Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

My experience with the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD (2024)

My experience using the Oyen Digital 8TB NVMe SSD: performance, system compatibility, reliability, and cost.
Author
Affiliation
Jason Young

TensorScience

Published

November 26, 2023

Introduction

I recently got my hands on the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD. It’s packed with a lot of storage and quite a good speed. I was skeptical at first because Oyen isn’t as well-known as some other brands but after having used it for a while, my impression of it is quite good. More on this below.

Specifications

Property Value Property Value
Digital Storage Capacity 8000 GB Hard Disk Interface NVMe
Connectivity Technology NVMe M.2 Brand Oyen Digital
Special Feature Native Command Queuing Hard Disk Form Factor 2280 Inches
Hard Disk Description Solid State Drive Compatible Devices Laptop
Installation Type Internal Hard Drive Color Black

Prices

Initial Impressions and Performance Metrics

A speedometer graphic representing the high read and write speeds of the ssd

Unpacking and setting up the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD was like a peek into the not-so-distant future where storage bottlenecks are a thing of the past. Right off the bat, the read and write speeds of up to 7100 MB/sec and 6500 MB/sec, respectively, are nothing short of impressive. Here’s the lowdown:

  • Speed and Capacity: With an 8TB capacity and those eye-watering transfer rates, the SSD makes mincemeat of large data transfers.

  • Latest Technology: The BiCS5 3D TLC NAND flash suggests durability, efficiency, and a nod to the latest in SSD tech.

  • Build and Design: The M.2 2280 form factor is sleek and the perfect fit for my compact builds.

At first glance, doubt crept in when considering a less mainstream brand like Oyen, but the use of TLC NAND quickly squashed those reservations. This tech is usually reserved for premium models, which instilled a good dose of confidence.

Given my curiosity, I couldn’t resist running a few benchmarks with the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 and the performance didn’t just meet the advertised specs – it subtly surpassed them. Seeing those numbers in real-time was a tad exhilarating. Sure, there might be a bit of a honeymoon effect here, but the drive’s speed is genuinely a game-changer for my workflow.

Now, it wasn’t all plug-and-play. The SSD’s blazing speeds generated some heat, making me consider investing in a good heatsink to ensure longevity and maintain top-notch performance. It’s an extra step and expense but feels necessary for anyone planning to push this SSD to its limits.

I’m seeing the immediate impact on my gaming setup with faster load times and virtually seamless data transfers. Whether it’s zipping through photo edits or compiling large video projects, the capabilities of this SSD align well with high-performance demands.

Adding in the 3-year warranty brings a little peace of mind, although I’m eager to see how this SSD fares over the long term. I’ve read some chatter in forums about mixed results with lesser-known brands, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for any hiccups down the line.

From a practical standpoint, compatibility with my existing setups was a breeze—no hiccups during installation. The black color scheme is discreet and unobtrusive, and all in all, it felt good slotting in such a robust piece of tech without any compatibility woes.

A mild concern is when broadening its use. The performance within a Proxmox Server and paired with an Acasis Thunderbolt 4 enclosure is notably high, without any thermal throttling witnessed—a big plus for anyone looking to expand their setup’s capabilities. But do keep in mind, heavy use without adequate cooling could spell trouble; this drive is a thoroughbred that demands respect and care.

Straight out of the gate, this SSD from Oyen Digital is proving its worth. For anyone sitting on the fence, consider what fast and capacious storage could mean for your productivity and peace of mind. With an 8TB capacity and bleeding-edge read/write speeds, it’s looking like a solid buy, with a few reservations on the side.

Integration and Compatibility with Systems

An array of devices like laptops and servers illustrating system compatibility

When integrating the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD into my existing setup, I was curious about how well it would play with my gear. Here’s where I landed:

  • Compatibility: It was a breeze to plug into my PCIe Gen 4 compatible systems, like the Lenovo P620 Threadripper, without any hitches. Not all systems are PCIe Gen 4 ready, so do check your motherboard specs before diving in.

  • Installation: The M.2 2280 form factor is pretty standard, and the drive slotted into my desktop’s motherboard with ease. It was recognized almost instantly, sparing me from the hassle of driver installation.

  • Heat Management: This is often an overlooked aspect, but high-performance SSDs can run hot. In my setup, the drive’s temperature was stable, but I’m considering grabbing a heatsink if I push it with more intensive tasks.

  • Thunderbolt Enclosures: If you’re thinking of external enclosures, like my Acasis Thunderbolt 4, ensure they can handle the speeds and thermals of Gen 4 SSDs. Fast and cool is the game, and not all enclosures are up to the task.

These aspects hinge quite a bit on system compatibility. You’ll want a motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0 to harness the full speeds of this SSD. Anything less, and you’re not getting what you paid for.

On the flip side, some may stumble on a potential drawback. While PCIe 4.0 is becoming more common, not every setup supports it, which means you’re capped at Gen 3 speeds if that’s what you’re working with. This could be a bit of a letdown if you don’t read the fine print on your system’s specs.

Another point to keep in mind is the heat. Yes, during my usage, the SSD didn’t turn into a miniature stove. But under constant heavy workloads, I wouldn’t bet against investing in some additional cooling. Without that, thermal throttling could gate your performance, which is a no-go for us speed chasers.

