Predator GM9000 2TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD Review

Recently, we took a closer look at the Predator GM9 PCIe 5.0 SSD, which is one of the first DRAM-less SSDs that fully utilizes the PCIe 5.0 bus. This time, we test the GM9000. It’s another Predator brand SSD, but with the latest Silicon Motion SM2508 controller. The new controller is already quite popular in the latest, top-speed, and power-efficient SSD series from various brands. However, there are some differences between all those SSDs, so in this review, we present to you what the GM9000 offers.

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

Specifications and Features

Key Features

• Predator GM9000 PCIe Gen5×4 NVMe 2.0 M.2 SSD
• Harness the power of Gen5×4 with the Predator GM9000 PCIe NVMe 2.0 M.2 SSD, delivering impressive performance with speeds up to 14000 MB/s read and 13000 MB/s write. Powered by an advanced 6nm controller, it optimizes both efficiency and performance. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, it ensures secure, error-free data handling, while up to 4 TB of capacity provides ample space. Experience top-tier speed, reliability, and durability—engineered for professionals who demand the best.
• PCIe Gen5×4, Faster Than Ever
• Predator GM9000 features a PCIe Gen5×4 interface and NVMe 2.0 protocol, delivering read and write speeds up to 14000 MB/s* and 13000 MB/s*. Experience a new level of speed and responsiveness for both gaming and professional applications. Stay ahead of the competition, making every endeavor a winning one.
• Precision Powered by 6nm Controller
• Built with the latest 6nm controller and supporting up to 8 NAND channels, Predator GM9000 strikes the perfect balance between speed and efficiency. Its cutting-edge algorithm and systems for heat dissipation maintain stable performance during long, intense gaming as well as professional sessions. Keeping your system at peak performance even under a heavy load.
• Dynamic Cache for Instant Access
• Predator GM9000 leverages dynamic SLC Cache and DRAM Cache to optimize data flow, delivering exceptional read/write speeds. Powered by next-gen TLC flash, it reduces redundant writes and wait times. Experience smooth, lag-free performance with the Predator GM9000.
• Advanced Tech, Comprehensive Data Integrity
• Predator GM9000 is equipped with powerful technologies like Microsoft DirectStorage, SLC (Single-Level Cell) Cache, and ECC (Error-Correcting Code); protect your data from corruption and loss during high-speed transfers. These features guarantee data integrity, keeping files intact and secure, ensuring smooth operation for both high-performance gaming and professional creative workflows.
• Elite Performance for Professional Demands
• Designed for the most demanding users, Predator GM9000 offers rapid, reliable performance for gamers, content creators, and professionals. Whether engaging in high-powered gaming, content creation, or complex AI work, this SSD optimizes your system to perform at its absolute best, helping you stay at the top of your game.
• Broad Compatibility, Ready for Any Build
• Predator GM9000 leverages an M.2 2280 single-sided PCB design, offering broad compatibility with Intel 13th-14th Gen CPUs, Core Ultra 200S, and AMD Ryzen 7000/9000 series CPUs. It supports PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 systems, making it a versatile choice for various setups. For upgrading your setup, the GM9000 serves as a smooth and reliable solution for all your storage needs.
• Up to 4 TB, Expand Without Limits
• With up to 4 TB of capacity, Predator GM9000 offers ample space for storing massive AAA game libraries, high-quality media files, and critical applications. With high-capacity storage, you can focus on what matters—performing at your best in the game or during professional tasks.
• 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 with high durability standards, the GM9000 delivers industry-leading endurance with up to 3200 TBW* and a 5-year limited warranty. Engineered 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.

Specifications

Full specifications and features for the Predator GM9000 PCIe 5.0 SSD can be found on the Predator Storage product website.

Recently, we reviewed the Predator GM9 SSD, which features a DRAM-less design but utilizes advanced technologies to enhance performance. The GM9000, presented in this review, features a DRAM cache that improves performance in more demanding applications, providing even better results. Depending on the SSD capacity, the DRAM size varies; therefore, the 1TB model is equipped with 1GB of cache, the 2TB model with 2GB of cache, and the 4TB model with 4GB of cache. It suggests that the higher capacity may provide slightly better results in extended high-load tasks.

Predator is also one of the first brands to release SSD series based on the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller. We have already reviewed a couple of those SSDs, and it’s expected that other brands will follow, as it’s the most efficient controller for high-performance, PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD series that also utilizes DRAM cache. The new Maxio series used in the GM9 SSD runs cooler and uses slightly less power, but it’s designed for a DRAM-less SSD series.

