TEAMGROUP T-FORCE GE PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD Review with DARK AirFlow Heatsink

TEAMGROUP is back with a refreshed line of InnoGrit-based SSDs. As some of our readers may recall, we previously reviewed the T-FORCE GC PRO SSD. It performed well, but with the used controller, it had room for improvement. The new GE PRO SSD fills this gap and offers even higher maximum bandwidth, up to 14GB/s.

The reviewed SSD arrived as a combo with the DARK AirFlow I SSD cooler, and it will be reviewed as a set. TEAMGROUP is the only brand to offer SSDs with such high-performance and quiet coolers as an option. Since the cooler was previously reviewed with earlier versions of SSDs, we know what to expect.

Next, let’s move on to the specifications and features section of our article, followed by an analysis of the performance of TEAMGROUP’s latest SSD.

TEAMGROUP GE PRO NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD; Source: TEAMGROUP

Specifications and Features

The T-FORCE GE PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD is powered by InnoGrit’s 12nm, multi-core, and energy-efficient IG5666 controller, paired with a high-performance 3,200MT/s NAND flash that supports DRAM and SLC caching with read speeds up to 14,000MB/s. It features a smart thermal regulation technology that utilizes internal temperature sensors to automatically adjust performance and prevent overheating. It also supports 4K LDPC (low-density parity-check code) technology, which ensures data transfer accuracy. This allows the T-FORCE GE PRO SSD to provide excellent and stable performance, extending the product’s lifespan. With TEAMGROUP’s patented S.M.A.R.T. monitoring software, users can easily keep track of the SSD’s health at any time.

~TEAMGROUP

Key Features

• Gen5 Is beyond Limits, Offering Next-gen Speed Performance
• Multi-core Solution for Performance Evolution
• Data Security Isolation Mechanism
• New Generation Error Correction Technology
• Patented graphene heatsink for enhanced heat dissipation and system operating stability
• S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring System
• Be Eco-friendly and Conserve the Earth
• Patented Graphene Heat Sink Invention patent number in the US: US11051392B2, Invention patent number in Taiwan: I703921, Utility model patent number in China: CN 211019739 U
• Patented S.M.A.R.T. Software Invention patent number in Taiwan: I751753

Specifications

Full specifications and features for the GE PRO SSD can be found on the TeamGroup product website.

The T-FORCE GE PRO is based on the YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND, InnoGrit IG5666 controller, and 2GB of Hynix DDR4 3200MT/s cache. The endurance is rated at 1200TBW for the 2TB version, which is typical for the TLC NAND. A five-year warranty also covers the SSD. The specifications are pretty good, but it would be even better if the cache were larger. Other TEAMGROUP PCIe 5.0 SSDs included 4GB DRAM.

The SSD arrived in perfect condition with 0TB written. Above, you can see how CrystalDiskInfo shows S.M.A.R.T. logs, and below is a screenshot taken from TEAMGROUP’s software. The GE PRO SSD arrived with the latest firmware, so there was no need for an upgrade. However, if you received it with an older version, it’s recommended to check TEAMGROUP’s website for the upgrade package. The T-FORCE S.M.A.R.T. software provides additional details about the SSD, along with a quick performance test. The software is available for download directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Packaging and Product Photos

The T-FORCE GE PRO 2TB SSD arrived in a small retail package, which includes the AirFlow I SSD cooler. We can also buy the SSD without the cooler if we already have good enough cooling for the SSD. The package is sufficient to protect its contents. The exterior tells us everything we may need to know about the SSD, and we can find more details on TEAMGROUP’s website. Inside the box is an SSD with a pre-installed cooler and a small screwdriver. The SSD doesn’t have any warranty stickers, so we are free to remove the cooler. The simple installation manual is printed on the internal side of the box.

The SSD is compatible with any desktop motherboard that has an M.2 2280 socket. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use the PCIe 5.0 x4 socket. One potential issue during installation could be the space for the cooler. Most motherboards feature a PCIe 5.0 socket located just above the graphics card slot, providing ample space for the T-FORCE GE PRO to be installed. However, if a discrete graphics card is used and the M.2 socket is positioned directly below it, installation may be challenging. I recommend double-checking your setup, as the version without a cooler may be more suitable for your motherboard.

