Nextorage NEM-PAC 2TB SSD Review: Reliable PS5 Storage with Solid Gen 4 Performance
Introduction
In the crowded market of NVMe solid-state drives, the Nextorage NEM-PAC 2TB makes a quiet but competent entry. Aimed at gamers and power users who need fast storage for demanding applications, this Gen 4 drive comes equipped with a pre-installed heatsink that qualifies it for Sony’s PlayStation 5 expansion slot. While it doesn't boast flashy RGB or record-breaking sequential speeds, its balanced performance and silent operation make it a reliable workhorse for daily use.
Design and Heatsink
The NEM-PAC features a compact M.2 2280 form factor, but what stands out is its integrated aluminum heatsink. Unlike some add-on coolers that can interfere with PS5’s cover plate, this one is designed to fit perfectly inside the console’s internal bay. The heatsink uses a finned design to dissipate heat efficiently, and during prolonged gaming sessions, it keeps temperatures in check without requiring any active cooling. The drive itself is single-sided, which aids compatibility with laptops and slim PCs.
Performance: Solid Gen 4 Speeds
Under the hood, the NEM-PAC employs a Phison E18 controller and TLC NAND flash memory—a proven combination that delivers up to 7,300 MB/s sequential reads and 6,900 MB/s sequential writes. In real-world usage, this translates to snappy boot times, quick game level loads, and fast file transfers. While those numbers are competitive for a PCIe 4.0 drive, they don’t push the absolute limits of the Gen 4 interface. Random read/write performance is similarly strong, making it suitable for multitasking and heavy workloads.
Synthetic Benchmarks
In CrystalDiskMark, the Nextorage achieves near its rated speeds. For instance, sequential reads hover around 7,100 MB/s, while writes top 6,800 MB/s. Random operations in QD1-32 show good consistency, with 4K read speeds around 90 MB/s. Compared to rivals like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X, it trails slightly in sustained write performance, but the gap is minimal for typical consumer tasks.
Real-World Usage
When copying a 50 GB game folder, the drive writes at about 2.5 GB/s initially, then settles to around 1.5 GB/s once the SLC cache fills—still impressive. Loading scenes in Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II shows sub-5 second times, on par with other top Gen 4 SSDs. The heatsink ensures throttling is rare, even after extended stress.
PS5 Compatibility and Installation
One of the key selling points of the Nextorage NEM-PAC is its official PlayStation 5 compatibility. The drive’s included heatsink meets Sony’s size and thermal requirements, so it slides into the expansion slot without any modification. After installation, the PS5 recognizes it as additional storage, and you can move games directly to it. The drive also supports the console’s high-speed data demands, so you’ll enjoy the same quick load times as the internal SSD. For PC gamers, the heatsink also works well in tight motherboard slots.
Pricing and Competition
At launch, the 2TB model sits in the midrange of PCIe 4.0 SSDs—more affordable than premium drives like the Samsung 990 Pro but slightly above budget options like the TeamGroup MP44. Given its solid performance and PS5-ready design, it offers good value for console owners who want a no-nonsense upgrade. However, if you need cutting-edge speeds or a longer warranty period (the NEM-PAC comes with a 5-year or 1,200 TBW endurance), you might look at competitors.
Conclusion
The Nextorage NEM-PAC 2TB is a dependable choice for anyone needing fast, quiet storage with a built-in heatsink that works flawlessly with the PlayStation 5. Its performance is competent and consistent, though not groundbreaking. If you’re seeking a no-frills SSD that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this is a worthy contender.