For those using external enclosures, SSD thermals play an even bigger role. My Acasis enclosure did excellent with its built-in fan, but your mileage may vary depending on the brand and model you opt for. You want to maintain those speeds without cooking your drive.

In sum, the Oyen Digital 8TB SSD is like a dream for users with the latest specs on their motherboards, looking to push the boundaries of traditional storage solutions. But tread carefully if you’re not sure about your system’s compatibility or your ability to manage the drive’s thermals – or you might not get the full Gen 4 experience you’re paying for.

Long-term Reliability and Warranty Considerations

A calendar with a tick mark indicating the duration of the warranty period

When it comes to SSD longevity and warranty coverage, there are a few key points to consider when evaluating a drive like the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe.

Key Considerations for Long-term Reliability and Warranty:

  • NAND Type: This drive uses BiCS5 3D TLC NAND flash. TLC, or triple-level cell, stores three bits of data per cell, striking a balance between performance, endurance, and cost. While not as enduring as MLC or SLC, modern TLC can still provide solid longevity – especially when managed with good flash controllers and wear-leveling algorithms.

  • Wear Leveling: Speaking of wear-leveling, this process ensures that the writing and erasing cycles are distributed evenly across the memory cells, thereby prolonging the life of the NAND.

  • Bad Block Management: This feature helps maintain performance and extend lifespan by mapping out any defective blocks.

  • End-to-End Data Path Protection: This helps to ensure data integrity as it moves through the SSD, reducing the chance of data corruption.

While the 3-year warranty is industry standard for NVMe drives, some may find it a tad short for a premium drive. You’ll want to check the fine print – is the warranty or the drive endurance rated for more data written (TBW, terabytes written) over time?

In my months of use, I’ve seen no performance degradation or reliability issues. However, given the drive’s significant storage capacity and high transfer speeds, I do wonder about the NAND wear over time, despite the advanced flash management techniques.

If we were to compare it theoretically to other drives in the same class, those could come with extended warranties or higher endurance ratings. It’s a minor gripe, but for anyone storing critical data, it’s a point to consider.

I’ve heard some folks voice concerns about lesser-known brands over the flagship competitors. However, Oyen Digital has proven its reliability so far. My drive has seen heavy loads, from gaming to large data transfers, and it hasn’t skipped a beat.

To sum it up, I’m keeping a close eye on drive health with regular checks through software tools. It might be wise to back up critical data more frequently, just as a precaution, even though nothing so far indicates I’ll need to. For anyone else who might consider an aftermarket heatsink, it’s a potentially smart move, as PCIe Gen4 can run hot, and maintaining optimal temperatures is key to prolonging SSD life.

Bottom line, with no red flags in everyday use and considering the high performance, I remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term durability of the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD.

Value for Money and Overall Verdict

A piggy bank next to a stack of coins representing the cost-effectiveness of the ssd

In the realm of high-capacity, high-speed storage, the Oyen Digital 8TB Gen4 NVMe SSD feels like it’s in a league of its own. From my experience, I’ve compiled a punchy pros and cons list that highlights the SSD’s value for money and my overall verdict:

Pros:

  • Massive 8TB storage capacity ideal for extensive game libraries, large media files, or hefty work-related data troves.

  • BiCS5 3D TLC NAND flash technology ensures faster speeds and reliable performance.

  • Impressive read/write speeds that match up to the 7100 MB/sec and 6500 MB/sec claims, pushing the bounds of NVMe technology.

  • NVMe PCIe Gen 4x4 interface fully exploits the potential bandwidth, making this SSD quite future-proof.

Cons:

  • A mere 3-year warranty could be a concern for some, given the investment.

  • The drive may require additional cooling solutions like a heatsink, especially during heavy loads.

  • The initial investment is steep, but it’s a question of necessity versus luxury.

I won’t sugarcoat it - the cost was a bit hard to swallow at first. However, considering the pure heft of the 8TB and jaw-dropping speeds, I felt like I got my money’s worth, especially when side-by-side with competitors. My rig, powered by a Lenovo P620 Threadripper, whisked through load screens and handled data transfers like it was nothing. I saw similar performance when testing this beast in an Acasis Thunderbolt 4 enclosure with cooling - a setup that’s simply a hot rod in storage terms.

Bringing this NVMe SSD into my Proxmox Server setup was a game-changer. Its reliability under stress reassured me that it wasn’t just the capacity or the speeds I was paying for but the peace of mind in performance consistency.

Even if Oyen Digital isn’t a household name, the quality of the 3D TLC NAND flash memory used in the drive instilled confidence. I was pleasantly surprised by the speed consistency, even for such a new brand to me. I clocked speeds that were practically kissing the advertised rates, which is not always a given with some manufacturers.

Consider the initial hiccup of brand unfamiliarity; I chalk that up to me being cautious with new tech. But the daring leap paid off. I can’t overlook the three-year warranty, as a longer coverage would’ve been the cherry on top, but for someone craving this level of space and speed, this drive has the hallmarks of money well spent.

To conclude, my time with the Oyen Digital 8TB SSD definitely left an impression of high-caliber performance. For anyone with heavy data needs and a desire for lightning-fast operation, it’s a purchase that screams value despite its premium price tag.