ORICO O7000 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen 4
Introduction
The ORICO O7000 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD emerges as a competitive option in the high-performance storage market, balancing cutting-edge speeds with cost efficiency. Designed for gamers, content creators, and power users, this drive leverages PCIe Gen4 technology to deliver sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s, positioning it as a viable alternative to premium-priced competitors. Its compatibility with modern gaming consoles and PCs makes it a versatile choice for diverse upgrade scenarios.
Product Overview
The ORICO O7000 is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD available in capacities ranging from 512GB to 4TB. Utilizing a single-sided M.2 2280 form factor, it ensures broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and consoles. The drive employs a Maxio MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 232-layer 3D NAND flash, a configuration optimized for energy efficiency and sustained performance. A graphene heat spreader replaces traditional thermal stickers, enhancing heat dissipation without requiring bulky cooling solutions.
Key Features
High-Speed PCIe Gen4 Performance
It achieves 7,000 MB/s sequential read and 6,500 MB/s sequential write speeds, rivaling flagship drives like the Samsung 990 Pro. These speeds are enabled by the NVMe 1.4 protocol and PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, reducing game load times and accelerating large file transfers.
Dynamic SLC Caching and HMB Technology
A dynamic SLC cache allows the drive to maintain peak write speeds for transfers up to 400GB (on the 2TB model) before throttling. The Host Memory Buffer (HMB) mechanism leverages system RAM to compensate for the lack of onboard DRAM, improving random read/write performance while keeping costs low.
Efficient Thermal Design
The graphene-coated heat spreader ensures temperatures remain below 50°C under sustained workloads, as observed in synthetic benchmarks. This design prevents thermal throttling in confined spaces like laptops or the PlayStation 5’s SSD bay.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
In CrystalDiskMark, the O7000 consistently delivers 7,100–7,400 MB/s reads and 6,200–6,500 MB/s writes, exceeding its advertised specs. Real-world testing shows 3–5-second load times for AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077, a 40% improvement over SATA SSDs.
Random Performance
The drive achieves 1,000K/800K IOPS (4K random read/write), sufficient for multitasking and database applications. However, its DRAM-less architecture results in ~15% lower random performance compared to DRAM-equipped drives like the WD Black SN850X.
Thermal Management
During extended writes, the O7000’s peak temperature reaches 68°C but stabilizes at 55°C under typical gaming loads. The graphene layer reduces heat buildup by 20% compared to aluminum heatsinks, per thermal imaging tests.
Compatibility
PlayStation 5
The SSD meets Sony’s requirements for PS5 expansion, with a total height under 11.25mm (including heatsink). Users report seamless recognition after formatting, though rare compatibility issues may arise due to firmware variations.
Steam Deck and Handheld PCs
The O7000 does not fit the Steam Deck and Handhelds. The Steam Deck requires an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD for its internal storage slot, which measures 22mm x 30mm. The ORICO O7000 is an M.2 2280 SSD (22mm x 80mm), making it significantly longer than the Steam Deck’s SSD bay allows.
Desktops and Laptops
Widely compatible with PCIe 4.0/3.0 motherboards and laptops. The lack of DRAM minimizes power draw, making it ideal for ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Cost Efficiency: At $0.055 per GB (1TB model), the O7000 undercuts competitors by 30–40%.
Console Optimization: Tailored for PS5’s storage architecture, reducing stutter in open-world games.
Constraints
Sustained Write Limitations: Direct-to-QLC writes drop to 300–400 MB/s after cache exhaustion, affecting large file transfers.
NAND Lottery: Some batches use QLC instead of TLC NAND, impacting endurance (1,200 TBW for 4TB QLC vs. 2,400 TBW for TLC).
Conclusion
The ORICO O7000 excels as a budget-friendly PCIe 4.0 SSD for gamers and professionals seeking near-flagship speeds. While its DRAM-less design and variable NAND types pose minor trade-offs, the drive’s thermal efficiency and PS5 compatibility make it a compelling choice for DIY upgrades. For users prioritizing raw speed over sustained writes, the O7000 delivers exceptional value.
Works Cited
Orico. Orico O7000 PCIe4.0 NVMe SSD Product Page.
TweakTown. Orico O7000 1TB SSD Review: Good Performance, Great Value.
TechRadar. Orico O7000 SSD Review: High-End PCIe 4.0 Storage Without the Frills.
