Msi Spatium M470 Review

The MSI Spatium M470 is a solid, budget-friendly PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD that delivers respectable performance for its price point, making it a strong contender for users looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. While it won’t outperform top-tier Gen4 drives, it offers a significant leap over Gen3 SSDs and traditional SATA drives, providing a snappier computing experience for gaming, everyday tasks, and even moderate content creation. If you’re building a new system or breathing new life into an older one, and your motherboard supports PCIe Gen4, the M470 presents a compelling value proposition, especially for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness alongside a noticeable performance boost.

Here’s a comparison of the MSI Spatium M470 with some other popular storage solutions:

• MSI Spatium M470

  

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 interface, Phison E16 controller, 3D NAND, DRAM cache. Available in capacities from 500GB to 2TB. Read speeds up to 5000 MB/s, write speeds up to 4400 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $60-$150 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Excellent value for a Gen4 drive, significantly faster than Gen3 SSDs, includes a heatsink on some models, good endurance ratings.
  • Cons: Not as fast as high-end Gen4 drives e.g., those with Phison E18 controllers, higher power consumption than some competitors, can run warm under sustained heavy loads without proper cooling.

• Samsung 970 EVO Plus

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe 1.3 interface, Samsung Phoenix controller, V-NAND. Available in capacities from 250GB to 2TB. Read speeds up to 3500 MB/s, write speeds up to 3300 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $50-$130 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Extremely reliable, excellent performance for a Gen3 drive, good power efficiency, widely compatible.
  • Cons: Gen3 speeds are noticeably slower than Gen4, older technology compared to current offerings.

• Crucial P5 Plus

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, Micron 176-layer 3D TLC NAND, DRAM cache. Available in capacities from 500GB to 2TB. Read speeds up to 6600 MB/s, write speeds up to 5000 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $70-$180 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Strong Gen4 performance, often competitively priced, good reputation for reliability, efficient power consumption.
  • Cons: Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive, can experience some performance dips under extremely heavy, sustained writes.

• WD Black SN770

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, DRAM-less design uses HMB – Host Memory Buffer, SanDisk 112-layer 3D TLC NAND. Available in capacities from 250GB to 2TB. Read speeds up to 5150 MB/s, write speeds up to 4900 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $60-$160 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Excellent performance for a DRAM-less drive, very power efficient, great for laptops and systems with limited cooling, competitive pricing.
  • Cons: DRAM-less design can sometimes lead to slightly lower sustained performance in very specific workstation loads compared to drives with dedicated DRAM.

• Kingston KC3000

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4, Phison E18 controller, 3D TLC NAND, DRAM cache. Available in capacities from 512GB to 4TB. Read speeds up to 7000 MB/s, write speeds up to 7000 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $80-$400 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Top-tier Gen4 performance, high endurance, excellent for demanding users and gamers, great for PS5 compatibility.
  • Cons: Typically more expensive than the M470.

• Seagate FireCuda 530 History Review

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4, Phison E18 controller, Micron 176-layer 3D TLC NAND, DRAM cache. Available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB. Read speeds up to 7300 MB/s, write speeds up to 6900 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $90-$450 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: One of the fastest Gen4 drives available, extremely high endurance, includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, great for high-performance systems and PS5.
  • Cons: Premium price, often the most expensive option.

• Sabrent Rocket 4.0

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, Phison E16 controller, Toshiba BiCS4 96-layer TLC NAND, DRAM cache. Available in capacities from 500GB to 8TB. Read speeds up to 5000 MB/s, write speeds up to 4400 MB/s.
  • Average Price: Around $60-$700 depending on capacity.
  • Pros: Early Gen4 adopter, robust performance for its generation, good value, offers very high capacities.
  • Cons: Based on an older Gen4 controller E16 compared to newer E18 drives, can run warm.

Unpacking the MSI Spatium M470: Performance Deep Dive

When we talk about storage, especially NVMe SSDs, performance is king. The MSI Spatium M470 steps into the ring as a PCIe Gen4 drive, which immediately puts it in a different league than its Gen3 predecessors. But it’s crucial to understand where it sits within the Gen4 spectrum. The M470 utilizes the Phison E16 controller, which was one of the first widely available Gen4 controllers. This means it offers a substantial uplift over Gen3 drives, but it’s not going to hit the peak speeds of newer Gen4 drives running controllers like the Phison E18 or Samsung’s latest proprietary designs.

