Predator GM9 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD Review

Predator is a well-known gaming brand, but we haven’t reviewed any of its products yet, so it’s time to change that. Recently, we received two new, high-performance gaming SSDs: the GM9 and GM9000. We’ll begin with the GM9, which stands out as a unique offering with no direct competitors from other brands. I won’t reveal my thoughts just yet, so you’ll have to read our review to find out more. I assure you, it will be worth your time. The SSD we’ve tested is fully compatible with the PCIe 5.0 standard and has a capacity of 2TB, which is reportedly the most popular choice for new gaming computers.

Let’s start by examining the detailed specifications and features, which will outline what we will be testing.

Specifications and Features

Key Features

• Predator GM9 PCIe Gen5x4 NVMe 2.0 SSD
• The Predator GM9 PCIe Gen5x4 SSD delivers impressive sequential read speeds up to 14500 MB/s and write speeds up to 11000 MB/s. It is powered by a high-performance 8-channel controller with a DRAM-less design for efficient data processing and reliable performance. For improved thermal management, the Predator GM9 features a copper-graphene composite thermal pad for superior heat dissipation. This design ensures reliable, high-speed performance even in the most demanding applications.
• Maximize Data Access with PCIe Gen5 Speed
• Predator GM9 SSD features cutting-edge sequential read speeds up to 14500 MB/s* and write speeds up to 11000 MB/s, powered by a PCIe Gen5x4 interface and the latest NVMe 2.0. Designed for very demanding applications, Predator GM9 ensures seamless performance for tasks that require rapid data access, such as AAA games, 4K/8K video production, and AI computations. By dramatically accelerating workflow efficiency, Predator GM9 provides the speed and power that professionals demand for high-performance computing tasks.
• Advanced Cooling for Peak Performance
• Stay cool under pressure with the Predator GM9 SSD and keep your system running at peak performance. Featuring a copper-graphene composite thermal pad, Predator GM9 provides superior heat dissipation. Combined with advanced Thermal Throttling and Power Management systems, the Predator GM9 automatically adjusts temperature and power consumption for smooth, stable performance.
• Enhanced Efficiency with HMB and SLC Cache
• The Predator GM9 SSD features advanced Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology and intelligent SLC caching that dynamically allocates cache blocks to significantly boost write speeds and long-term stability. The result is faster game launches, smoother multitasking, and improved system responsiveness. Enjoy improved performance and stability for all your demanding applications with the Predator GM9 SSD.
• Massive Storage for Smooth Gaming and Productivity
• Available in capacities up to 4 TB, Predator GM9’s full-capacity design provides users with expansive storage for managing large data sets and demanding applications. Whether you’re installing multiple AAA games, storing 4K/8K video files, deploying AI models, or working with massive datasets, Predator GM9 has the space and performance you need.
• Wide Compatibility Across Multiple Devices
• The Predator GM9 features an advanced M.2 2280 single-sided PCB design that provides a thinner form factor, reduced power consumption and improved heat dissipation compared to traditional double-sided SSDs. This results in better overall performance and improved system stability, even under extended heavy use. Compatible with both PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 interfaces, the Predator GM9 offers seamless integration with a wide range of devices.
• Stay Efficient Across All Workloads
• Accelerate your gaming experience and creative workflow with the Predator GM9. Whether you’re immersed in AAA games, creating high-quality content, or tackling AI computing tasks, the Predator GM9 delivers smooth performance, even under heavy data loads. Built to handle intense workloads, it ensures your system stays responsive and efficient to meet your high-performance needs with stability.
• Biwin Intelligence Software
• Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Predator branded storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, drive cloning, and more.
• Download: Biwin Intelligence
• Durability You Can Count On
• Built to last, the Predator GM9 delivers industry-leading endurance with up to 2400 TBW* and a 5-year limited warranty. Designed for demanding tasks, this SSD is your trusted partner for gaming, professional content creation, and everything in between, ensuring consistent performance and peace of mind.
  *The 4 TB version offers 2400 TBW.

Specifications

Full specifications and features for the Predator GM9 PCIe 5.0 SSD can be found on the Predator Storage product website.

Predator is the first brand to offer SSDs with the latest Maxio MAP1806A-F2C controller widely. Maxio is well-known for the most successful DRAM-less controllers, and the GM9 also has a DRAM-less design. A surprise is its maximum bandwidth, which exceeds that of most top PCIe 5.0 SSDs. In tests, it performs even better, reaching speeds of over 14,800MB/s. Like most higher series SSDs, we will also find SLC cache and fast 3D TLC NAND. NAND is rebranded, so it’s hard to tell precisely what is used.

The Predator GM9 SSD arrived in perfect condition, as indicated by CrystalDiskInfo.

Predator SSDs are manufactured by Biwin, which delivers an SSD application called Biwin Intelligence. It includes drive information, diagnostic tests, and firmware updates.

The SSD arrived with the latest firmware, and we haven’t noticed any issues during the tests.

Packaging and Product Photos

The Predator GM9 2TB SSD arrived in a small retail package that is enough to protect its contents. The package’s exterior provides us with all the necessary information about the SSD, and we can find more details on Predator’s website. Inside the box is a well-protected SSD and a quick user’s guide. We can also find a small screw, which can be handy if we miss the one that comes with the laptop or desktop motherboard.

