MSI SPATIUM M461 4000GB

SSD Description

The MSI SPATIUM M461 utilizes the Phison PS5021-E21T controller, a 4-channel architecture designed to bridge entry-level and mid-range PCIe 4.0 performance. The drive uses a DRAM-less configuration with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to manage mapping tables via system RAM. To reach 4000GB capacity it pairs the controller with Micron 176-layer QLC (N48R) NAND flash. This hardware combination prioritizes storage density and read throughput over sustained write durability. Technical analysis highlights that while burst performance meets rated specs, sustained write workloads that exceed the drive's pseudo-SLC cache will cause write speeds to fall to native QLC speeds (often below 500 MB/s). The endurance rating for the 4000GB model is lower than TLC equivalents, making the drive better suited for write-once, read-many uses such as game libraries or media storage rather than heavy content creation or OS drive usage.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (NVMe 1.4)
• Controller: Phison PS5021-E21T (ARM Cortex-R5, 12nm process)
• NAND Flash: Micron 176-layer QLC (N48R)
• DRAM Cache: None (HMB Support)
• Sequential Read/Write: 5000 MB/s / 4200 MB/s
• Endurance (TBW): 900 TBW
• Form Factor: Single-sided M.2 2280
• Encryption: Supports TCG Pyrite

Hardware Alternatives

• Crucial P3 Plus: Virtually identical hardware architecture. It shares the Phison E21T controller and Micron QLC NAND, offering a parallel performance profile and endurance rating.
• Corsair MP600 Core XT: Another direct hardware relative using the E21T/QLC combination.
• Solidigm P41 Plus: A direct competitor in the QLC segment. While it uses a different controller (Silicon Motion SM2269XT), it targets the same performance tier and use-case, utilizing similar QLC NAND technology.