MSI Spatium M480
Expert rating7.8 / 10
- Model:
- MSI Spatium M480
- Interface:
- PCIe 4.0
- Sequential Read:
- Up to 7
- Heatsink Option:
- Available (HS Variant)
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Manufacturer: MSI Last updated: September 12, 2026
MSI Spatium M480 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,000 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Established Gaming Drive) Review
The MSI Spatium M480 is MSI's established PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD, sitting below the flagship Spatium M580 FROZR we already cover and giving MSI board owners a matched-brand Gen 4 option.
At 7,000 MB/s it's a genuinely solid top-tier Gen 4 drive, and buying it in the HS variant with the bundled heatsink is worth the small premium if your case has the clearance for it.
Performance and Speed
7,000 MB/s read and 6,850 MB/s write is a strong full-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 result, on par with the top tier of Gen 4 drives from bigger storage-focused brands. The write speed holding close to the read speed suggests a healthy SLC cache and DRAM combination rather than a cut-down budget design.
HS Variant and Heatsink Choice
MSI sells the M480 both bare and in an HS variant with a low-profile heatsink attached, letting buyers choose based on whether their motherboard already includes M.2 cooling. For builds without a board-integrated heatsink, the HS version is worth the modest price step up.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against MSI's own Spatium M580 FROZR, also covered on this site, that drive moves to PCIe 5.0 for a real price jump that only pays off on a Gen 5-capable board. Against the Sabrent Rocket 4, also covered on this site, both sit in a similar mainstream-to-upper Gen 4 performance bracket, and the choice usually comes down to price or preferred brand.
Who This SSD Is Actually For
Gaming builds on PCIe 4.0 motherboards wanting a top-tier Gen 4 drive from an established brand.
MSI motherboard owners who want a matched-brand M.2 heatsink in the HS variant.
Not for anyone with a PCIe 5.0-capable motherboard. MSI's own Spatium M580 FROZR, covered elsewhere on this site, is the right pick for that hardware.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | MSI |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Spatium M480 |
| Series | Spatium M480 |
Interface and form
| Bus Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe |
|---|
Sequential performance
| Sequential Read | 7000 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Sequential Write | 6850 MB/s |
NAND
| NAND Type | TLC |
|---|
Power and thermals
| Heatsink | Available (HS Variant) |
|---|
Physical and commercial
| Warranty | 5 Years |
|---|
| Capacity Options | 1TB, 2TB |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7.8 / 10
A solid top-tier Gen 4 gaming drive, especially in the HS variant for builds lacking board-integrated cooling.
Best for
- Gaming builds on PCIe 4.0 motherboards wanting a top-tier Gen 4 drive from an established brand.
- MSI motherboard owners who want a matched-brand M.2 heatsink in the HS variant.
- Buyers who want strong Gen 4 speed without paying Gen 5 pricing.
Not for
- Not for anyone with a PCIe 5.0-capable motherboard. MSI's own Spatium M580 FROZR, covered elsewhere on this site, is the right pick for that hardware.
- Not for buyers who already have a well-cooled M.2 slot and don't need the HS variant's price premium.
- Not for budget-focused builds; the Spatium M480 competes at the upper end of Gen 4 pricing, not the low end.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the MSI Spatium M480 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,000 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Established Gaming Drive)?
The MSI Spatium M480 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,000 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Established Gaming Drive) is a component from MSI. Key specs: Interface PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe, Sequential Read 7000, Sequential Write 6850, NAND Type TLC, Capacity Options 1TB, 2TB.
Who is the MSI Spatium M480 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,000 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Established Gaming Drive) best suited to?
It suits gaming builds on pcie 4.0 motherboards wanting a top-tier gen 4 drive from an established brand., msi motherboard owners who want a matched-brand m.2 heatsink in the hs variant., buyers who want strong gen 4 speed without paying gen 5 pricing..
What are the drawbacks of the MSI Spatium M480 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,000 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Established Gaming Drive)?
It is a poor fit for not for anyone with a pcie 5.0-capable motherboard. msi's own spatium m580 frozr, covered elsewhere on this site, is the right pick for that hardware., not for buyers who already have a well-cooled m.2 slot and don't need the hs variant's price premium., not for budget-focused builds; the spatium m480 competes at the upper end of gen 4 pricing, not the low end..
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