Princeton has released the PHD-ISM2G4DG, a mainstream M.2 Gen 4 NVMe SSD that skips traditional DRAM, instead relying on a Phison E27T controller paired with 3D TLC NAND flash.
The drive is available in three capacities: 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The smaller 512 GB model peaks at 7100 MB/s sequential reads but caps writes at 4300 MB/s. Larger models push both metrics higher, with the 1 TB and 2 TB variants reaching up to 6400 MB/s in write speed while maintaining the same read performance.
- Controller: Phison E27T (DRAMless)
- NAND Type: 3D TLC
- Capacities: 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Sequential Reads: Up to 7100 MB/s (all models)
- Sequential Writes: 4300 MB/s (512 GB), 6400 MB/s (1 TB/2 TB)
- Endurance: 160 TBW (512 GB), 320 TBW (1 TB), 640 TBW (2 TB)
- Warranty: 3 years
The lack of DRAM in this design is notable, as most Gen 4 SSDs rely on it for performance. While the Phison E27T controller typically pairs with DRAM, Princeton’s implementation suggests a shift toward more efficient storage solutions—though real-world reliability over time remains untested.
For users, the key takeaway is a balance between cost and speed. The 1 TB and 2 TB models offer faster writes, which could benefit workloads like video editing or large dataset processing, while the 512 GB variant provides a budget-friendly option with decent performance. However, the trade-off of DRAMless architecture means long-term behavior under sustained loads isn’t yet proven.
Princeton backs the drive with a standard three-year warranty, aligning with industry norms but leaving room for competitors to push longer guarantees as the market matures.