The cooler is entirely black and features a high-quality paint finish with a pleasing texture. The motherboard has the capability to automatically control the fan. Additionally, we observed that the cooler can operate passively, ensuring that the SSD does not overheat.

Below are close-ups of the mentioned components: InnoGrit IG5666 controller, YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND, and Hynix DDR4 cache.

DARK AirFlow I M.2 Cooler

The DARK AirFlow I M.2 cooler was already described in our previous reviews and used with other SSDs, so there is not much more to add. The cooler is relatively cheap if purchased separately. It also works with all popular M.2 2280 single and dual-sided SSDs. It’s simply a recommended cooler if you don’t have one on the motherboard and need better cooling for your SSD.

DARK AirFlow I – Source: Team Group YouTube channel

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 findings may differ when comparing 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 used to be 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 remains the primary factor in describing storage performance across all brands.

The GE PRO performs well. It may not be the fastest, but its bandwidth is still quite respectable.

CrystalDiskMark

Today, CrystalDiskMark is the top benchmark for storage devices used at home and in offices. It’s free, user-friendly, and delivers many useful results.

In sequential read and write tests, the GE PRO achieves slightly higher bandwidth than that specified by the manufacturer. Both read and write results are up to 200MB/s better.

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, but on AMD, the GE PRO also performs excellently in this test.

IOPS results are more important for professional work and content creation. The GE PRO achieves fantastic results and is high in our comparison. Only recently released SSDs with the SM2508 controller are higher.

PCMark 10 Storage Benchmarks

PCMark 10 shows expected performance gains in popular applications and daily workloads. The GE PRO isn’t the best, but it stands out as relatively high compared to all other SSDs, and its test scores are not far from the top of the list.

3DMark Storage Benchmark

The 3DMark Storage Benchmark appears to be limited to our test rig. Results in this benchmark look significantly better on Intel chipsets. On the other hand, the latest AMD chipsets are more popular among gamers and computer enthusiasts. It doesn’t change the fact that the GE PRO performs well and is once again close to the top of the list.

AIDA64 Disk Benchmark

Ultimately, the AIDA64 Disk Benchmark is in random read and write operations. This benchmark isn’t popular, but it gives us one specific workload—extended random operations. Most PCIe 5.0 SSDs perform worse than expected in this test, but since this test is extended, it’s good to check performance consistency and possible issues, including thermal throttling. We can confirm that the T-FORCE GE PRO passed both AIDA64 tests without issues, and we haven’t noticed thermal throttling or problems with cache.

Temperatures

As I already mentioned, the SSD we tested didn’t throttle, and it maintained a sustained bandwidth. The included cooler keeps it at very low temperatures – up to 52°C during extended load.

Since the typical throttling temperature is above 70°C and most commonly around 75°C, our test rig was free of issues. At the maximum of 52°C, we can lower the fan speed to 25-30%, or even turn it off if there is any airflow in the PC case, and still keep the SSD below the throttling point under extended high load.

Conclusion

The T-FORCE GE PRO is one more well-designed SSD from TEAMGROUP. It uses less-popular components like the InnoGrit controller, which is why this SSD is an excellent all-arounder. It performs well in gaming, daily home and office applications, and delivers high performance in tasks typically found on servers or workstations. The GE PRO isn’t the fastest, but it still delivers exceptional performance, and we haven’t encountered any tasks where it’s slow.

During all our tests, we had no problems with results consistency, thermal throttling, or anything else that sometimes happens with fast  PCIe 5.0 SSDs. The tested version includes a high-performance DARK AirFlow I SSD cooler, but it’s also available without it. It’s recommended to check the PC’s specifications and pick the best version for our needs.

The T-FORCE GE PRO 2TB with the DARK AirFlow I cooler costs $218.99 in the Newegg online store. Even though it’s not cheap, it’s still a pretty good deal considering that most of the competition costs more without the additional cooler.

The T-FORCE GE PRO 2TB SSD is thoughtfully designed and delivers outstanding performance. Whether you’re a gamer, a computer enthusiast, or using it for work, you’ll be pleased with its capabilities. The GE PRO strikes an excellent balance between high performance and affordability, making it a deserving recipient of our Approved Stamp!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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