The Predator GM9 has a thin graphene heatsink with a copper foil, which can drop the temperature by 2-3°C and protect the components. It’s not much, but it still counts and is thin enough to be installed in all types of computers. The Predator decided to add it to the package separately, so we have to install it ourselves. If we have a motherboard with M.2 SSD heatsinks, they should be used instead of the Predator solution.

The Predator GM9 is in the most popular M.2 2280 standard and should fit every gaming PC. Since it’s single-sided and operates at low temperatures, we can also use it in laptops. Only a few PCIe 5.0 SSDs on the market can run without thermal throttling in tight spaces.

Below are close-ups of the components used on the PCB: the MAP1806A-F2C controller and rebranded 3D TLC NAND. We had no opportunity to test the 4TB version, but if the NAND used is the same, it will likely have a double-sided design, which may already cause issues during installation in thin laptops. There are only a few 4TB SSDs that are single-sided, and all of them use QLC NAND. If we count on the best endurance and speed, there is no better design than what Predator offers in the GM9 SSD series.

Comparison Tests

Tests were performed on popular synthetic benchmarks and benchmarks that simulate daily workloads. Most tests are free, so you can compare some results at home without spending money.

Results were obtained on the AMD Ryzen platform, so some of the presented results may vary when compared to the same SSDs tested on Intel chipsets.

The benchmarks list includes:

• AIDA64 Storage Benchmark: Random Read and Write
• ATTO Disk Benchmark
• CrystalDiskMark: Sequential Read and Write, Random Low Queue Read and Write, IOPS
• PCMark 10 Storage Benchmarks:  Data, Quick, and Full System Tests
• 3DMark Storage Benchmark

ATTO Disk Benchmark

ATTO was once the most popular benchmark for testing storage performance. However, it focuses on sequential bandwidth, which, in recent years, hasn’t been as crucial as random operations. It still counts and is the primary factor in describing storage performance, as marketed by many brands.

The Predator GM9’s sequential bandwidth is very high, and in reads, it nearly reaches the top of our list.

CrystalDiskMark

Nowadays, CrystalDiskMark is the leading benchmark for home and office storage devices. It’s free, easy to use, and provides many valuable results.

In sequential read and write tests, the Predator GM9 achieves the highest sequential bandwidth we registered, reaching up to 14845 MB/s. The write bandwidth is on the lower side, 10145 MB/s. Still respectable, but lower than declared by Predator.

Low-queue random operations are essential for daily usage, and the random read bandwidth is significant for gaming. The results still highly depend on the chipset and motherboard used. We can expect better results on Intel chipsets. The Predator GM9 achieves up to about 80MB/s low-queue 4K random read on our AMD test setup. It’s above average, but not exceptionally high. On the other hand, it remains the fastest DRAM-less option and is quicker than many SSDs with dedicated cache.

IOPS results are crucial for professional work and content creation, as well as for various other applications. Our results show higher IOPS than those declared by Predator, and are better than those of most high-series SSDs with DRAM.

PCMark 10 Storage Benchmarks

PCMark 10 shows high performance. Although it’s not the best, as top series with cache are faster, it still matches the performance of early-generation PCIe 5.0 SSDs with Phison E25 controllers. The advantages of the GM9 are, of course, significantly lower temperatures and power draw.

3DMark Storage Benchmark

Our test rig appears to be limiting the 3DMark Storage Benchmark. However, this benchmark’s results look significantly better on Intel chipsets. We can still tell that the difference between PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 SSDs is significant, and the Predator GM9 beats all the PCIe 4.0 SSDs, while it is not far from most PCIe 5.0 series.

AIDA64 Disk Benchmark

Ultimately, we tested the AIDA64 Disk Benchmark in random read and write operations. This benchmark isn’t widely used, but it focuses on a specific workload—extended random operations. All the newest and top-speed SSDs based on Phison, Silicon Motion, and Maxio series controllers perform worse than expected in this benchmark. As long as it doesn’t describe the SSD’s overall performance, it’s an interesting test that shows whether it throttles during extended high loads. We had no problems with that on our review sample. Since I mentioned throttling, let’s check the temperatures.

Temperatures

The Predator GM9 SSD didn’t throttle in regular tests, and we couldn’t notice any throttling, maintaining a sustained bandwidth. Results are close to those of the Predator GM7, which is a significantly slower PCIe 4.0 SSD. It’s remarkable how the performance improved between those two generations, despite maintaining similar temperatures.

We had no issues with the temperatures of the tested sample. The SSD was kept around 50°C during mixed load tests and reached a maximum of 55°C during the extended write tests. It means it’s not an issue to use it in SFF gaming computers or various types of laptops.

Conclusion

The Predator GM9 is a well-performing SSD that proves that fast storage doesn’t have to run hot. The tested SSD is perfect for desktop and laptop computers where low temperatures and power draw are essential. The Predator GM9 promises great results, thanks to the new Maxio controller and TLC NAND with a high TBW factor. We haven’t found any competitive SSD with similar specifications, so at least for now, the GM9 is a unique SSD that is hard to replace.

The 2TB version of the GM9 SSD costs around £179.99 on Amazon UK or We couldn’t find it in any large store in the US, but the suggested price will be around $200. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s pretty reasonable for what this SSD has to offer. Once we see larger shipments, the price should be lower, as right now it’s still a new product.

The Predator GM9 2TB is a well-designed SSD that offers high performance, compatibility with all kinds of computers, and low operating temperature. It’s perfect for gamers and computer enthusiasts, but is also great for multi-SSD setups.

The Predator GM9 2TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 is a fantastic SSD and receives the Overclockers Approved Stamp!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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