SK Hynix Platinum P51 NVMe SSD Review: Speed & Performance Tested
▼ Summary
– The SK Hynix Platinum P51 is a solid first PCIe 5.0 SSD with in-house controller and flash, offering competitive but not top-tier performance.
– Priced at $270 (2TB), it’s slightly expensive but has potential to become a budget-friendly alternative if prices drop.
– The drive delivers strong sequential speeds (14,700 MB/s read, 13,400 MB/s write) and impressive random 4K read performance (95 MB/s).
– It runs very hot, reaching 85°C, requiring a capable motherboard heatsink for heavy workloads.
– SK Hynix’s in-house production could allow price cuts, making the P51 a more compelling option in the future.
The SK Hynix Platinum P51 NVMe SSD delivers strong PCIe 5.0 performance with an entirely in-house design, though it faces stiff competition in a crowded market. This drive marks SK Hynix’s first attempt at a fully self-developed SSD, combining its own controller and NAND flash, a bold move that challenges industry leaders like Phison. While it doesn’t quite dethrone the fastest drives available, its balanced performance and potential for price adjustments make it an intriguing option for enthusiasts.
What sets the P51 apart is its homegrown hardware. The Alistar controller and 238-layer 3D TLC NAND are both SK Hynix creations, a rarity in an industry dominated by third-party controllers. Sequential speeds hit 14,700 MB/s reads and 13,400 MB/s writes, putting it in the same league as flagship competitors like the Crucial T705. Random 4K performance is particularly impressive, with 95 MB/s reads and 310 MB/s writes, making it a strong contender for gaming and productivity workloads.
However, the P51 isn’t without flaws. Thermal performance is a concern, with temperatures peaking at 85°C under load, higher than many rivals. Unlike some competitors, SK Hynix doesn’t offer a heatsink variant, so users will need robust motherboard cooling to prevent throttling. Pricing is another sticking point: at $270 for the 2TB model, it’s positioned as a premium drive, yet it doesn’t quite outperform alternatives like the WD Black SN8100.
Where the P51 could shine is in future pricing adjustments. Since SK Hynix controls its entire supply chain, there’s room for aggressive cost reductions. A modest $20–$30 price cut could transform it from a solid-but-unremarkable SSD into a value-packed powerhouse. For now, it’s a competent but not class-leading option, one that hints at SK Hynix’s potential to shake up the storage market with more refined iterations down the line.
Who should consider it? Gamers and professionals who prioritize consistent performance over raw speed will appreciate its strong random read speeds and reliable endurance (600 TBW per TB). But if you’re chasing absolute peak performance or better thermals, alternatives like the SN8100 or T705 remain safer bets. Keep an eye on pricing, if SK Hynix adjusts its strategy, the P51 could quickly become a standout choice.
(Source: PCGAMER)
