PNY CS2241 4000GB

SSD Description

The PNY CS2241 4000GB is a capacity-focused, entry-level NVMe solution built around the Phison PS5021-E21T controller, a 12nm quad-channel architecture designed for power efficiency. This DRAM-less drive utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to manage mapping tables, compensating for the lack of onboard DRAM by utilizing a small portion of system memory. The 4TB model pairs this controller with high-density 3D QLC NAND (often Micron 176-layer), allowing for substantial storage volume on a single-sided M.2 2280 PCB design, though this configuration prioritizes read-intensive tasks over sustained write workloads. Field notes indicate the drive shows a pronounced write cliff once the dynamic pseudo-SLC cache is saturated during large transfers, write speeds drop to native QLC levels. The Phison E21T controller is noted for relatively cool operation, and the drive is frequently categorized by enthusiasts as a dedicated game drive or secondary storage volume where read speeds are paramount and sustained writes are infrequent.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 (NVMe 1.4)
• Controller: Phison PS5021-E21T
• NAND Flash: 3D QLC (often Micron 176-layer)
• Sequential Read: 5,000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: 4,200 MB/s
• DRAM Cache: No (HMB Support)
• Endurance: 900 TBW
• Physical Layout: Single-sided M.2 2280

Hardware Alternatives

• Crucial P3 Plus 4000GB: shares the same Phison E21T controller and QLC NAND architecture, with nearly identical cache recovery and sustained write behavior.
• Kingston NV2 4000GB: a direct competitor in this segment, though subject to component variability; some units ship with the E21T/QLC configuration similar to the CS2241, while others may use Silicon Motion controllers.
• Solidigm P41 Plus: targets the same QLC-based, DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 demographic but utilizes the Silicon Motion SM2269XT controller rather than the Phison solution.