.0 Interface and Phison E18 Controller | Integrated Heatsink Design | 176-Layer 3D TLC NAND
Introduction
The Nextorage NEM-PA Series represents a compelling entry into the competitive PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD market, combining high-speed performance with targeted design enhancements for gaming consoles and PCs. Developed by a team of former Sony engineers and backed by Sony’s minority ownership, this drive leverages expertise in storage technology to meet the demands of modern gaming and high-performance computing. Its integrated heatsink, competitive pricing, and adherence to PlayStation 5 compatibility standards position it as a noteworthy option for DIY enthusiasts seeking reliable storage upgrades.
Product Overview
The Nextorage NEM-PA is an M.2 2280-form-factor SSD designed for PCIe 4.0 interfaces, featuring 3D TLC NAND flash and a Phison E18 controller. Available in 1TB to 8TB capacities, it targets users requiring fast load times, expansive storage, and thermal efficiency—particularly PlayStation 5 owners and PC gamers. The inclusion of a pre-installed heatsink ensures compliance with Sony’s PS5 requirements while simplifying installation for less experienced users.
Key Features
PCIe 4.0 Interface and Phison E18 Controller
The NEM-PA utilizes a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface paired with a Phison E18 controller, enabling sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,300/6,900 MB/s. This architecture maximizes bandwidth for data-intensive tasks such as 4K gaming or video editing.
Integrated Heatsink Design
A low-profile aluminum heatsink dissipates heat efficiently, maintaining optimal performance during prolonged workloads. The design adheres to PS5 dimensional constraints, ensuring compatibility without requiring third-party cooling solutions.
176-Layer 3D TLC NAND
The drive employs Micron’s 176-layer 3D TLC NAND, offering improved endurance and faster data access compared to older 96-layer variants. Dynamic SLC caching further enhances write performance for burst transfers.
DRAM Cache
A 1–2GB DDR4 cache (depending on capacity) accelerates metadata processing, reducing latency during random read/write operations.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
In synthetic benchmarks, the NEM-PA achieves sequential read speeds of 7,300 MB/s and writes up to 6,900 MB/s, exceeding Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation for PS5 expansions. Real-world testing shows consistent transfers:
69.35GB game installation: Completed in 53 seconds (~1.3 GB/s)
53.76GB file transfer: Completed in 43 seconds (~1.25 GB/s)
These results place it slightly behind the Seagate FireCuda 530 in peak throughput but ahead of the WD Black SN850.
Random Performance
The drive delivers up to 1,000,000 IOPS in random read/write operations, outperforming many competitors in 4K QD32 workloads. This ensures smooth multitasking and rapid asset loading in open-world games.
Thermal Management
The heatsink maintains drive temperatures below throttling thresholds even under sustained loads. PS5 stress tests show no performance degradation during extended gameplay sessions, a common issue with heatsink-less NVMe drives.
Compatibility
PlayStation 5
Fully compatible with PS5’s M.2 expansion slot. The heatsink’s 11.25mm height fits within Sony’s 11.25mm clearance limit, and the drive’s 6,500+ MB/s read speed exceeds system requirements.
Windows/Linux PCs
While compatible with desktops and laptops, the heatsink’s bulk may obstruct installation in compact systems. Users should verify motherboard clearance before purchasing.
Other Devices
Xbox Series X/S: Incompatible due to proprietary expansion cards.
Steam Deck: Not recommended; the 2280 form factor exceeds the handheld’s 2230 slot.
Raspberry Pi: Unsupported due to PCIe interface limitations.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Cost-Effective Performance: Priced lower than competing PCIe 4.0 drives like the FireCuda 530.
PS5-Optimized Design: Hassle-free installation with no aftermarket modifications.
High Endurance: 700–1,400 TBW ratings (depending on capacity) backed by a 5-year warranty.
Constraints
Limited Brand Recognition: Less established than Western Digital or Samsung.
PC Installation Challenges: Heatsink interference in some M.2 slots.
Capacity Pricing: The 8TB model carries a premium compared to lower capacities.
Conclusion
The Nextorage NEM-PA Series excels as a budget-friendly, high-performance SSD for PS5 upgrades and PCIe 4.0 PC builds. Its balanced combination of speed, thermal management, and durability makes it ideal for gamers and content creators seeking to future-proof their systems. While PC users may encounter physical compatibility issues, PlayStation owners will find it a seamless, cost-effective solution.
Works Cited
“Nextorage NEM-PA Series PS5 SSD Review.” GamesRadar+, www.gamesradar.com/nextorage-nem-pa-series-ps5-ssd-review/.
“Nextorage NEM-PA 4TB Review - The Best High-Capacity SSD for PS5.” TechRadar, www.techradar.com/gaming/ps5/nextorage-nem-pa-4tb-review-the-best-high-capacity-ssd-for-ps5.
“NEM-PA Series｜M.2 2280 PCIe®4.0 NVMe SSD + Heatsink.” Nextorage, www.nextorage.net/en/ssds/nem-pa/.
