SK hynix Gold P31 1TB NVMe SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The SK hynix Gold P31 is a 1TB internal solid-state drive in the compact M.2 2280 format. It connects over PCIe Gen3 using the NVMe protocol, which is the kind of drive many laptops and desktop PCs use as their main storage. It aims to make a computer boot, load and copy files faster than an older SATA drive or a hard disk.

What the speed figures mean

SK hynix rates the drive at up to 3,500 MB/s for reads and up to 3,200 MB/s for writes. Those are sequential figures, measured with large files read or written in one continuous run. For comparison, a SATA SSD tops out at roughly 550 MB/s because of the interface itself, so a Gen3 NVMe drive can be several times faster on big transfers.

Everyday tasks such as opening apps or booting Windows depend on many small reads, so the difference you notice is usually smaller than the headline numbers suggest. As with any SSD, the "up to" figures are best-case figures and real results depend on the rest of the system.

HyperWrite cache

The brand credits a proprietary caching technology, HYPERWRITE, for its write speeds. Many SSDs use part of their flash as a fast temporary buffer, so short bursts of writing are absorbed quickly before the data settles into its final place. Sustained writes that exceed the buffer typically run slower.

Endurance and warranty

SK hynix lists up to 1,200 TBW (terabytes written) for this capacity, along with a five-year warranty. TBW is the total amount of data the drive is rated to have written over its life; at 1,200 TB, that is far more than most home users write in several years. The listing also cites 1,000 hours of HTOL stress testing and an MTBF of 1.5 million hours, both of which are manufacturer reliability figures.

Thermal design

The brand says the Gold P31 runs very cool while staying ready for performance. NVMe drives can slow themselves down when they get hot, so efficient power use helps in tight spaces such as thin laptops. Some desktop motherboards also supply a heatsink for the M.2 slot.

Installing and cloning

The listing mentions a custom SK hynix edition of Macrium cloning software, intended to help copy your existing drive across. The product does not include screws, cables or other accessories, so you need a mounting screw for your M.2 slot; most motherboards and many laptops provide one.

Compatibility notes

This is a PCIe Gen3 NVMe drive in the M.2 2280 size (22 mm wide, 80 mm long). The listing states it is not compatible with the Sony PS5. It will not work in a slot that supports only SATA M.2 drives, which is a common point of confusion with this form factor.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type. Confirm your device has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe (PCIe), not SATA-only.
• Length. The 2280 size must fit; some small laptops use shorter or longer drives.
• Console compatibility. The brand says it does not work with the PS5.
• Mounting hardware. The drive ships without screws or cables.
• Backup plan. If you are replacing a boot drive, plan how you will clone or reinstall, and back up important data first.
• Cooling. In a cramped laptop or a case with poor airflow, check how the slot is cooled.

The short version

• A 1TB PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 size.
• Rated by SK hynix at up to 3,500 MB/s reads and 3,200 MB/s writes.
• Up to 1,200 TBW and a five-year warranty.
• Not compatible with the Sony PS5, and shipped without screws or cables.
• Suited to PCs and laptops with a free NVMe M.2 slot.

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