8TB SSD storage review: the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD (2024)

Jumping straight in, the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD is an absolute beast when it comes to performance and speed. Using it in my daily workflow feels like I've strapped a rocket to my data—everything just zips along at astonishing rates. Here's a quick rundown of my thoughts so far:

• Read/Write Speeds: With speeds up to 7100 MB/s read and 6600 MB/s write, this SSD has chewed through every task I've thrown at it, from bulky file transfers to loading up resource-intensive applications. It's a total game-changer for productivity.

• Heat Management: Now, the sheer speed comes with a bit of a caveat; it can get quite warm, especially during heavy loads. A proper heatsink is a must to prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance. Thankfully, the market has plenty of options to fit various setups.

• Compatibility: It slots perfectly into a PCIe 4.0 motherboard, and backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0 means you're set even if you haven't got the latest rig. However, you won’t hit peak performance on an older board, but even then, it’s blazingly fast.

While my praises are many, I have to admit the installation process gave me a run for my money. Pay extra attention to nudging the SSD firmly against the screw in the housing; take it from someone who learned the hard way that a hair’s breadth difference can result in a few frustrating minutes of troubleshooting.

It's also worth mentioning that the power consumption is higher compared to some other SSDs—something to keep in mind for laptop users who may be watching their battery life. In a desktop, however, it's a total non-issue.

All in all, while there are faster drives in some specific metrics, in day-to-day use, you'd be hard-pressed to tell much of a difference. Sure, there's always something newer and faster on the horizon, but right now, the balance of speed, storage, and price here is pretty compelling.

For fellow tech enthusiasts wondering about the practicality of such speeds, let me just say that whether you're transferring large video files, shuffling through high-resolution images, or gaming, the experience is noticeably smoother. This SSD not only meets expectations—it exceeds them.

If you're in the market for a fast, reliable SSD and you're okay with a potential heat sink purchase and slightly higher power demands, I'd wholeheartedly recommend the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus. It's a significant investment in your tech setup that's bound to pay dividends in time saved and frustration avoided.

When it comes to storage capacity and applications, the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD is an absolute behemoth. Here's the rundown from my experience:

• Massive Space: 8TB is overkill for most, but essential for those dealing with large datasets or extensive game libraries.

• Versatile Use: Whether it's for a workstation, gaming setup, or even the PS5, this SSD covers all bases with comfort to spare.

• Sector Size Flexibility: The option to reformat and select between 512 bytes or 4K bytes sector sizes is a huge plus.

However, no tech is without its drawbacks. While the ability to house vast quantities of data and rapid access to files can't be understated, there are challenges. Let's be real, price per gigabyte is higher compared to traditional HDDs or smaller SSDs—the cost might be hard to justify if you don't need the space or speed. Also, don't forget that to get the most out of this drive, your system needs to meet the required specs—PCIe Gen4 motherboard for top speeds, otherwise the benefits diminish.

On the application side, this drive is perfect for content creators, like videographers and 3D animators who deal with gargantuan file sizes. Game loading times? Virtually non-existent. For the everyday user, you're looking at lightning-fast boot times and seamless software operations. Plus, being compatible with PS5 offers gamers a top-tier upgrade for their console's storage.

One issue to be wary of is heat management—a common concern with high-performance NVMe drives. It's crucial to pair it with an adequate heatsink, especially if you're planning to push its limits with continuous heavy workloads. I monitor temps closely during intense sessions to prevent any performance bottlenecks due to thermal throttling.

In terms of practicality, I’ve experienced a significant improvement in workflow efficiency—no more waiting around for files to transfer or applications to load. Indeed, creativity flows uninterrupted when your tools respond instantaneously.

While some may balk at the idea of an 8TB NVMe SSD, I view it as an investment, especially if your work revolves around high-volume, high-speed storage. Sure, there are cheaper options out there—and if you're not pushing the envelope, you might want to consider them. But if you need top-tier performance and space, the SABRENT Rocket 4 Plus is a veritable workhorse, driving productivity to new heights.

So, while there are cost and system requirements to consider, for those who can make the most out of it, the Rocket 4 Plus offers unparalleled storage solutions that are hard to beat.