The Predator GM9000 SSD arrived in perfect condition, as indicated by CrystalDiskInfo.

Predator has a software called Biwin Intelligence, since Biwin is the manufacturer of the SSDs under the Predator brand. The software includes drive information, diagnostic tests, and firmware updates. As you can see below, the SSD arrived with the latest firmware, and we haven’t noticed any issues during the tests.

Packaging and Product Photos

The Predator GM9000 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 the Predator Storage website. Inside the box is a well-protected SSD and a small screw that can be handy if one is missing for the M.2 socket. We may typically have this issue in laptops or mini PCs.

Since the GM9000 features the SM2508 controller, it doesn’t require active cooling, unlike most PCIe 5.0 SSDs. It’s a massive improvement over the last generation of PCIe 5.0 SSDs. It also means we won’t have problems with the GM9000 in SFF desktop computers, mini PC series, and laptop series equipped with better airflow. Since it still requires a heatsink to perform extended tasks without thermal throttling, it’s recommended to use the one delivered with the motherboard. Most mini PCs are equipped with radiators that are good enough for this task. We had no problems with the GM9000 in a Minisforum AI series mini PC and its passive M.2 cooling.

The Predator GM9000 is in the most popular M.2 2280 standard and should fit every gaming PC or PS5 console. The 2TB version is single-sided, which is an advantage over some previously tested SSDs of the same capacity that had NAND on both sides of the PCB. It’s not an issue in most cases, but some laptops and mini PCs have only space for a single-sided SSD, so we must ensure that we use one, as the thicker option may damage the M.2 socket or motherboard.

So far, so good; we can now proceed to the performance tests.

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 remains a key factor in describing storage performance, as marketed by many brands.

The Predator GM9000 achieved the highest sequential read we have registered in our tests. As you will notice in other tests, it’s close to the top in most presented benchmarks.

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 GM9000 achieves higher bandwidth than specified by the manufacturer, reaching up to 14314 MB/s read and 13266 MB/s write.

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 GM9000 holds fantastic third spot with the 95.88 MB/s low-queue 4K random read on our AMD test setup.

IOPS results are more important for professional work and content creation, but also for other areas. Our results show higher IOPS than those declared by Predator and are also significantly higher than those of most other SSDs in our comparison.

PCMark 10 Storage Benchmarks

PCMark 10 shows expected performance gains in popular applications and daily workloads. The GM9000 performs about as well in the PCMark 10 benchmark as other new SSDs with the SM2508 controller.

3DMark Storage Benchmark

In the 3DMark Storage benchmark, the GM9000 achieved a strong third place, beating most of the competition, including much more expensive options.

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 GM9000 SSD didn’t throttle in regular tests, nor could we notice any throttling during tests. It maintained a sustained bandwidth, even though the temperature was at the edge of the throttling point (typically 75°C, but it can be slightly higher).

However, we may see a decrease in performance if we use the GM9000 in a PC with limited airflow or without an M.2 heatsink. It’s recommended to use at least a heatsink delivered with the motherboard to achieve optimal performance consistently.

If we use the Predator GM9000 for gaming or regular mixed-load usage, temperatures won’t be much higher than 65°C, making it an ideal option for SFF PCs and gaming laptops that can utilize M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs.

Conclusion

The Predator GM9000 offers the optimal blend of high performance and low operating temperatures, thanks to the use of the latest Silicon Motion controller and advanced power management. It’s one of the best SSDs for gamers nowadays. It’s hard to find anything better, especially for computers with limited airflow.

We had no problems with the tested GM9000 SSD. Its performance exceeded Predator’s specifications, placing the GM9000 nearly on top of every test. We also experienced no stability issues during extended tests. Everything worked flawlessly.

The GM9000 costs less than many competitive M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs. However, we have not found it yet in US stores. It’s currently available in Europe, for example, on Amazon UK. The 2TB version is listed for around $250, including VAT. It’s about $40 less than the Crucial T710, which uses the same SM2508 controller. It’s also cheaper than some of the older Phison PCIe 5.0 options, which are slower. Said, the GM9000 is a good deal for what we get.

The Predator GM9000 2TB is a well-designed SSD that offers high performance and compatibility at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for gamers and computer enthusiasts. One more well-deserved Overclockers Approved Stamp goes to Predator for a fantastic GM9000 2TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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