fanxiang S500 Pro 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD: speeds, endurance and compatibility

The fanxiang S500 Pro is a 1TB internal solid state drive in the M.2 2280 format. It connects through PCIe Gen3 x4 using the NVMe protocol, which makes it a faster alternative to a SATA drive for a laptop or desktop with a free M.2 slot.

What PCIe Gen3 x4 and NVMe mean

NVMe is a protocol designed for flash storage, and PCIe Gen3 x4 is the connection it uses here: four lanes of third-generation PCIe. A SATA SSD usually tops out around 550MB/s, while a Gen3 x4 drive can go several times faster. fanxiang rates the S500 Pro at up to 3500MB/s sequential reads and 3000MB/s sequential writes. "Up to" figures are best-case sequential results, and everyday speeds with small files are lower.

SLC cache and 3D TLC NAND

The drive uses 3D NAND with TLC cells, which hold three bits each. TLC is a common balance of capacity and endurance. To keep writes quick, fanxiang uses an SLC cache, where part of the drive temporarily behaves like faster, simpler memory. In general, the cache keeps short bursts fast, while very long transfers can slow down once it fills. The brand says the design helps with boot times, loading programs and games, and saving files.

Endurance and heat

fanxiang quotes endurance of up to 640TBW (terabytes written), the total data the manufacturer expects the drive to handle over its life. For most home use, that is a very large amount. A graphene heat dissipation sticker is fitted, which fanxiang says helps control temperature. Fast NVMe drives can slow down when hot to protect themselves, so airflow, or a motherboard heatsink in a desktop, can still be useful.

Fit and compatibility

The drive is 3.1 x 0.9 x 0.1 inches, the standard 2280 size (22mm wide, 80mm long). The brand lists Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11, and macOS 10.9 and later, on laptops, desktops and all-in-one computers whose motherboard has an M.2 interface. The packaging includes mounting screws and a screwdriver. With no moving parts, an SSD of this type resists knocks better than a mechanical drive.

Who it suits

It suits anyone upgrading an older laptop or desktop, building a PC, or adding a fast second drive for games, projects or media. Fanxiang gives a three-year quality assurance period.

What to check before you buy

• M.2 slot type: confirm your computer has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe, not only SATA M.2.
• Length: check that your board or laptop takes 2280 drives.
• Generation: a Gen3 drive works in a Gen4 slot, but runs at Gen3 speed.
• Consoles and special devices: check the maker's list before using it in a console or other device.
• Backups and cloning: back up your data, and plan whether to clone your old drive or install fresh.
• Warranty terms: read the three-year terms.

The short version

• A 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD on PCIe Gen3 x4.
• Rated up to 3500MB/s reads and 3000MB/s writes.
• 3D TLC NAND with SLC cache; up to 640TBW endurance.
• Graphene heat sticker; screws and screwdriver included.
• Needs a motherboard with an M.2 interface.

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