TeamGroup MP44 2 TB SSD review: Internal PCIe 4.0 SSD on par with the Samsung 980 Pro
We have already tested the internal mid-range SSD T-Create Classic PCIe 4.0 from the manufacturer TeamGroup, and now the MP44 is a faster model delivering theoretical transfer rates of around 7,000 MB/s. The manufacturer is also proud of its patented graphene cooling pad, which is only 1 mm thin and sits on the memory module as an adhesive sticker. We measured whether the cooling material also ensures reliably high transfer rates in our endurance test. Our model with 2 TB costs around US$140. The competing Samsung 980 Pro costs at least US$170.
Technical data: Potentially writes faster than a 980 Pro
The MP44 is available in various capacities, ranging from 512 GB up to 8 TB. The sequential read rates of the PCIe 4.0 x4 drive should reach a maximum of 7,400 MB/s. The manufacturer corrected its sequential write rates downwards via a public notice at the end of May: While the packaging still states a maximum of 7,000 MB/s, the new official value is now 6,400 MB/s.
Our test model contains a Maxio controller, but TeamGroup states that variants with a Phison controller are also in circulation.
Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! Wanted:
- News Writer
Details here
TeamGroup MP44 M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD | |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 (2280) |
Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
Memory | 3D TLC NAND, SLC Cache |
Weight | 7 g |
Available capacities | 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 8 TB |
Data transfer rates (sequential according to manufacturer) |
up to 7,400 MB/s read up to 6,400 MB/s write |
Load capacity | 1,450 TBW |
IOPS | 650K read, 660K write |
Average operating time | 1,600,000 h |
Firmware | SN11296 |
Warranty | 5 years |
Part numbers | TM8FPW002T0C101 |
Packaging & scope of delivery: Cardboard and plastic
TeamGroup states that the product comes in "recyclable packaging" and it has acquired various environmental labels, including RoHS, REACH and ESG. Unfortunately, recyclable packaging does not mean that the packaging itself is made from recycled materials.
The outer box is made of cardboard but inside, the SSD sits inside larger plastic packaging.
Since, unlike the T-Create SSD, the graphene cooling pad is already attached to our MP44, there are no other accessories in the packaging box.
Performance: Does what it promises
Test system
We have mainly tested the SSD inside the new Lenovo Legion Pro 5. This has a second, unoccupied SSD slot with PCIe 4.0 x 4 available.
For two other accessory tests, we inserted the MP44 into the external USB 4 SSD case Zike ZikeDrive Z666 and tested it directly connected to the laptop or via the Baseus Spacemate Series 11-in1 docking station. The results can be found in the linked tests.
We used various laptops to compare—above all the LG Gram with the Samsung 980 Pro, but also the recently tested XMG Core 15 M24 with the Samsung 990 Pro.
Transfer rates
The PCIe 4 SSD was able to unfold its potential inside the Legion Pro 5, especially during the Crystaldiskmark 8 test, where we measured the full 6,400 MB/s sequential write rate and a sequential read rate of over 7,000 MB/s. In the AS SSD, its transfer rates were usually somewhat lower.
In comparison with other internal SSDs, the TeamGroup MP44 performed very well and could even match the Samsung PM9A1, an OEM version of the Samsung 980 Pro. The 990 Pro in the XMG Core 15 M24 (albeit with a capacity of only 1 TB) even fell slightly behind. The only weak point of the MP44 is its 4K read rate.
It also demonstrated consistently high performance over time without throttling in our Diskspd loop; the graphene cooling pad seems to have everything under control.
Drive Performance Rating - Percent | |
TeamGroup MP44 2 TB | |
LG Gram 2in1 16 16T90R - G.AA78G | |
SCHENKER XMG Core 15 (M24) | |
HP EliteBook 865 G10 | |
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 16-f1075ng | |
Global Average -3 | |
Average of class |
* ... smaller is better
Reading continuous performance: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Fast internal PCIe 4 SSD with a graphene cooling pad
The TeamGroup MP44 is a very fast internal PCIe 4 SSD that matches or even just beats the famous Samsung 980 Pro in terms of performance, especially when it comes to its write rate. In addition, the 2 TB version of the MP44, which is the one we tested, is at least US$30 cheaper than its long-established competitor. The super-thin graphene cooling pad seems to do its job well, as thermal throttling did not occur during our test.
We have no points of criticism, and we were unable to assess its longevity and reliability during this test. However, its performance data is beyond reproach.
The PCIe 4 SSD TeamGroup MP44 is a fast internal SSD on par with the Samsung 980 Pro, with a reliable graphene cooling pad and sequential data rates of around 7,000 MB/s.
Price and availability
There is currently a version of the SSD with a 4 GB storage capacity available via Amazon for US$233.99.
Transparency
The present review sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.