PNY XLR8 Gaming CS3140 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The PNY XLR8 Gaming CS3140 is a 4TB internal solid-state drive in the M.2 2280 format, using an NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 connection. It is intended for gamers, creators and anyone who needs a lot of fast storage in a desktop, laptop or PlayStation 5. Here is what the numbers mean and what to confirm for your own machine.

What M.2 2280 and NVMe mean

M.2 describes the small, stick-shaped card format, and 2280 means it is 22mm wide and 80mm long. NVMe is the protocol the drive uses to talk to the computer over PCIe lanes, rather than the older SATA connection used by many 2.5-inch drives. PNY states that this gives higher bandwidth and lower latency than SATA-based SSDs.

Reading the speed figures

PNY rates the drive at up to 7,500MB/s sequential read and 6,850MB/s sequential write. Sequential speeds describe moving large, continuous files such as video footage or game installs. Everyday tasks such as booting and opening apps depend more on random performance and latency, which the listing does not quantify.

PNY also notes that speeds are lower in a PCIe Gen3 x4 slot. Gen3 typically tops out at around half the bandwidth of Gen4, so the drive still works there, just not at its rated speed. The quoted figures are the maximum under ideal test conditions.

4TB of capacity

A 4TB drive suits large game libraries, raw photo and video archives, or a system where one drive must do everything. Modern game installs often run to tens or hundreds of gigabytes each, so large drives fill more slowly.

Using it with a PS5

PNY says the CS3140 can expand PS5 storage. The listing refers to the non-heatsink model and says you should add a heatsink that meets Sony's requirements. A heatsink is a metal plate that helps pull heat from the drive, which matters in tight spaces. The product description mentions an optional integrated aluminum heatsink on other versions, so check which version you are buying.

Warranty and support

PNY lists a five-year limited warranty or TBW, whichever comes first. TBW, or terabytes written, is the total amount of data a drive is rated to have written to it. PNY also mentions US-based technical support.

Who it suits

It suits people upgrading a Gen4-capable PC or laptop, creators who handle large files, and console owners who want more space. Those with older SATA-only systems cannot use it.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type: confirm your motherboard or laptop has an M.2 2280 slot that supports NVMe.
• PCIe generation: a Gen3 slot works but runs slower.
• Heatsink: check whether your board, laptop or console needs one, and what clearance is available.
• PS5 requirements: read Sony's guidance for compatible drives and heatsink size.
• Software: a new drive typically needs initialising, and your operating system may need to be moved or reinstalled.
• Backups: keep important files backed up elsewhere.

The short version

• A 4TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface.
• Rated at up to 7,500MB/s read and 6,850MB/s write.
• Slower in PCIe Gen3 slots.
• PS5 expansion possible with a suitable heatsink.
• Five-year limited warranty or TBW.

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