• Sequential Read/Write Speeds: The M470 boasts sequential read speeds up to 5000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4400 MB/s. For context, a top-tier Gen3 drive like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus hovers around 3500 MB/s read and 3300 MB/s write. This difference is significant. Imagine loading massive game files, transferring large video edits, or booting your operating system – you’ll feel that extra gigabyte per second. While not the bleeding edge of Gen4 where some drives hit 7000 MB/s+, this level of performance is more than adequate for 95% of users.
• Random Read/Write Performance: This is where the rubber meets the road for everyday tasks. Random performance dictates how quickly your system can handle many small operations, like opening multiple applications, loading levels in games, or browsing the web. While specific random IOPS Input/Output Operations Per Second numbers for the M470 vary by capacity, they are generally competitive within its class. The Phison E16, combined with its DRAM cache, ensures snappy responsiveness that translates directly into a fluid user experience. This is often where you’ll notice the biggest difference compared to a mechanical hard drive or even a slower SATA SSD.
• SLC Cache Behavior: Like most modern SSDs, the M470 employs an SLC Single-Level Cell cache to boost write performance. A portion of the TLC Triple-Level Cell NAND acts as faster SLC, absorbing bursts of data. Once this cache is full, writes fall back to the native TLC speed. For typical daily usage, this is rarely an issue as the cache is large enough and recovers quickly. However, if you’re consistently writing hundreds of gigabytes in a single go e.g., large file transfers, raw video rendering, you might see performance dip after the cache is saturated. This is a common characteristic across most consumer SSDs, not just the M470.
• Real-World Application: What does this mean for you?
  • Gaming: Faster load times in demanding titles, quicker texture streaming.
  • Productivity: Instantaneous application launches, smoother multitasking.
  • Content Creation: Quicker project loads in video editing software, faster export times for smaller projects. For professional, heavy-duty 4K+ video editing, you might benefit from a top-tier Gen4 or Gen5 drive, but the M470 is still a massive upgrade from older storage.

Design and Build Quality: What to Expect from MSI

MSI has a strong reputation in the PC hardware space, and they’ve applied that experience to their storage solutions.

The Spatium M470 is a straightforward NVMe drive, but with some notable considerations for its build and design.

• M.2 2280 Form Factor: The M470 adheres to the standard M.2 2280 form factor, meaning it’s 22mm wide and 80mm long. This is the most common size for NVMe SSDs and ensures broad compatibility with modern motherboards, laptops check compatibility carefully, especially for thickness, and external enclosures that support this standard.
• NAND and Controller: As mentioned, it uses the Phison E16 controller, paired with 3D TLC NAND flash memory. The specific NAND supplier can vary e.g., Micron, Kioxia depending on the batch, but it’s always high-quality, reputable flash. The presence of a DRAM cache chip is a key advantage, providing a dedicated buffer for the controller to map data, which significantly improves random read/write performance, especially under heavier loads, compared to DRAM-less designs.
• Heatsink Option: Some SKUs of the MSI Spatium M470 come with a pre-attached heatsink. This is a crucial addition for PCIe Gen4 drives. Gen4 SSDs, particularly those with a DRAM cache and controllers like the E16, generate more heat than their Gen3 counterparts, especially under sustained loads. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling, which is when the drive slows down to prevent overheating. If your motherboard doesn’t have a robust M.2 heatsink, opting for the M470 with a bundled heatsink is a smart move. Even if your motherboard has one, using the M470’s bundled heatsink can offer additional cooling performance.
• Durability and Longevity TBW: Endurance is measured in TBW Terabytes Written, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its warranty expires or it’s expected to degrade. The M470 offers competitive TBW ratings. For instance, a 1TB model might have a TBW of 850TBW, while a 2TB model could be 1700TBW. To put this in perspective, writing 500GB of data every single day to an 850TBW drive would take roughly 4.5 years to exhaust its endurance. For the average user, these TBW ratings mean the drive will likely outlive the rest of their system components.

Installation and Compatibility: Getting Started

One of the great things about NVMe SSDs is their relatively straightforward installation, provided you have the right components and a little know-how.

The MSI Spatium M470 follows the standard M.2 installation procedure.

