Patriot Viper VP4300 Lite 2TB M.2 SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The Patriot Viper VP4300 Lite is a 2TB M.2 solid-state drive that uses a PCIe Gen4 x4 connection and the NVMe protocol. It is made for gamers and builders who want fast storage for a PC or a PlayStation 5 in a straightforward single-sided M.2 format. This page explains what its specs mean and what to check first.

PCIe Gen4 x4 and NVMe 2.2

PCIe Gen4 x4 describes the lane count and generation of the connection between the drive and the computer. Four lanes of Gen4 provide roughly 8GB/s of theoretical bandwidth, which is much more than the SATA interface of older SSDs can carry. Patriot says the drive complies with NVMe 2.2, the specification that governs how the drive and system communicate. NVMe drives are generally backward compatible, so a Gen4 drive in a Gen3 slot typically works but runs at the slower slot's limits.

Rated speeds

Patriot gives sequential read speeds of up to 7,400MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6,400MB/s, measured with CrystalDiskMark (CDM). It also lists a PS5 sequential read of up to 6,100MB/s. "Sequential" speeds measure large continuous transfers, such as loading a big game file. Everyday use also involves many small random reads, and results vary with the system, the drive's fullness and temperature. Treat the figures as the best case the brand rates, not a promise for every task.

A DRAMless design with host memory buffer

Patriot describes the Lite as a DRAMless design. Most SSDs keep a map of where data lives in a small DRAM chip. A DRAMless drive leaves that chip out and typically uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support, which borrows a small part of the computer's system memory for the same job. This approach commonly keeps drives simpler, and it works well for gaming and general use. Heavy sustained writing, such as copying very large folders again and again, is where DRAM-equipped drives often pull ahead.

Flash and endurance

The listing mentions Toggle 5 and ONFi 5 flash modes, with double data rates up to 2,400MT/s. These are the interfaces between the controller and the flash chips, and higher rates help the drive reach its rated speeds. Patriot also lists 800TBW, the total terabytes that can be written over the drive's life. Patriot backs the drive with a 5-year warranty.

Using it with a PS5

Patriot lists the drive as compatible with PS5. Console storage expansion typically requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 drive of a particular size, and consoles often ask for a heatsink. The listing does not say a heatsink is included, so check the console maker's current requirements and fit a heatsink if needed.

Who it suits

It suits people who want 2TB of fast storage for a gaming PC, a laptop or desktop upgrade, or a PS5 library. Those who edit large video files all day may want to look at drives with DRAM.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type: confirm your device has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe and the 2280 length, as its manual describes.
• Gen4 support: a Gen3 slot will work, but at lower speeds.
• Heatsink: check whether your motherboard or console needs one, and whether it is included.
• Console rules: check the maker's current storage requirements before installing.
• Backups: back up important data before moving it to any new drive.

The short version

• 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD using PCIe Gen4 x4, listed as compliant with NVMe 2.2.
• Rated up to 7,400MB/s read and 6,400MB/s write.
• DRAMless with Host Memory Buffer support.
• 800TBW endurance figure and a 5-year warranty.
• Listed as compatible with PS5.

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