fanxiang S880E 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD: speeds, fit and PS5 use

The fanxiang S880E is a 2TB internal solid state drive in the M.2 2280 format. It uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and the NVMe protocol, and fanxiang says it works with desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs and the PS5. Here is what the numbers mean and what to check for your own machine.

What PCIe 4.0 x4 and NVMe mean

NVMe is a protocol designed for flash storage, and it talks to the processor over PCIe lanes instead of the older SATA connection. A PCIe 4.0 x4 link has roughly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 x4. The S880E supports NVMe 2.0, according to fanxiang. The drive is a stick-like M.2 module, about 3.1 x 0.9 inches (80 x 22 mm), which is what "2280" refers to.

Speeds in context

Fanxiang rates sequential reads at up to 7100 MB/s and writes at up to 5300 MB/s. Those are peak figures for large files, and everyday use typically involves smaller random reads that are slower. Speeds also depend on your processor, motherboard and the drive's free space. A PCIe 3.0 slot will cap the drive at lower speeds.

Gaming and PS5 use

The listing says the drive is compatible with the PS5 and DirectStorage. DirectStorage is a Windows technology that lets games load assets straight from fast storage to the graphics card. On a PS5, an M.2 drive goes in the internal expansion slot. Console requirements, such as the format size and any heatsink needs, are set by the console maker, so check them. Fanxiang's own thermal label may not meet a console's cooling requirements.

Heat control

The drive's label includes a graphite-coated copper foil layer and an aluminum foil layer. Fanxiang says this helps lower operating temperature and keeps read speeds close to peak during heavy use. Fast PCIe 4.0 drives can throttle when hot, so a motherboard heatsink is often useful in a desktop or console. Check what clearance your laptop or motherboard allows.

Work use and endurance

The drive uses 3D NAND flash, which stacks memory cells in layers. Fanxiang says this suits boot times, application loading and large file processing for creators and video editors. The brand also lists five years of after-sales service and lifetime technical support.

Who it suits

It suits people upgrading a PC or laptop with a free M.2 slot, gamers adding console or PC storage, and anyone who works with large files. If your device has only a SATA connection, this drive will not work.

What to check before you buy

• Slot: confirm that your device has a free M.2 2280 slot with NVMe support.
• Interface: a PCIe 3.0 slot works but limits speed.
• PS5: check Sony's current requirements, including heatsink and size.
• Cooling: check whether your motherboard or laptop has room for a heatsink.
• Software: you may need to clone or reinstall your system; see your device manual.
• Backup: keep backups of important data on a separate device.

The short version

• A 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and NVMe 2.0.
• Rated by fanxiang at up to 7100 MB/s read and 5300 MB/s write.
• Listed as compatible with the PS5 and DirectStorage.
• A graphite copper foil and aluminum foil label for heat control.
• Five years of after-sales service stated by the brand.

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