PNY CS2241 1000GB

The PNY CS2241 is an entry-level NVMe drive using the PCIe 4.0 interface and a DRAM-less design. It typically uses the 12nm Phison PS5021-E21T controller and leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to mitigate the lack of onboard DRAM. To achieve its 1TB capacity the drive pairs that controller with 3D QLC NAND (commonly Micron 176-layer QLC in earlier batches) and relies on dynamic pseudo-SLC caching to mask native QLC write speeds. Field observations classify the CS2241 as read-focused; it can reach burst write speeds of 3,200 MB/s but shows a steep drop in sustained write throughput once the SLC cache is exhausted. Component sourcing can vary between batches, and the drive runs with reasonable thermal efficiency, making it suitable for laptops with restricted airflow despite lacking a factory heatsink.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4
• Max Sequential Read: 5,100 MB/s
• Max Sequential Write: 3,200 MB/s
• Controller: Phison PS5021-E21T (Typical)
• NAND Type: 3D QLC (commonly Micron 176-layer QLC in earlier batches)
• DRAM Cache: None (HMB Support)
• PCB Layout: Single-sided M.2 2280
• Encryption: TCG Opal 2.0 / Pyrite support (varies by firmware revision)
• Capacity: 1000GB

Hardware Alternatives

• Crucial P3 Plus 1000GB: This is the most direct hardware relative, sharing a nearly identical architectural philosophy (Phison E21T controller + QLC NAND) and similar performance behavior for cache recovery and sustained writes.
• Solidigm P41 Plus: A direct competitor utilizing the Silicon Motion SM2269XT controller; it targets the same QLC performance segment and relies similarly on HMB execution.
• Kingston NV2 1000GB: Often functions as a market alternative but is variable in its bill of materials; when equipped with QLC it performs similarly to the CS2241, while TLC variants will outperform it in sustained write-heavy workloads.