Acer Predator GM9000 2TB NVMe SSD: Speed & Performance Tested
▼ Summary
– The Acer Predator GM9000 SSD offers high sequential speeds (14,000 MB/s read, 13,000 MB/s write) but has poor firmware implementation and average random 4K performance, making it just an okay drive.
– Acer’s SSDs are technically rebranded Biwin models, with the GM9000 being nearly identical to Biwin’s Black Opal X570 Pro but with tweaked firmware and slightly better endurance.
– The GM9000 is competitively priced at $215 for 2TB, undercutting similar models like the Black Opal X570 Pro and WD Black SN8100, but availability is limited.
– Despite strong sequential performance, the drive struggles with game load times and runs hot (up to 72°C under load), making it unsuitable for laptops or consoles without a heatsink.
– The drive’s underwhelming random 4K speeds, latency, and load times make it hard to recommend over better-performing SSDs in the same price range.
The Acer Predator GM9000 2TB NVMe SSD delivers impressive sequential speeds but falls short in key areas, making it a middle-of-the-road choice for gamers and power users. While its PCIe 5.0 interface and Silicon Motion SM2508 controller suggest top-tier performance, real-world testing reveals inconsistencies that hold it back from being a true standout.
Acer’s foray into high-speed storage might surprise some, given the brand’s stronger association with gaming laptops than cutting-edge SSDs. The GM9000 is essentially a rebranded version of Biwin’s Black Opal X570 Pro, with minor tweaks to firmware, endurance, and pricing. At $215 for the 2TB model, it undercuts competitors like the WD Black SN8100 by a small margin, but availability remains spotty.
Under the hood, the GM9000 packs Micron’s 232-layer TLC NAND and a hefty 2GB of LPDDR4 cache, promising blistering sequential speeds of 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write. In synthetic benchmarks, it even outperforms its Biwin counterpart by a slim margin. However, the drive stumbles in random 4K performance, a critical metric for gaming and everyday responsiveness. With read speeds peaking at just 86 MB/s and writes at 286 MB/s, it lags behind rivals by a noticeable margin.
Gaming performance further highlights its shortcomings. Loading Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers took 8.025 seconds, respectable but 18% slower than WD’s SN8100. Thermal management is another concern, with temperatures hitting 72°C under heavy loads. While not catastrophic, it’s warm enough to warrant a heatsink in most builds, though Acer doesn’t bundle one.
For users prioritizing raw sequential throughput, the GM9000 holds some appeal, but its middling random I/O and load times make it hard to recommend over established alternatives. Unless Acer addresses firmware optimizations and availability, this drive remains a niche option rather than a must-have.
(Source: PC Gamer)
