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SK hynix Gold P31 1TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0
SK hynix

SK hynix Gold P31

Expert rating8.6 / 10

View on AmazonView on ssd.skhynix.com
Interface:
PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe
Sequential Read:
Up to 3,500 MB/s
Capacity Options:
500GB, 1TB, 2TB

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Manufacturer: SK hynix Last updated: 2026-09-12

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SK hynix Gold P31 Review

SK hynix Gold P31 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD, added as a replacement after the originally planned Kingston FURY Renegade turned out to already be in the catalog; renowned for exceptional power efficiency.

SK hynix builds everything in-house here — NAND, DRAM, and controller — and it shows in how well-tuned the power efficiency is compared to drives assembled from third-party controllers. That efficiency is exactly why it became a cult favorite for thin-and-light laptop upgrades and battery-sensitive builds like handheld gaming PCs, even years after its original release.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the Samsung 970 EVO Plus already in this catalog, the Gold P31 delivers comparable peak speeds while drawing noticeably less power under load, making it the better pick for battery-powered devices. Compared with the WD Blue SN580's PCIe 4.0 interface, the P31 is capped by its older PCIe 3.0 bus but remains highly efficient thermally.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating8.6 / 10

Renowned for power efficiency and reliability, a favorite for laptop upgrades even years after release.

Best for

  • Laptop SSD upgrades needing low power draw
  • Steam Deck and handheld storage upgrades
  • PCIe 3.0 systems

Not for

  • PCIe 4.0/5.0 builds wanting maximum speed
  • Desktop gaming flagship needs
  • Heavy sustained write workloads

Specifications

What these specs mean
Speed Score
7.1/10

How fast this drive is among internal SSDs, rated from its read and write speeds, cache and NAND type.

Identity

BrandOther
Model NumberGold P31
SeriesGold P31

Interface and form

Drive TypeInternal
Bus InterfacePCIe 3.0 x4
ProtocolNVMe 1.3
Form FactorM.2 2280
Double SidedNo

Sequential performance

Sequential Read3500 MB/s
Sequential Write3200 MB/s

Random performance

Random Read IOPS570000
Random Write IOPS600000

Controller and cache

ControllerSK hynix CEPHEUS
Controller VendorOther
DRAM CacheDRAM

NAND

NAND TypeTLC
NAND VendorSK hynix
NAND Layers128

Endurance and reliability

MTBF1500000 hours

Power and thermals

Max Operating Temp70 C

Features

Hardware EncryptionAES-256

Physical and commercial

Length80 mm
Width22 mm
Thickness2.23 mm
Warranty5 Years

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the SK hynix Gold P31 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/Renowned for Power Efficiency)?

The SK hynix Gold P31 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/Renowned for Power Efficiency) is a component from SK hynix. Key specs: Interface PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe, Sequential Read 3500, Sequential Write 3200, NAND Type SK hynix 128-Layer TLC with DRAM Cache, In-House Controller, Capacity Options 500GB, 1TB, 2TB.

Who is the SK hynix Gold P31 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/Renowned for Power Efficiency) best suited to?

Best suited to: Laptop SSD upgrades needing low power draw; Steam Deck and handheld storage upgrades; PCIe 3.0 systems.

What are the drawbacks of the SK hynix Gold P31 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/Renowned for Power Efficiency)?

Not the best fit for: PCIe 4.0/5.0 builds wanting maximum speed; Desktop gaming flagship needs; Heavy sustained write workloads.

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