Are you curious about the various types of data SSDs and their impact on your computer’s speed?
One important term you need to know is 4×4 SSD. But, what is 4×4 SSD?
A 4×4 SSD typically refers to an SSD (Solid State Drive) that uses the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface with four lanes in both directions (4×4), which significantly boosts the performance.
This blog post will break down what is a 4×4 SSD, its advantages, and how it stacks up against other SSDs on the market.
Let’s dive in and enhance your tech know-how!
What is 4×4 SSD?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways – What is 4×4 SSD?
- A 4×4 SSD employs four PCIe lanes for data transfer, resulting in faster speeds and better computer performance.
- These SSDs offer ample storage options, from 256GB to 2TB, making them ideal for large files and multitasking.
- Gen 4×4 SSDs outpace Gen 3×4 ones due to higher bandwidth from PCIe Gen 4 technology, perfect for gaming and professional use.
- Compatibility is crucial; 4×4 SSDs require motherboards with M.2 slots and NVMe support for optimal performance.
- Advanced features include enhanced reliability with robust error correction and future-proof technology for upcoming hardware upgrades.
If you want to boost your Data Storage Strategy even more, we recommend you to try this useful RAID Calculator, specially if you use SDD with your NAS.

What is 4×4 SSD: Understand PCIe and M.2 SSDs
What is PCIe Gen 3?
PCIe Gen 3 represents the third generation of PCI Express technology. This allows high-performance devices like SSDs and GPUs to connect to your computer efficiently. With PCIe Gen 3, each lane can transfer data faster than previous generations. Imagine these lanes as highways; more lanes mean more traffic can move swiftly.
4×4 SSDs uses four lanes. Using a PCIe Gen 3 x4 slot means you’ll experience quicker data transfers, crucial for high performance, especially when dealing with large files or fast-loading games. This makes PCIe Gen 3 a favorite among gamers and professionals.
What are SSD Lanes?
PCIe lanes are individual data pathways that transmit data between the SSD and the motherboard.
Each lane consists of two pairs of wires: one pair for sending data and one pair for receiving data.
What is PCIe Gen 4?
Now that you know about PCIe Gen 3, let’s explore PCIe Gen 4. PCIe Gen 4 enhances data transfer speeds significantly compared to its predecessor. For instance, the PD4480 M.2 (PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD) offers capacities from 256GB up to a roomy 2TB, utilizing cutting-edge NAND Flash memory technology.
What is M.2?
M.2 is a compact form factor for SSDs, supporting both SATA and PCIe interfaces.
M.2 SSDs offer faster data transfer through NVMe technology. The “x4” indicates 4 lanes, while “x2” denotes 2 lanes. This high-performance storage solution is gaining popularity due to its small size and superior speed.
Difference between NVMe and SATA
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and SATA (Serial ATA) are two different protocols for data transfer in SSDs.
NVMe SSDs deliver higher performance and faster speeds compared to SATA SSDs, utilizing PCIe lanes for data transfer. In contrast, SATA SSDs are limited by the slower speed of the SATA interface, affecting system responsiveness and processing times.
NVMe is ideal for high-performance needs like gaming or professional applications requiring rapid data access.
What is 4×4 SSD?
A 4×4 SSD is a high-performance storage solution using PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4 technology.
Now we’ll dive into its benefits, speed, and performance compared to other SSDs.
Definition and Explanation
What is 4×4 SSD? A 4×4 SSD uses four PCIe lanes, “x4” indicating these lanes.
- The “4×4” configuration indicates that the SSD operates with four lanes for data transmission in both directions.
- This configuration can support very high data transfer speeds, significantly improving performance over SSDs with fewer lanes.
This SSD form factor employs the NVMe protocol, crucial for its speed and performance.
Gen 4×4 SSDs, like the PD4480 M.2 PCIe Gen 4×4, offer faster data transfer speeds and enhanced reliability with capacities from 256GB to 2TB, using 3D TLC NAND Flash technology.

Benefits of 4×4 SSDs
Enhanced Speed and Performance
4×4 SSDs deliver faster data transfer speeds thanks to the increased number of lanes, resulting in quicker access to stored information. With NVMe PCIe technology, they provide improved IOPS for seamless performance.
Increased Storage Capacity
Gen 4×4 SSDs come with larger storage capacities, from 256GB to 2TB, offering ample space for extensive data without sacrificing speed.
Compatibility with High-Performance Devices
These SSDs are compatible with GPUs and other high-performance PCIe devices, making them ideal for gaming, content creation, and demanding applications.
Future-Proof Technology
PCIe Gen 4×4 SSDs incorporate advanced NAND technology and support PCIe Gen 5, ensuring compatibility with future hardware upgrades.
Reliability and Data Integrity
These SSDs enhance reliability while maintaining data integrity through robust error correction mechanisms.
Embrace the evolution of storage solutions and unlock improved performance and efficiency with a 4×4 SSD!

How Does 4×4 SSD Compare to Other SSDs?
Speed and Performance: Gen 4×4 SSDs outperform Gen 3×4 SSDs with faster data transfer speeds due to increased bandwidth from PCIe Gen 4 technology. For example, the PD4480 M.2 PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD supports capacities from 256GB to 2TB, using 3D TLC NAND Flash for enhanced speed and reliability. PCIe Gen 5 M.2 SSDs further improve data transfer speeds, making them perfect for high-performance storage solutions.
Storage Capacity: The PD4480 M.2 PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD offers storage from 256GB to 2TB. These high-capacity options are beneficial for handling large files or running multiple applications simultaneously. The PD4480 M.2 PCIe Gen 5×4 SSD enhances data transfer speeds and provides even higher storage capacities.
Compatibility: 4×4 SSDs require motherboards with PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4 slots. They need an M.2 slot on the motherboard and NVMe support for optimal data transfer. Ensure your system supports the PCIe generation required by the 4×4 SSD you plan to use.
Conclusion – What is 4×4 SSD
So, what is 4×4 SSD?
It’s all about the number of lanes supported by a PCIe device, with “x4” standing for 4 lanes.
A “4×4 SSD” refers to an SSD that uses the PCIe interface with four lanes dedicated to data transmission in both directions. This configuration allows for significantly higher data transfer rates and lower latency compared to traditional SSDs, making it ideal for high-performance computing applications.
This SSD form factor uses NVMe as the data transfer protocol, playing a vital role in speed and performance. Gen 4×4 SSDs provide faster data transfer speeds compared to Gen 3×4 SSDs, enhancing performance and reliability. Embrace this high-performance storage advancement and experience the benefits!

FAQs – What is 4×4 SSD?
1. What is a 4×4 SSD?
A 4×4 SSD is a high-performance storage device that uses solid-state drive (SSD) technology to store and access your data much faster than traditional hard drives.
2. How does a 4×4 SSD work in my computer?
Your 4×4 SSD connects to your computer through PCIe, which stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. This connection allows the SSD to transfer data at very high speeds, making everything on your computer run faster.
3. Why should you choose a 4×4 SSD over other types of storage?
You should go for a 4×4 SSD because it offers quicker start-up times, faster file transfers, and better overall performance compared to other types of storage devices.
4. Can I upgrade my old laptop or desktop with a 4×5 SSD?
Yes, you can upgrade most older laptops or desktops with a high-performance PCIe device like the 45G SSD as long as they have the right slot available for an upgrade.