• Motherboard Requirements: To utilize the full potential of the MSI Spatium M470, your motherboard must support PCIe Gen4. Look for motherboards with chipsets like:
  • AMD: B550, X570, B650, X670E
  • Intel: Z490 with Rocket Lake CPU, Z590, B560, H570, Z690, B660, H670, Z790, B760, H770
    If you install it in a Gen3 slot, it will still work, but it will be limited to Gen3 speeds around 3500 MB/s read/write, effectively negating the M470’s primary advantage.
• Physical Installation:
  1. Locate the M.2 slot: On your motherboard, look for an M.2 slot, usually labeled “M.2” or “PCIe Gen4 M.2.” Most modern motherboards have at least one, often two or more.
  2. Remove the screw/standoff: There will be a small screw or plastic standoff at the end of the M.2 slot. Remove it.
  3. Insert the drive: Gently slide the M470 into the slot at a slight angle around 30 degrees. It will click into place.
  4. Secure the drive: Push the drive down until it’s flat against the motherboard, then secure it with the screw or standoff you removed earlier. Many newer motherboards feature tool-less M.2 retention mechanisms, which are even easier.
  5. Heatsink if applicable: If your motherboard has a built-in M.2 heatsink, apply thermal pads if necessary and then secure the heatsink over the M470. If your M470 came with its own heatsink, install that as per MSI’s instructions.
• Operating System Recognition:
  • New Build: If you’re installing the M470 as your primary boot drive in a new PC, it should be recognized automatically in your motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI. You’ll then proceed to install your operating system Windows, Linux, etc. onto it.
  • Existing System: If you’re adding it as a secondary drive to an existing system, Windows or your OS will typically detect it immediately. You’ll then need to initialize and format the drive through Disk Management Windows or your OS’s disk utility before you can use it.
• BIOS Settings: In rare cases, you might need to adjust BIOS settings, such as ensuring the M.2 slot is enabled or setting the boot order. However, for most modern motherboards, these settings are usually optimized by default. Just ensure your BIOS is updated to the latest version for best compatibility and performance.

Software and Features: Beyond the Hardware

While SSDs are primarily hardware components, the accompanying software and underlying features play a role in their longevity, performance, and user experience.

MSI, like other major manufacturers, provides tools and firmware updates to ensure optimal operation of their Spatium M470 drives.

• MSI Center or SSD Dashboard: MSI typically offers a utility, often integrated into their broader MSI Center software or as a standalone SSD Dashboard/Toolbox. This software allows you to:
  • Monitor Drive Health: Check S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology attributes to see the drive’s temperature, wear level, remaining life, and other critical health parameters. This is like a health check-up for your SSD.
  • Firmware Updates: Ensure your drive is running the latest firmware. Firmware updates can improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility. Keeping your SSD’s firmware updated is a best practice for long-term stability.
  • Secure Erase: This feature allows you to securely wipe all data from the drive, making it unrecoverable. Useful if you’re selling the drive or repurposing it.
  • Performance Optimization: Some tools might offer basic TRIM optimization or other minor tweaks, though modern operating systems usually handle these efficiently in the background.
• TRIM Support: The MSI Spatium M470 fully supports TRIM. TRIM is an ATA command that allows the operating system to inform the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use and can be wiped. This helps maintain the SSD’s performance and longevity by ensuring that only valid data is moved during garbage collection, preventing slowdowns over time. Modern operating systems like Windows 10/11 and recent Linux kernels enable TRIM by default for SSDs.
• Error Correction Codes ECC: Like all quality SSDs, the M470 incorporates robust Error Correction Code ECC mechanisms. These algorithms detect and correct data errors on the fly, ensuring data integrity and preventing data corruption, even if minor errors occur within the NAND flash. This is a background operation critical for reliability.
• Data Protection Features: While not explicitly advertised as “military-grade encryption” like some enterprise drives, the M470’s controller and firmware implement standard data protection protocols, including wear-leveling algorithms to distribute writes evenly across the NAND cells, thus extending the drive’s lifespan. It also features power loss protection for data in the DRAM cache, though typically not full power loss protection for data in transit to the NAND.

Value Proposition: Is the M470 Worth Your Money?

This is where the rubber meets the road for most buyers. The MSI Spatium M470 isn’t trying to be the fastest SSD on the market. Instead, it positions itself as a highly competitive value proposition for those looking for a significant performance upgrade without emptying their wallets.