When it comes to the durability and reliability of storage solutions, the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD stands out in my personal setup. While high-speed performance and massive storage capacity are major selling points for any SSD, longevity and the capability to handle everyday wear and tear without failing are what makes or breaks the deal for me.

Pros:

• Advanced Wear Leveling and Over-Provision features.

• Error Correction Code (ECC) for maintaining data integrity.

• Bad Block Management to handle potential memory issues.

• Positive reports on long-term performance and stability.

Cons:

• Some reports of early failures in certain batches.

• Potential heat generation could impact long-term lifespan without proper cooling.

The SABRENT Rocket 4 Plus boasts features like Advanced Wear Leveling and Bad Block Management, which are designed to distribute the usage more evenly across the chip’s memory cells, extending the life of the SSD. Much like the WD_BLACK SN750 500GB NVMe Gaming SSD which is built with a similar focus on longevity and performance. The Error Correction Code (ECC) functionality is also crucial for ensuring the data integrity over the drive's lifespan. In other words, these are not just buzzwords; they are tangible tech in action, working behind the scenes to keep your data safe and your drive running smoothly.

I can't stress enough how vital it is to keep an SSD cool to maintain its reliability. This model does run warmer than some of its competitors, which could be a concern. I recommend pairing it with a robust heatsink and ensuring good airflow in your system to mitigate potential heat issues that could affect its longevity.

On the flip side, I've also read some unnerving accounts of early failures. While this seems to be the exception rather than the rule, and every manufacturer has the odd lemon, it reminds us that no SSD is invincible. However, these instances seem to be sufficiently isolated not to undermine the general consensus that this is a reliable drive. After all, with the free Sabrent Acronis True Image software, even if disaster strikes, you've got a foolproof backup plan.

Connecting with fellow users on forums like MacRumors, it’s pretty clear that many regard Sabrent as a go-to brand for its blend of performance and reliability. I've leaned on their products for various projects without issue, and though anecdotal, my positive experiences align with the broader community feedback.

This SSD comes with a 3-year warranty which gives an added sense of security, although, in the perfect world, I'd never have to use it. Time will tell how the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD holds up, but like many others in the tech community, I'm cautiously optimistic that this SSD will join the ranks of storage workhorses that you set and forget – precisely because they just keep on ticking.

Evaluating the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD for its value for money and overall impression draws me towards a mostly positive stance, despite some encountered drawbacks. Here's a breakdown:

• Performance: On a PCIe Gen4 board, this SSD's speed is a game-changer. I did notice a significant boost, although remember, you need a compatible motherboard to reach those peak speeds.

• Capacity: 8TB is no joke. This capacity is a luxury that's hard to pass up for content creators and gamers alike.

• Price: It's definitely an investment. When you're looking at storage solutions that are cheaper per gigabyte, they don't come close to the performance of this beast.

• Heat Management: Without proper cooling, it can get toasty. You'll want to invest in a heatsink, especially if you plan on pushing the drive with sustained transfers.

• Software: The included Acronis True Image for cloning is a timesaver. Not having to hunt for reliable cloning software is a nice perk.

If you're in the market for top shelf speed and capacity, it's tough to ignore the allure of the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus. Yes, the upfront cost might make you wince, but for that price, you're getting a robust and blazing-fast SSD. Just remember to address heating issues with an adequate heatsink because pushing this SSD to its limits can make it hotter than you'd want.

On the flip side, there have been reports of compatibility and capacity recognition errors. It's troubling to hear about issues like these, but in my experience, the drive performed as expected. Still, it's a factor worth researching or being prepared to troubleshoot. And while customer support issues are relatively rare, if they do arise, they can be a hassle.

I'd also keep an eye out for long-term endurance. Flash storage does wear out over time, and while I haven't seen signs of slowing down yet, it's a consideration for the years ahead, especially if you're writing terabytes worth of data regularly.

In conclusion, if your workflow demands top-tier performance and you have ample budget, the SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus doesn't just deliver; it impresses. It's not without its potential hiccups, but for the sheer volume and speed, it's hard not to be won over by this powerhouse. Just keep in mind the extra costs for a heatsink, and possibly a slightly higher electric bill due to increased power consumption. If you can balance the scales between its high upfront cost and potential management needs against its exceptional performance, it's definitely worth the investment.