Sabrent Rocket 1000GB

SSD Description

The Sabrent Rocket 2230 1000GB utilizes the Phison PS5021-E21T controller paired with Micron’s 176-layer 3D TLC NAND (B47R). As a DRAM-less architecture, the drive relies on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to manage mapping tables, offsetting the latency penalties typically associated with the omission of onboard DRAM. This specific configuration is engineered to maximize storage density on a physically constrained single-sided PCB, prioritizing power efficiency and thermal management over the raw throughput potential of the PCIe 4.0 interface. Field notes: this drive has seen extensive adoption within the handheld gaming PC community (specifically for the Valve Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally) due to the scarcity of high-performance retail SSDs in the 2230 form factor. Enthusiast testing indicates that the Phison E21T controller runs cooler than older Gen3 OEM alternatives, preventing aggressive thermal throttling in devices with limited airflow. Unlike gray market OEM drives such as the WD SN740 or Kioxia BG5 often sold by third parties, this unit benefits from direct manufacturer firmware support, simplifying maintenance and updates.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 / NVMe 1.4
• Controller: Phison PS5021-E21T (4-channel, ARM Cortex-R5)
• NAND Flash: Micron 176-layer 3D TLC
• Max Sequential Read: 4,750 MB/s
• Max Sequential Write: 4,300 MB/s
• DRAM Cache: No (HMB Supported)
• Physical Characteristics: Single-sided M.2 2230 (30mm length)

Hardware Alternatives

• Corsair MP600 CORE MINI 1000GB: This drive is effectively a hardware clone, utilizing the same Phison E21T controller and Micron 176-layer TLC NAND. Performance differences between the two are negligible and largely dependent on specific firmware revisions.
• Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770 1000GB: A direct competitor utilizing Western Digital’s in-house SanDisk controller architecture. It offers similar throughput metrics but represents a divergent supply chain and architecture logic.
• Micron 2400 1000GB: Frequently seen as an OEM competitor in laptops and handhelds. However, the Micron 2400 utilizes QLC NAND, which results in lower write endurance and slower sustained write speeds compared to the TLC-based Sabrent Rocket.