• Price vs. Performance: The M470 typically sits at a lower price point than premium Gen4 drives that use the newer Phison E18 controller or high-end proprietary controllers. For example, a 1TB M470 might cost less than a 1TB Kingston KC3000 or Seagate FireCuda 530, while still offering double the sequential speeds of a Gen3 drive. The performance difference between the M470 Phison E16 and a top-tier Gen4 Phison E18 is measurable in benchmarks, but often negligible in real-world everyday use. Unless you’re constantly transferring massive files e.g., 100GB+ video files or running highly I/O intensive professional workloads, you might not feel a significant difference to justify the extra cost of a higher-tier Gen4 drive.
• Target Audience:
  • Mainstream Gamers: If you’re building a new gaming PC or upgrading an older one, the M470 offers fantastic game load times and responsiveness at a great price. It’s perfectly adequate for current and future games, including those utilizing Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, which benefits from fast NVMe SSDs.
  • Everyday PC Users: For browsing, office work, media consumption, and general multitasking, the M470 will provide a remarkably snappy and fluid experience, far superior to any SATA SSD or HDD.
  • Budget-Conscious Builders: If you’re assembling a PC with a tight budget but still want to leverage PCIe Gen4 speeds, the M470 hits a sweet spot. It allows you to invest in a faster CPU or GPU while still getting excellent storage performance.
  • Light Content Creators: For hobbyist video editors, photographers, or graphic designers working with reasonably sized files, the M470 offers ample speed for project loading and exports.
• Long-Term Investment: While technology always advances, a PCIe Gen4 drive like the M470 will remain relevant for several years. It’s a noticeable step up from Gen3 and will continue to deliver excellent performance for typical consumer workloads. The competitive TBW ratings also suggest good longevity for most users.
• Considerations:
  • Motherboard Compatibility: Reiterate that you must have a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard and CPU to get the full benefit. If you only have Gen3 slots, consider a high-end Gen3 drive like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, which might offer better value for Gen3 limited systems.
  • Cooling: While often overlooked, ensure you have adequate cooling for Gen4 drives. If your M470 doesn’t come with a heatsink, consider purchasing an aftermarket one, or ensure your motherboard has a decent integrated M.2 heatsink. This is a small investment that protects your performance.

In essence, the MSI Spatium M470 isn’t designed to be the fastest or flashiest SSD. Its strength lies in its tremendous value. It brings PCIe Gen4 performance within reach of a broader audience, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a noticeable upgrade without the premium price tag. Pantum P3012Dw Review

Thermal Management and Sustained Performance

Thermal management is often an afterthought for users, but it’s a critical factor, especially with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs. These drives can generate a fair amount of heat, and if not properly managed, they can thermally throttle, meaning they reduce their performance to prevent overheating and potential damage. The MSI Spatium M470, using the Phison E16 controller, is no exception to this.

• Why Do Gen4 Drives Get Hotter?
  • Higher Speeds: More data moving faster means more electrical activity, which translates to more heat.
  • Controller Design: The Phison E16 controller, while efficient, is a mature Gen4 controller and tends to run a bit warmer than some of the newer, more optimized designs or DRAM-less drives.
  • DRAM Cache: The presence of a dedicated DRAM cache chip which the M470 has also adds to the heat output, as this component is actively working alongside the NAND and controller.
• The Importance of a Heatsink: This is why the availability of M470 SKUs with a pre-attached heatsink is a significant benefit. A heatsink works by increasing the surface area for heat dissipation, allowing heat to escape more efficiently into the surrounding air.
  • Preventing Thermal Throttling: Without proper cooling, under sustained heavy workloads e.g., large file transfers, heavy gaming sessions, continuous compiling, the drive’s internal temperature can climb. Once it hits a certain threshold, the drive’s firmware will intentionally slow down read and write operations to bring the temperature back down. This results in a performance dip, which can be frustrating. A good heatsink effectively delays or completely prevents this throttling for most use cases.
  • Longevity: While direct damage from overheating is rare due to throttling mechanisms, prolonged operation at higher temperatures can theoretically accelerate wear on the NAND cells over the very long term. Proper cooling contributes to the drive’s overall lifespan and consistent performance.
• Motherboard Heatsinks vs. Bundled Heatsinks:
  • Many modern motherboards, especially those supporting PCIe Gen4, come with integrated M.2 heatsinks. These are often aesthetically pleasing and provide decent passive cooling.
  • If your M470 comes with its own heatsink, it’s generally designed specifically for that drive and often performs well.
  • Best Practice: Whether you use the motherboard’s heatsink or the drive’s bundled one, ensure it has good contact with the SSD via thermal pads and is properly installed. In systems with poor airflow, even with a heatsink, temperatures can be higher. Consider adding case fans if your system runs generally warm.
• Monitoring Temperatures: It’s a good idea to periodically check your SSD’s temperature using tools like MSI Center, CrystalDiskInfo, or HWMonitor, especially during heavy usage. Normal operating temperatures typically range from 30°C to 60°C for consumer NVMe drives. If you consistently see temperatures above 70°C under load, you might want to re-evaluate your cooling solution or system airflow.

Comparing M470 to Other Mid-Range Gen4 SSDs

The MSI Spatium M470 isn’t alone in the mid-range PCIe Gen4 market.

It competes with several other drives that aim for a similar balance of performance and price.

Understanding these alternatives helps solidify the M470’s position.

