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Manufacturer: PNY Last updated: September 11, 2026
PNY XLR8 CS3140 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,500 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Mainstream Performance Drive) Review
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 offers flagship-tier PCIe 4.0 speed under PNY's gaming-adjacent XLR8 branding, available with or without a pre-installed heatsink to suit different motherboard and console installation scenarios.
At up to 7,500 MB/s read and 6,850 MB/s write, this drive posts genuinely competitive numbers against more established flagship PCIe 4.0 drives, with heatsink and heatsink-free variants both available depending on installation needs. Against the Samsung 990 PRO, covered elsewhere on this site, both compete in similar flagship PCIe 4.0 territory, with this PNY drive generally available at a somewhat lower price. Against the PNY CS2140, also covered elsewhere on this site, that drive trades this CS3140's flagship speed for a significantly lower price at reduced performance.
Performance and Speed
At up to 7,500 MB/s read and 6,850 MB/s write, this drive posts genuinely competitive numbers against more established flagship PCIe 4.0 drives, with heatsink and heatsink-free variants both available depending on installation needs.
Comparison to Sibling Products
Against the Samsung 990 PRO, covered elsewhere on this site, both compete in similar flagship PCIe 4.0 territory, with this PNY drive generally available at a somewhat lower price. Against the PNY CS2140, also covered elsewhere on this site, that drive trades this CS3140's flagship speed for a significantly lower price at reduced performance.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | PNY |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CS3140 |
| Series | XLR8 CS3140 |
Interface and form
| Drive Type | Internal |
|---|---|
| Bus Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe |
| Bus Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
Sequential performance
| Sequential Read | 7500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Sequential Write | 6850 MB/s |
Controller and cache
| DRAM Cache | DRAM |
|---|
NAND
| NAND Type | TLC with DRAM Cache |
|---|
Power and thermals
| Heatsink | Available |
|---|---|
| Heatsink | Separate Variant Available |
Physical and commercial
| Warranty | 5 Years |
|---|
| Capacity Options | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Buyers who want flagship-tier PCIe 4.0 speed with the flexibility of heatsink or heatsink-free variants. This drive covers both desktop and PS5 console installation scenarios.
Not for
- Not for buyers on the tightest possible NVMe budget. The PNY CS2140, covered elsewhere on this site, offers a meaningfully lower entry price at reduced speed.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the PNY XLR8 CS3140 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,500 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Mainstream Performance Drive)?
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,500 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Mainstream Performance Drive) is a component from PNY. Key specs: Interface PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe, Sequential Read 7500, Sequential Write 6850, NAND Type TLC with DRAM Cache, Capacity Options 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB.
Who is the PNY XLR8 CS3140 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,500 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Mainstream Performance Drive) best suited to?
It suits buyers who want flagship-tier pcie 4.0 speed with the flexibility of heatsink or heatsink-free variants. this drive covers both desktop and ps5 console installation scenarios..
What are the drawbacks of the PNY XLR8 CS3140 (PCIe 4.0 NVMe/7,500 MB/s Read/6,850 MB/s Write/Mainstream Performance Drive)?
It is a poor fit for not for buyers on the tightest possible nvme budget. the pny cs2140, covered elsewhere on this site, offers a meaningfully lower entry price at reduced speed..
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