PNY CS3040
Expert rating6.7 / 10
- Model:
- PNY CS3040
- Interface:
- PCIe 3.0
- Sequential Read:
- Up to 3
- Sequential Write:
- Up to 3
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Manufacturer: PNY Last updated: September 12, 2026
PNY CS3040 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,400 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Older Mainstream Gen 3 Drive) Review
The PNY CS3040 was PNY's mainstream PCIe 3.0 drive before the CS3140 and CS2140 took over the current lineup, and it's still around at lower prices for buyers who don't need Gen 4 bandwidth.
It's not a bad drive at all, a real DRAM cache and solid Gen 3 speeds, but PNY's own newer CS3140 is close enough in price on most days that we'd only pick this one when it's meaningfully discounted.
Performance and Speed
3,400 MB/s read and 3,000 MB/s write is a full-bandwidth PCIe 3.0 result with a real DRAM cache backing it, which keeps performance more consistent under sustained transfers than DRAM-less budget alternatives at a similar price.
Positioning Against PNY's Newer Drives
PNY has since released the CS3140 on PCIe 4.0 and repositioned the CS2140 as its current budget option, both covered on this site, leaving the CS3040 as an older SKU that still sells through some retailers at a lower price point.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against PNY's own CS3140, also covered on this site, that drive more than doubles the rated bandwidth on PCIe 4.0, and is worth the modest price step up whenever it's available. Against the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, also covered on this site, a well-regarded mainstream Gen 3 legacy drive, the two land in a similar performance class and Samsung usually holds a slight edge in real-world consistency.
Who This SSD Is Actually For
PCIe 3.0-only systems where Gen 4 bandwidth would go unused anyway.
Buyers who find genuine discount pricing that undercuts PNY's own newer CS3140.
Not for anyone on a PCIe 4.0 motherboard. PNY's own CS3140, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers more than double the bandwidth for a modest price increase.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | PNY |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CS3040 |
| Series | CS3040 |
Interface and form
| Drive Type | Internal |
|---|---|
| Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe |
| Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
Sequential performance
| Sequential Read | 3400 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Sequential Write | 3000 MB/s |
Controller and cache
| DRAM Cache | DRAM |
|---|
NAND
| NAND Type | TLC |
|---|
Power and thermals
| Heatsink | Not Included |
|---|
Physical and commercial
| Warranty | 5 Years |
|---|
| Capacity Options | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating6.7 / 10
A solid Gen 3 drive that's been outpaced by PNY's own newer options; buy only at a real discount.
Best for
- PCIe 3.0-only systems where Gen 4 bandwidth would go unused anyway.
- Buyers who find genuine discount pricing that undercuts PNY's own newer CS3140.
- Anyone wanting a DRAM-cached Gen 3 drive over a DRAM-less budget alternative.
Not for
- Not for anyone on a PCIe 4.0 motherboard. PNY's own CS3140, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers more than double the bandwidth for a modest price increase.
- Not for buyers paying full price when the CS3140 is available for similar money.
- Not for anyone prioritizing the single fastest Gen 3 drive; the Samsung 970 EVO Plus generally edges it out.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the PNY CS3040 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,400 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Older Mainstream Gen 3 Drive)?
The PNY CS3040 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,400 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Older Mainstream Gen 3 Drive) is a component from PNY. Key specs: Interface PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe, Sequential Read 3400, Sequential Write 3000, NAND Type TLC, Capacity Options 500GB, 1TB, 2TB.
Who is the PNY CS3040 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,400 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Older Mainstream Gen 3 Drive) best suited to?
It suits pcie 3.0-only systems where gen 4 bandwidth would go unused anyway., buyers who find genuine discount pricing that undercuts pny's own newer cs3140., anyone wanting a dram-cached gen 3 drive over a dram-less budget alternative..
What are the drawbacks of the PNY CS3040 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,400 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Older Mainstream Gen 3 Drive)?
It is a poor fit for not for anyone on a pcie 4.0 motherboard. pny's own cs3140, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers more than double the bandwidth for a modest price increase., not for buyers paying full price when the cs3140 is available for similar money., not for anyone prioritizing the single fastest gen 3 drive; the samsung 970 evo plus generally edges it out..
Compare and read more
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