• MSI Spatium M470 Phison E16:

  • Strengths: Solid entry-level Gen4 performance, good value, often comes with a heatsink option, competitive endurance.
  • Weaknesses: Not the fastest Gen4 controller, can run warm, sequential speeds are on the lower end of Gen4.
  • Best For: Users upgrading from Gen3, budget-conscious Gen4 builders, gamers who prioritize value.

• Sabrent Rocket 4.0 Phison E16:

  • Similarities to M470: The Rocket 4.0 uses the same Phison E16 controller. This means their core performance characteristics are very similar, often nearly identical in benchmarks.
  • Differences: Sabrent was an early adopter of Gen4 and has a strong reputation for performance. They offer a wide range of capacities, including very high ones up to 8TB. Sabrent often provides their own comprehensive control software. Pricing can fluctuate, making either the M470 or Rocket 4.0 a better deal at any given time.
  • Best For: Similar audience to the M470, those looking for high capacities.

• WD Black SN770 DRAM-less:

  • Key Difference: This is a DRAM-less Gen4 drive, meaning it uses Host Memory Buffer HMB to utilize a small portion of your system RAM as a cache.
  • Strengths: Exceptionally power efficient, which makes it ideal for laptops or systems with limited power/cooling. Despite being DRAM-less, its performance is surprisingly strong, often rivaling or even exceeding E16-based drives in many benchmarks, especially random access. Often very competitively priced.
  • Weaknesses: While HMB is effective, in extremely sustained, heavy workstation-type writes, a dedicated DRAM cache can show an advantage.
  • Best For: Laptop upgrades, power-efficient builds, users who want great performance without the heat of a DRAM-equipped drive.

• Crucial P5 Plus Micron Controller:

  • Key Difference: Uses a Micron proprietary controller and Micron’s own high-quality 176-layer 3D TLC NAND.
  • Strengths: Often offers slightly higher sequential read speeds than E16 drives up to 6600 MB/s. Good overall performance, robust reliability, and often available at competitive prices, bridging the gap between entry-level and high-end Gen4.
  • Weaknesses: Not as fast as the absolute top-tier Gen4 drives Phison E18.
  • Best For: Users seeking a slight performance edge over E16 drives while still maintaining good value.

The Takeaway: The M470 holds its own in this segment. If you find the MSI Spatium M470 at a competitive price, especially with a heatsink, it’s a strong contender. If power efficiency or slightly better random performance is paramount, the WD Black SN770 is a fantastic alternative. For a minor bump in sequential speed, the Crucial P5 Plus is worth considering if the price difference is small. Ultimately, for the average user, the real-world difference between these mid-range Gen4 drives is often imperceptible, making price and any bundled features like a heatsink the deciding factors.

Future-Proofing with PCIe Gen4

It’s about staying ahead of the curve, even if you’re not utilizing every ounce of its capability today. Facebook Ray Ban Stories Review

• DirectStorage API: This is perhaps the most significant “future-proofing” aspect for gamers. Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, first introduced with Xbox Series X/S and now available for PC, allows games to load assets directly from the NVMe SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU. This significantly reduces CPU overhead and enables much faster game load times and more seamless asset streaming.
  • Requirement: DirectStorage specifically benefits from fast NVMe SSDs that can handle high throughput and low latency. While a Gen3 NVMe can technically work, a Gen4 drive like the M470 is better positioned to leverage the full benefits of this technology as more games adopt it.
  • Impact: Expect smoother gameplay, virtually instant level loading, and less “pop-in” of textures in future titles designed with DirectStorage in mind. The M470’s 5000 MB/s sequential read speed makes it a solid candidate for this.
• Operating System Demands: Modern operating systems, especially Windows 10 and 11, are increasingly optimized for SSDs. Features like SuperFetch/Prefetch and faster boot times directly benefit from high-speed storage. As OSes evolve, the demand for quick data access will only grow, making a Gen4 drive a sensible choice for long-term system responsiveness.
• Content Creation Evolution: While top-tier content creators might already be pushing the limits of Gen4, mainstream content creation is also becoming more demanding. Editing 4K and even 8K video, working with massive CAD files, or handling large datasets for data analysis benefits from faster storage. The M470 provides ample bandwidth for many of these tasks, making it a good investment for budding creators.
• Beyond Sequential Speeds: While raw sequential read/write numbers are impressive, the future of storage performance isn’t just about peak theoretical speeds. It’s about low latency and efficient random access, which the M470’s DRAM cache and controller are well-equipped to handle. These aspects are crucial for system responsiveness and overall user experience.
• Avoiding Bottlenecks: By investing in a Gen4 SSD, you’re ensuring that your storage isn’t the bottleneck in your system. This allows your CPU and GPU to work at their full potential, leading to a more balanced and efficient overall PC build. While Gen5 SSDs are emerging, Gen4 will remain the sweet spot for performance per dollar for quite some time, making the M470 a smart, forward-thinking choice for the mainstream.

