The Kingston NV3 1TB (part number SNV3S/1000G) is an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD on a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. Kingston rates the 1TB model at up to 6,000MB/s sequential read and up to 4,000MB/s sequential write, with an endurance of 320TB written. It is a single-sided, DRAM-less drive that uses Host Memory Buffer, measures 22 x 80 x 2.3 mm and weighs 7 g, so it fits desktops, most laptops with an NVMe M.2 slot, and mini PCs alike.
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What the speed figures mean
The 6,000MB/s read and 4,000MB/s write figures are sequential maximums that Kingston measured on a PCIe 4.0 system; real-world speed varies with the host, the file size and how full the drive is. On a PCIe 4.0 slot the Kingston NV3 1TB makes Windows boot quickly, cuts game loading and moves large files far faster than a SATA SSD or a hard drive. In a PCIe 3.0 slot it still works, because PCIe is backward compatible, but it is limited by the slower link, so expect lower sequential numbers.
DRAM-less design with Host Memory Buffer
Kingston describes the NV3 as a DRAM-less drive. Instead of carrying its own DRAM cache chip, it uses Host Memory Buffer, borrowing a small amount of system memory to hold its mapping table. That keeps the drive cheaper and single-sided, which suits thin laptops. The trade-off is that long, continuous writes of very large files can slow down once the drive’s fast cache fills, which matters for heavy video work more than for everyday use, gaming or office tasks.
Endurance, reliability and temperature
Kingston rates the Kingston NV3 1TB at 320TB written (TBW), the total data the drive is designed to absorb over its life, and lists an MTBF of 2,000,000 hours. Operating temperature is 0°C to 70°C and storage temperature is −40°C to 85°C. Kingston lists the NAND simply as 3D NAND and the controller as a Gen 4×4 NVMe controller; it does not name a specific controller or NAND type for the NV3, so the parts can vary between production batches.
Fitting it: laptops, desktops and PS5
The drive is the standard M.2 2280 size and is installed with a single M.2 screw, which normally comes with the motherboard or laptop rather than with the SSD. Before ordering, check that your laptop slot supports NVMe, because some older machines have M.2 slots that accept SATA drives only. Kingston does not list PS5 support on its NV3 page. Sony’s requirements for PS5 expansion call for a PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD with a cooling structure such as a heatsink, and the NV3 ships without one, so a separate low-profile heatsink is needed for console use.
Who the Kingston NV3 1TB suits
The Kingston NV3 1TB suits anyone upgrading a laptop from a 256GB or 512GB drive, people building a budget desktop who want a fast system drive, and owners of older PCs still running a hard drive, where the change is dramatic. One terabyte holds Windows, everyday applications and a reasonable game library. Users who edit long 4K or 8K video projects every day, or copy hundreds of gigabytes at a time, will get more consistent sustained speed from a drive with its own DRAM cache.
Who This Is Not For
The Kingston NV3 1TB is not the right choice for heavy sustained writing, such as daily large video exports, because it has no DRAM cache. It ships without a heatsink, so PS5 owners need to buy one separately. It will not work in an M.2 slot that supports SATA only, and in a PCIe 3.0 slot it cannot reach its rated 6,000MB/s.
Ordering from Totot
Totot sells the Kingston NV3 1TB brand-new and genuine in its sealed box, backed by a 1-year warranty from Totot. It reaches any emirate within 3 business days at most, with free delivery on orders from AED 300, with cash on delivery or instalments via Tabby and Tamara. Items that arrive defective or not as ordered can be returned within 14 days, and any shipping damage should be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Browse more in our SSD range, or see the official Kingston NV3 page.
Kingston NV3 1TB Specifications
- Model: Kingston NV3 1TB (SNV3S/1000G)
- Capacity: 1TB
- Form factor: M.2 2280, single-sided
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
- Sequential read: Up to 6,000MB/s (PCIe 4.0 host)
- Sequential write: Up to 4,000MB/s (PCIe 4.0 host)
- NAND: 3D NAND
- Controller: Gen 4×4 NVMe controller, DRAM-less with Host Memory Buffer
- Endurance: 320TBW
- MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Storage temperature: −40°C to 85°C
- Vibration (non-operating): 20G (10–1000Hz)
- Dimensions: 22 x 80 x 2.3 mm
- Weight: 7 g
- Heatsink: Not included
- Warranty: 1-year warranty from Totot
Kingston NV3 1TB FAQ
Does the Kingston NV3 1TB work in a PS5?
Yes, as long as you add a heatsink: Sony requires a cooling structure on PS5 expansion SSDs, and the NV3 ships without one. Kingston does not list PS5 support itself.
Will the Kingston NV3 1TB work in a PCIe 3.0 slot?
Yes. It is backward compatible, but speed is limited by the PCIe 3.0 link.
Does it have a DRAM cache?
No. Kingston describes it as DRAM-less; like other DRAM-less NVMe drives, it relies on Host Memory Buffer.
How much usable space will Windows show?
931GB or so, because Windows counts in binary units while drive makers use decimal ones.
Does it come with a mounting screw?
No. The M.2 screw normally comes with the motherboard or laptop.
Is it genuine?
Yes. We sell the genuine Kingston NV3 1TB, brand-new in its sealed retail pack.
How long does delivery take?
3 business days at most across the UAE. Orders from AED 300 ship free, and the checkout page shows any current fee for your order.
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