Apacer has introduced the PE4430-R, a new compact M.2 NVMe SSD in the M.2-2230 form factor designed specifically for small devices like handheld gaming consoles, including the Steam Deck. This compact design makes it easy to fit into space-limited devices while providing strong storage performance. Available in both 1 TB and 2 TB capacities, the drive is equipped with a 0.17 mm graphene-based heatspreader, which helps keep temperatures manageable without taking up much space.
For those interested in NVMes, B Enos reviewed a NVMe SSD from Apacer a couple of months ago, which is a must-read for understanding these storage upgrades. Apacer AS2280Q4X 2TB M.2 PCIe Gen SSD Review
At its core, the PE4430-R uses a Phison E27T controller, a DRAMless design paired with a single 3D TLC NAND flash chip. This configuration is paired with the PCI-Express 4.0 x4 interface, enabling the drive to reach impressive speeds. It offers up to 5,500 MB/s for sequential reads and up to 5,200 MB/s for sequential writes, making it capable of handling demanding tasks such as high-speed data transfers and fast game loading. For random data handling, the SSD delivers up to 700,000 IOPS for 4K reads and around 880,000 IOPS for 4K writes, ideal for smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking.
The Apacer PE4430-R is also designed to last, with an endurance rating of 500 terabytes written (TBW) for the 1 TB version and 1,000 TBW for the 2 TB model, providing peace of mind for users who frequently store and erase data. While Apacer hasn’t announced the price yet, the PE4430-R’s combination of compact size, speed, and durability makes it an appealing option for users looking to upgrade storage on compact devices.