Who Should Buy the MSI Spatium M470?

Given all the performance metrics, design considerations, and value propositions, it’s clear the MSI Spatium M470 isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it nails a specific niche.

Here’s a breakdown of who stands to benefit most from this drive:

• The Mainstream Gamer:
  • Why: If you’re building a new gaming rig with a modern CPU like an Intel 10th-gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3000 series or newer and a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard, the M470 is a fantastic choice. It delivers significantly faster game load times and texture streaming than Gen3 SSDs, and it’s ready for future titles that leverage DirectStorage. You get 90% of the top-tier Gen4 experience for 70% of the price.
  • Avoid if: You’re an extreme enthusiast chasing every last benchmark point and are willing to pay a substantial premium for a few milliseconds faster load times.
• The Budget-Conscious PC Builder/Upgrader:
  • Why: You want to leverage the benefits of PCIe Gen4 without blowing your entire budget on storage. The M470 offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio, allowing you to allocate more funds to your CPU, GPU, or RAM. It’s an ideal primary boot drive for a new system or a substantial upgrade for an existing one provided your motherboard supports Gen4.
  • Avoid if: You’re stuck on a Gen3-only platform. In that case, a high-quality Gen3 drive might offer better value since the Gen4 capabilities of the M470 would be wasted.
• The Everyday Productivity User:
  • Why: If your primary use involves web browsing, office applications, video conferencing, and general multitasking, the M470 will provide an incredibly snappy and responsive computing experience. Applications launch instantly, files open quickly, and the system feels consistently fluid. It’s a huge step up from any SATA SSD or traditional hard drive.
  • Avoid if: You only do very light computing and are perfectly happy with a cheap SATA SSD for basic tasks, though the price difference is often minimal enough to justify the M470.
• The Light to Moderate Content Creator:
  • Why: For hobbyist video editors, photographers managing large RAW files, or graphic designers, the M470 offers ample speed for project loading, rendering previews, and exporting finished work. While not an enterprise solution, it handles demanding creative tasks much faster than older storage types.
  • Avoid if: You are a professional working with massive 8K raw video files, complex 3D renders, or massive datasets that require absolutely peak, sustained I/O performance. In those extreme cases, a top-tier Phison E18-based Gen4 or even a Gen5 drive might be necessary.
• Users Who Value a Heatsink:
  • Why: If you don’t have a motherboard with a robust M.2 heatsink, or you appreciate the added peace of mind, some M470 SKUs come with a pre-attached heatsink. This saves you the hassle and cost of buying an aftermarket solution and ensures optimal thermal performance.
  • Avoid if: Your motherboard already has excellent M.2 heatsinks and you prefer a cleaner look without an additional heatsink on the drive itself.

In summary, the MSI Spatium M470 is for the pragmatic user who wants excellent Gen4 performance without paying premium prices. It’s a workhorse that elevates the overall system experience for a wide range of common computing tasks, making it a highly recommended choice in its segment.

Understanding NVMe and PCIe Generations

To truly appreciate the MSI Spatium M470, it’s essential to grasp the underlying technologies: NVMe and the different generations of PCIe. These aren’t just technical jargon.

They represent fundamental shifts in how storage interacts with your computer, directly impacting performance.

• NVMe Non-Volatile Memory Express:

  • What it is: NVMe is a communication protocol or interface specifically designed for SSDs to communicate over the PCIe bus. Before NVMe, SSDs primarily used the SATA protocol, which was originally developed for traditional hard drives. SATA has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 600 MB/s, a severe bottleneck for fast NAND flash.
  • Why it matters: NVMe was built from the ground up for solid-state technology. It allows SSDs to:
    • Utilize multiple parallel command queues: Think of it like a multi-lane highway versus a single-lane road. SATA had one command queue with limited commands, while NVMe allows for tens of thousands of queues, each capable of handling tens of thousands of commands simultaneously. This massively boosts IOPS Input/Output Operations Per Second, crucial for multitasking and random data access.
    • Reduce latency: NVMe streamlines the communication path, minimizing the delay latency between the CPU requesting data and the SSD delivering it. This contributes to the “snappy” feeling of NVMe drives.
    • Full PCIe bandwidth utilization: NVMe directly leverages the PCIe bus, allowing SSDs to reach speeds far beyond what SATA could ever offer.
  • In short: NVMe unlocks the true speed potential of flash memory, making SATA SSDs feel sluggish in comparison.

• PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect Express Generations:

  • What it is: PCIe is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard that connects components like graphics cards, network cards, and NVMe SSDs directly to the motherboard’s chipset and CPU. It’s composed of “lanes” x1, x4, x8, x16, and each generation doubles the bandwidth per lane.
  • Generations and Bandwidth:
    • PCIe Gen3: Each lane provides approximately 1 GB/s of bandwidth. A typical NVMe SSD uses four PCIe lanes x4. So, a Gen3 x4 NVMe SSD has a theoretical maximum bandwidth of about 4 GB/s 4000 MB/s. In practice, due to overhead, real-world speeds are usually around 3500 MB/s.
    • PCIe Gen4: This is where the MSI Spatium M470 shines. Each lane doubles its bandwidth to approximately 2 GB/s. Therefore, a Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD, like the M470, has a theoretical maximum bandwidth of about 8 GB/s 8000 MB/s. The M470’s 5000 MB/s sequential read speed utilizes a significant portion of this available bandwidth, making it a true Gen4 drive.
    • PCIe Gen5: The latest generation, currently emerging, doubles the bandwidth again to 4 GB/s per lane, meaning a Gen5 x4 drive has a theoretical bandwidth of 16 GB/s 16000 MB/s. Drives leveraging this are just beginning to appear, pushing speeds beyond 10,000 MB/s.
  • Why Generations Matter for SSDs: The higher the PCIe generation, the more bandwidth is available for the SSD to transfer data. This directly translates to higher sequential read/write speeds, which are crucial for large file transfers, game loading, and content creation. It also indirectly helps with random performance by reducing potential bottlenecks.

• M470’s Place: The MSI Spatium M470 is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD. This means it communicates over four PCIe Gen4 lanes using the NVMe protocol. It’s a significant upgrade over Gen3 NVMe drives and a monumental leap over traditional SATA SSDs or hard drives. It’s a solid, mainstream Gen4 performer, perfectly positioned to take advantage of modern motherboards and workloads, and ready for future technologies like DirectStorage.

FAQs

Is the MSI Spatium M470 good for gaming?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 is very good for gaming. Its PCIe Gen4 speeds significantly reduce game load times compared to Gen3 SSDs or SATA drives, and its performance is well-suited for future games utilizing technologies like DirectStorage.

What is the speed of MSI Spatium M470?

The MSI Spatium M470 offers sequential read speeds of up to 5000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 4400 MB/s. Gigabtye Aorus Fi32Q Review

Does the MSI Spatium M470 come with a heatsink?

Some versions SKUs of the MSI Spatium M470 come with a pre-attached heatsink, while others do not. It’s important to check the specific product listing before purchasing.

Is the MSI Spatium M470 compatible with PS5?

No, the MSI Spatium M470 is not officially recommended for PS5 due to its sequential read speed falling below Sony’s recommended 5500 MB/s. While it might technically work, you may experience sub-optimal performance compared to a drive that meets the PS5’s specifications.

Is PCIe Gen4 worth it over Gen3 for gaming?

For gaming, PCIe Gen4 is generally worth it over Gen3, especially if you’re building a new PC or have a compatible motherboard. While the difference isn’t always night and day in every game, Gen4 drives offer noticeably faster load times and are better prepared for upcoming technologies like DirectStorage.

What controller does the MSI Spatium M470 use?

The MSI Spatium M470 typically uses the Phison E16 controller.

Does the MSI Spatium M470 have DRAM?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 includes a DRAM cache, which helps improve its random read/write performance and overall responsiveness.

What is the TBW rating of the MSI Spatium M470?

The TBW Terabytes Written rating of the MSI Spatium M470 varies by capacity. For example, a 1TB model often has a TBW of 850TBW, and a 2TB model around 1700TBW, indicating excellent endurance for most users.

How do I install the MSI Spatium M470?

Installation involves inserting the M.2 2280 drive into a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard and securing it with a screw or standoff.

For new systems, it will be recognized during OS installation.

For existing systems, you’ll need to initialize and format it in Disk Management.

What motherboards are compatible with MSI Spatium M470?

The MSI Spatium M470 is compatible with any motherboard that has a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot. This includes most AMD B550, X570, B650, X670E chipsets and Intel Z490 with Rocket Lake CPU, Z590, B560, H570, Z690, B660, H670, Z790, B760, H770 chipsets. Oneplus 9 Pro Review

Will the MSI Spatium M470 work in a PCIe Gen3 slot?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 will work in a PCIe Gen3 slot, but its performance will be limited to Gen3 speeds around 3500 MB/s sequential read/write, meaning you won’t get the full benefit of its Gen4 capabilities.

