Crucial P3 Plus 1TB
- + DRAM cache for consistent performance
- + Minimal heat in low-load
THE VERDICT
P3 Plus 1TB is the stronger buy for most people because it combines the broader spec lead with a more defensible price. NV3 1TB is not a bad pick, but it only makes more sense if its narrower strengths line up exactly with your workload.
CRITERIA BREAKDOWN
Price Positioning
P3 Plus 1TB is the easier buy if your goal is maximum value efficiency in this segment.
Overall Score
P3 Plus 1TB carries the stronger OverLKD score and therefore the broader all-round recommendation.
Form Factor
Both products are close enough on form factor that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
Capacity
Both products are close enough on capacity that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
Interface
P3 Plus 1TB leads on interface based on the harder spec line.
Read Speed
P3 Plus 1TB leads on read speed based on the harder spec line.
THE BIG DIFFERENCES
- P3 Plus 1TB wins the value argument while keeping the gap to NV3 1TB within the same budget segment.
- P3 Plus 1TB leads on Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe, Read Speed: 5000 MB/s, Write Speed: 3600 MB/s.
- NV3 1TB is only the better pick if you strongly prefer its brand or design direction.
| SPEC | Crucial P3 Plus 1TB | Kingston NV3 1TB | READOUT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | Both products are close enough on form factor that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Capacity | 1TB | 1TB | Both products are close enough on capacity that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe | NVMe PCIe 3.0 | P3 Plus 1TB leads on interface based on the harder spec line. |
| Read Speed | 5000 MB/s | 3500 MB/s | P3 Plus 1TB leads on read speed based on the harder spec line. |
| Write Speed | 3600 MB/s | 2100 MB/s | P3 Plus 1TB leads on write speed based on the harder spec line. |
| Cache | HMB | HMB | Both products are close enough on cache that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years | P3 Plus 1TB leads on warranty based on the harder spec line. |
SPECIFICATIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL Crucial P3 Plus 1TB | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Kingston NV3 1TB |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 39/100 | 38/100 |
| FORM FACTOR | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| CAPACITY | 1TB | 1TB |
| INTERFACE | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe | NVMe PCIe 3.0 |
| READ SPEED | 5000 MB/s | 3500 MB/s |
| WRITE SPEED | 3600 MB/s | 2100 MB/s |
| CACHE | HMB | HMB |
| WARRANTY | 5 years | 3 years |
BUYING TAKEAWAY
If you want the shortest answer: buy P3 Plus 1TB unless NV3 1TB's specific advantage is exactly what you need.
Winner: Crucial P3 Plus 1TB