A Guide for Better Performance
We recently upgraded the hardware on an ancient HP Envy x360 to enhance its performance. The original Samsung 256GB M.2 SSD was becoming inadequate, as it was frequently running out of space. To remedy this, we opted for a larger SSD.
Our client has a fondness for this 2-in-1 convertible laptop. Although the CPU couldn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, we successfully upgraded it from Windows 10 using our straightforward method for unsupported hardware.
After conducting various assessments, we chose a 1TB Crucial P3 SSD. Here’s why.
Understanding PCIe Gen 3 vs. PCIe Gen 4
The M.2 slot in our client’s HP Envy x360 only supports PCIe Gen 3.0 x4. This limitation means that those flashy Gen 4 drives, boasting read speeds of 6,000 MB/s or even 7,000 MB/s, are going to be constrained. You’ll hit a cap of about 3,500 MB/s at most. This dramatically alters your shopping approach—focus on reliability and value rather than just speed.
So, how can you differentiate between products when speed isn’t a concern? The answer lies in the manufacturer’s guarantees.
Crucial Metrics: Warranty & TBW
When speed isn’t the deciding factor, two key metrics can help gauge the true quality of an SSD: the warranty length and the Total Bytes Written (TBW) endurance rating.
- TBW: This represents the manufacturer’s assurance of how much data can be written to the drive throughout its lifecycle. A higher TBW rating indicates superior quality of the NAND flash chips.
- Warranty: A longer warranty period signifies the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. A 5-year warranty typically reflects a premium Tier 1 brand backing its components.
Comparing 1TB SSD Upgrades
We gathered key specifications for various M.2 2280 NVMe 1TB SSD options available in the market. Here’s how they compare when speed isn’t the primary concern.
All of these models ranged from $100 to $120 Canadian (approximately USD $70 to $95).
| SSD Model | Brand Tier | Interface (Max Speed) | Endurance (TBW) | Warranty | Best Feature |
| Crucial P310 | Tier 1/Mainstream | Gen 4.0 (7100 MB/s) | 220 TBW | 5 Years | Longest Warranty & Proven Quality |
| Kingston NV3 *See notes below! |
Mainstream/Value | Gen 4.0 (6000 MB/s) | 320 TBW | 5 Years | Best Endurance Rating |
| ADATA Legend 800 | Mainstream/Value | Gen 4.0 (3500 MB/s) | 1200 TBW | 3 Years | Highest Theoretical TBW (Less Consistent) |
| Emtec X300 Power Pro | Budget/Tier 3 | Gen 3.0 (3000 MB/s) | 300 TBW | 5 Years | Strong Endurance and Long Warranty |
| Crucial E100 | Budget (Crucial) | Gen 4.0 (5000 MB/s) | 80 TBW | 3 Years | Lowest Endurance, but from a Major Brand |
| KingSpec | Budget/Generic | Gen 4.0 (6000 MB/s) | TBW Varies | 3 Years | Lowest Price Point |
| Patriot P320 (512GB) | Budget/Tier 3 | Gen 3.0 (3000 MB/s) | 240 TBW | 5 Years | Best Endurance for a 512GB Gen 3 Drive |
Why Kingston Might Be Losing Its Edge
Kingston has historically been a reliable choice, known for quality products. However, its recent actions have raised concerns.
The Kingston NV3 looks appealing with a 5-year warranty and a 320 TBW rating, but there are murmurs about Kingston changing components without notification. They aim to keep prices competitive against newer entrants in the market, such as KingSpec and Fanxiang, but this may compromise the quality.
When you buy a drive today, the components may differ significantly from one manufactured a few months later, often leading to a subpar product. Such practices erode consumer trust and transform a once-trusted brand into a risky gamble.
Although the NV3 is solid now, this inconsistency makes it hard to recommend over options with a reliable track record.
Final Thoughts
Since the HP Envy laptop’s transfer rates are limited to PCIe Gen 3 speeds, our focus should be on consistent quality and long-term reliability.
As a result, we believe the Crucial P310 to be the best choice. While the Kingston NV3 boasts a higher TBW rating, the P310 offers 220 TBW endurance, a sturdy 5-year warranty, and top-notch quality control from its manufacturer, Micron.
Select the Crucial P310 for a dependable drive guaranteed to enhance your HP Envy x360’s performance while ensuring longevity.
Our recommendation? Forego the chase for Gen 4 speeds and invest in the Crucial P310; it’s a wise, secure choice.