Is the MSI Spatium M470 a good boot drive?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 is an excellent boot drive. Its high sequential and random read speeds ensure very fast operating system boot times and quick application launches.

How does the M470 compare to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus?

The MSI Spatium M470 is generally faster than the Samsung 970 EVO Plus in sequential speeds because it’s a PCIe Gen4 drive, while the 970 EVO Plus is Gen3. However, the 970 EVO Plus offers strong random performance for a Gen3 drive and is known for its excellent reliability.

Does the MSI Spatium M470 get hot?

Like most PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs with DRAM, the MSI Spatium M470 can get warm under sustained heavy loads. Using a heatsink either bundled or from your motherboard is highly recommended to prevent thermal throttling.

What capacities is the MSI Spatium M470 available in?

The MSI Spatium M470 is available in various capacities, typically ranging from 500GB to 2TB.

Is the MSI Spatium M470 good for video editing?

For light to moderate video editing, the MSI Spatium M470 is very capable, offering good speeds for loading projects and rendering. For professional-grade, high-bitrate 4K+ or 8K editing with massive files, you might consider faster, higher-end Gen4 or Gen5 drives.

What is the warranty for the MSI Spatium M470?

MSI typically offers a 5-year limited warranty for their Spatium M470 SSDs, or up to the advertised TBW rating, whichever comes first.

Does the MSI Spatium M470 support TRIM?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 fully supports TRIM, which helps maintain its performance and longevity over time by efficiently managing data deletion.

Can I use the MSI Spatium M470 in a laptop?

You can use the MSI Spatium M470 in a laptop if it has an M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs. Always check your laptop’s specifications for compatibility, especially regarding physical space for a heatsink if the drive comes with one.

Is the MSI Spatium M470 good for content creation?

Yes, for most mainstream content creation tasks like photo editing, graphic design, and light video editing, the M470 offers excellent performance and will be a significant upgrade over slower storage. Deathloop For Playstation 5 Review

How reliable is the MSI Spatium M470?

The MSI Spatium M470 is considered reliable, backed by MSI’s reputation, its use of a proven Phison E16 controller, quality 3D TLC NAND, and competitive TBW ratings.

What is the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?

NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface for much faster speeds and lower latency, while SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface, which is significantly slower max 600 MB/s and has higher latency. The M470 is an NVMe drive.

Is the MSI Spatium M470 good value for money?

Yes, the MSI Spatium M470 offers excellent value for money by providing solid PCIe Gen4 performance at a more accessible price point than many top-tier Gen4 drives.

What benchmarks should I run to test my MSI Spatium M470?

To test your MSI Spatium M470, you can use benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark for sequential and random performance, ATTO Disk Benchmark, and AS SSD Benchmark.

Does the MSI Spatium M470 require drivers?

No, the MSI Spatium M470 uses standard NVMe drivers that are typically built into modern operating systems Windows 10/11, Linux. No specific drivers need to be installed manually for basic functionality.

Can I clone my old drive to the MSI Spatium M470?

Yes, you can clone your old drive to the MSI Spatium M470 using disk cloning software e.g., Macrium Reflect, EaseUS Todo Backup, or software provided by MSI if available.

Is the M470 slower than other Gen4 SSDs?

The M470, using the Phison E16 controller, is slower than higher-end Gen4 SSDs that utilize newer controllers like the Phison E18 e.g., Kingston KC3000, Seagate FireCuda 530 which can reach speeds of 7000 MB/s or more. However, it’s still significantly faster than Gen3 drives.

Does the MSI Spatium M470 support DirectStorage?

While the M470 meets the basic requirements for DirectStorage being an NVMe SSD with sufficient speed, the full benefits of DirectStorage will likely be realized with drives closer to or exceeding 7000 MB/s. However, it will still benefit from DirectStorage adoption in games.

What is the lifespan of the MSI Spatium M470?

The lifespan of the MSI Spatium M470 is determined by its TBW rating and typical usage. For the average user, it’s expected to last many years, often outliving the useful life of the rest of the computer system.

Should I get the MSI Spatium M470 or a higher-end Gen3 SSD?

If your system supports PCIe Gen4, you should definitely get the MSI Spatium M470 over a higher-end Gen3 SSD to take advantage of the increased bandwidth. If your system is limited to Gen3, then a high-end Gen3 SSD might offer comparable real-world performance for your specific setup. Nintendo Switch Lite Review