Phison E28 2TB SSD Review: Powerful Comeback Performance
▼ Summary
– The Phison E28 SSD reference design improves upon its predecessor, the E26, with better performance and power efficiency, making it a leading PCIe 5.0 SSD solution.
– Early PCIe 5.0 SSDs struggled with high power consumption and required heatsinks, but recent models like the WD Black SN8100 and Phison E28 have addressed these issues.
– The E28 supports capacities from 1TB to 8TB, with 2TB being the sweet spot, and offers sequential read/write speeds up to 14.9 GB/s and 14.0 GB/s, respectively.
– The E28 uses a 6nm process node and BiCS8 flash, enhancing power efficiency and performance, while LPDDR4X reduces power consumption for metadata caching.
– The E28 is expected to compete closely with the WD Black SN8100, featuring similar flash technology but potential firmware optimizations for improved retail performance.
The Phison E28 2TB SSD marks a significant leap forward in storage technology, delivering blistering speeds and improved power efficiency that sets a new benchmark for PCIe 5.0 drives. This next-generation controller builds upon the success of its predecessor while addressing key limitations that previously held back high-performance SSDs. With cutting-edge architecture and advanced NAND flash, the E28 represents a compelling option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Early PCIe 5.0 SSDs struggled with excessive power draw, often requiring bulky heatsinks just to maintain stable operation. Recent advancements in controller design and NAND technology have dramatically improved efficiency, making high-speed storage more practical than ever. The Phison E28 leverages a refined 6nm manufacturing process, enabling higher performance with lower power consumption compared to previous 12nm designs. Paired with 218-layer BiCS8 TLC flash, this SSD achieves remarkable sequential read speeds up to 14.9 GB/s and write speeds of 14.0 GB/s, along with impressive random I/O performance.
Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB, the E28 is optimized for 2TB and 4TB configurations, striking a balance between performance and affordability. While 8TB models remain challenging to produce, the single-sided design of smaller capacities ensures better thermal management and compatibility with compact systems. Security features include TCG Opal 2.01 hardware encryption, providing robust data protection without sacrificing speed.
What sets the E28 apart is its ability to combine raw speed with energy efficiency, a feat previously dominated by competitors like the WD Black SN8100. By utilizing LPDDR4X memory for caching, Phison further reduces power consumption while maintaining responsiveness. The controller’s architecture also makes it suitable for enterprise and AI applications, hinting at future optimizations for demanding workloads.
Though still in the engineering sample phase, the E28 demonstrates significant potential, with firmware refinements expected to enhance performance before retail availability. For users seeking uncompromising speed and reliability, this SSD represents a major step forward in storage technology.
As PCIe 5.0 adoption grows, the Phison E28 stands out as a top contender, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of high-performance storage. Whether for gaming, content creation, or professional workloads, this drive delivers the speed and efficiency needed to keep up with modern computing demands.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
