The landscape of the storage industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation. PCIe Gen 3 M.2 SSDs, the mainstay for years, are gradually being relegated to the history books as manufacturers embrace newer, faster standards like PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5. While the transition has been gradual, a recent report by ServeTheHome suggests that SSD manufacturers are finally drawing a line in the sand, ending production of these older drives for PCs.
This shift is driven by a combination of factors. Notably, the rising affordability and widespread adoption of PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, which boast almost double the bandwidth of their Gen 3 predecessors, have made them increasingly attractive to consumers. This trend is further amplified by major chipmakers like Intel and AMD, who are now integrating PCIe Gen 4 as the standard for their latest platforms. For instance, Intel’s recently launched Core Ultra 200S processors, paired with the Z890 chipset, feature PCIe channels that operate at PCIe 4.0 speeds, further accelerating the shift away from older technology.
The growing irrelevance of PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, especially for high-capacity models, is undeniable. While smaller-capacity Gen 3 drives remain in circulation, the market for large-capacity drives has transitioned almost entirely to PCIe Gen 4. But the evolution doesn’t stop there. PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are also gaining momentum, delivering even higher performance levels, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and data-intensive applications. This trend isn’t limited to consumer markets. Enterprise-level platforms are also adopting PCIe Gen 5 and even PCIe Gen 6 SSDs, driven by the need for increased throughput in servers and data centers.
The limitations of PCIe Gen 3 are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in cutting-edge applications. As a result, manufacturers are halting R&D and production for Gen 3 models, signifying a complete shift towards the future of storage. In the years to come, PCIe Gen 4 is expected to dominate the market, with PCIe Gen 5 poised to become the mainstream standard. This evolution will benefit consumers by providing faster, more efficient storage solutions that cater to the escalating demands of modern computing. The transition to these newer standards marks a significant leap forward in storage technology, enabling users to experience improved performance, enhanced efficiency, and a smoother computing experience.