Choosing a Gen4 NVMe SSD: What the fanxiang S690Q 500GB Offers
The fanxiang S690Q is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD targeting gamers and PC upgraders seeking a balance of speed and value. With a claimed 4700 MB/s read speed and 3D NAND with SLC cache, it promises a significant upgrade over SATA or older NVMe drives, but its real-world performance depends on your system's capabilities and cooling.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Check your motherboard's M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0; this drive's 4700 MB/s speed is wasted in a PCIe 3.0 slot, though it will still function at lower speeds.
- For PS5 compatibility, ensure you purchase a heatsink model or add a compatible heatsink yourself, as the console requires one for thermal management.
- The 500GB capacity is suitable for an OS drive and a few games, but consider your total storage needs; modern games can exceed 100GB each.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For a drive like the S690Q, scrutinize reviews mentioning sustained write performance after the SLC cache is exhausted, as this impacts large file transfers. Also, look for mentions of the included cloning software's ease of use and any thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions on PCs without adequate motherboard heatsinks.
Internal Components Market Context
Market Overview
The PCIe 4.0 NVMe market is highly competitive, with established brands like Samsung and WD competing directly with value-focused contenders like fanxiang. Drives are increasingly differentiated by controller quality, NAND type (like the TLC 3D NAND here), and bundled software rather than just peak sequential speeds.
Common Issues
Common pitfalls include improper installation without securing the M.2 screw, overheating in poorly ventilated cases leading to throttled speeds, and compatibility issues with older systems that don't support NVMe booting without a BIOS update.
Quality Indicators
Beyond advertised speeds, quality is shown in consistent real-world performance, reliable bundled migration software, and clear warranty/support information. A drive's controller (unlisted for the S690Q) and NAND flash grade are critical but often opaque details for budget drives.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A 'B' grade and 10% estimated fake reviews suggest the fanxiang S690Q's review profile is reasonably trustworthy but requires careful reading. This is typical for a value-oriented brand in a competitive category where some incentivized reviews may be present.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews that detail specific installation scenarios (e.g., 'used in my ASUS B550 motherboard for a game library'). Be slightly more skeptical of reviews that only praise the price or shipping speed without discussing performance or compatibility.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that mention benchmark results (like CrystalDiskMark), discuss thermal performance with/without a heatsink, or compare it to a previous drive. These provide concrete, actionable data beyond generic satisfaction.
Expert Perspective
The fanxiang S690Q presents a compelling value proposition, with its adjusted 4.2-star rating indicating genuine user satisfaction. Its specifications target the sweet spot for gamers upgrading from SATA SSDs or older NVMe drives. However, as a lesser-known brand, long-term reliability and warranty support are more uncertain compared to tier-one manufacturers. The high percentage of authentic reviews is a positive signal for its advertised performance claims.
Purchase Considerations
This drive makes the most sense for budget-conscious builders or PS5 owners who need a certified compatible SSD. Weigh the cost savings against the potential peace of mind offered by a brand with a longer track record in the SSD market and potentially more robust support channels.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the S690Q's price-per-gigabyte and warranty terms against similar drives from Crucial's P3 Plus, Kingston's NV2, or Teamgroup's MP44L.
