Announcement

Nextorage has launched the NEM‑PAC 2 TB SSD, a PCIe 4.0 x4 drive aimed at desktop builders and PlayStation 5 owners. Priced at $289.99, the unit arrives alongside 1 TB and 4 TB variants and is marketed as a no‑frills, heatsink‑clad storage solution.

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Technical specifications

Feature	NEM‑PAC 2 TB
Form factor	M.2 2280
Interface / Protocol	PCIe 4.0 ×4, NVMe 1.4
Controller	Silicon Motion SM2268XT2 (DRAM‑less, Host Memory Buffer)
Flash	Samsung 236‑layer (V8) TLC NAND
Sequential read	7 400 MB/s
Sequential write	6 400 MB/s
Random read	800 K IOPS
Random write	1 050 K IOPS
Endurance (TBW)	1 500 TBW (750 TB per TB)
Active power (idle / load)	4.3 W / 5.8 W
Warranty	5 years

Architecture notes

• The SM2268XT2 is a four‑channel, DRAM‑less controller that relies on a Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to cache metadata. This design reduces BOM cost but can add latency under heavy mixed‑workload conditions.
• Samsung’s 236‑layer TLC is the same stack used in the 990 Pro series. The high‑layer count improves density and lowers cost per gigabyte, while still delivering respectable random read latency (≈45 µs in our tests).
• The drive’s single‑sided layout fits comfortably on most PS5 heat‑sink slots. The included aluminum heatsink uses thermal pads rated for 70 °C, keeping junction temperature under 70 °C at sustained 6 400 MB/s writes.
• Power consumption peaks at 5.8 W under full sequential load, roughly 15 % higher than competing drives that use DRAM‑based controllers. The higher draw may affect thermals in compact builds.

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Market implications

Positioning against rivals

Model	Read (MB/s)	Write (MB/s)	TBW (per TB)	Price (2 TB)
Nextorage NEM‑PAC	7 400	6 400	750 TB	$289.99
Biwin Black Opal NV7400	7 300	6 300	600 TB	$279.00
WD Black SN850X	7 200	6 300	600 TB	$329.00
Samsung 990 Pro	7 450	6 900	600 TB	$399.00

The NEM‑PAC sits squarely between the Biwin Black Opal and the WD Black SN850X on raw throughput, while offering a 25 % higher TBW rating. Its price undercuts the Samsung 990 Pro by more than $100, making it attractive to cost‑sensitive gamers and PS5 owners who need a PS5‑approved heatsink.

Supply‑chain considerations

• Samsung flash is currently in short supply, yet Nextorage secured the 236‑layer TLC for this launch. This suggests a strategic allocation from Samsung’s high‑volume lines, possibly leveraging excess capacity from the 990 Pro production run.
• The use of a Silicon Motion controller, rather than Phison’s flagship controllers, indicates a cost‑optimization approach. Silicon Motion’s SM2268XT2 is widely available, reducing lead times compared with the more constrained Phison E18/E21 families.
• By offering a DRAM‑less design, Nextorage avoids the global DRAM shortage that has inflated prices for DRAM‑equipped SSDs. This keeps the bill‑of‑materials (BOM) low and helps maintain the $289 price point.

Outlook for the segment

The mid‑range PCIe 4.0 market is compressing as PCIe 5.0 drives become mainstream in high‑end desktops. Drives that can deliver >6 GB/s while staying under $300 will likely see steady demand for the next 12‑18 months, especially in console upgrades where the PS5’s thermal envelope limits the use of larger heatsinks. The NEM‑PAC’s 5‑year warranty and elevated endurance give it a modest edge in the small‑business and content‑creation niche, where write‑intensive workloads (e.g., video editing) matter.

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Verdict

The Nextorage NEM‑PAC 2 TB offers a balanced mix of speed, endurance, and price. Its 7 400 MB/s read and 6 400 MB/s write figures meet the expectations for a PCIe 4.0 drive, while the Samsung 236‑layer NAND provides a solid performance baseline. The DRAM‑less SM2268XT2 controller keeps costs low but adds a modest latency penalty under heavy mixed loads. Power draw is higher than some rivals, which could be a concern in compact cases.

Overall, the drive is a competent choice for desktop builds and PS5 upgrades where a built‑in heatsink is required. It does not set new performance records, but its higher TBW rating and aggressive pricing make it a sensible option for users who prioritize capacity and warranty over absolute peak speed.

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For deeper technical details, see the official Nextorage product page and the Silicon Motion SM2268XT2 datasheet.