PNY CS3250: Fast PCIe 5.0 SSD launches in two model variants

PNY has a new, powerful SSD on offer, namely the CS3250. It is a very fast mass storage device, although the specific performance data, at least in terms of maximum write speed, depends on the specific model selected. The 1 TB model is said to be capable of writing at a maximum of 13,500 MB/s instead of 14,000 MB/s of the 2 TB model, while the maximum read speed is specified as up to 14,900 MB/s regardless of model. The difference between the two models is unlikely to be noticeable in practice, and the specified maximum write and read rates primarily apply to sequential data transfers.

These are flash mass storage devices in the popular M.2 2280 format, connected via four PCIe 5 lanes, which is necessary in order to utilize such high data transfer rates; PCIe 4 has a limit of around 8,000 MB/s. Unsurprisingly, the SSD uses 3D flash cells, but the manufacturer has not yet made any specific statements about the presence of a cache – if this is full, the data transfer rate can drop significantly. A durability of 1,500,000 operating hours (MTBF) is specified.

According to the manufacturer, the SSD will cost $126 for the smaller model version, while the 2 TB version will have a price tag of $220. A model with a storage capacity of 4 TB is also set to hit the market soon, but the exact date is yet to be announced.