SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB specifications and in-depth review

SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB

Manufacturer: SK Hynix

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB is a high-performance NVMe SSD designed for users seeking fast storage solutions. With a sleek M.2 form factor, this drive delivers impressive speeds, including a sequential read speed of 5100 MB/s and a sequential write speed of 4800 MB/s, making it suitable for demanding applications.

This drive features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology for improved performance, and it uses a Phison PS5021-E21T controller with 4 controller channels. Built with TLC storage type, it offers 600 TBW and comes with a 5-year warranty. It supports PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 1.4, ensuring fast and reliable data transfers.

Pros
  • The drive offers a fast sequential read speed of 5100 MB/s, ideal for large file transfers.
  • It supports PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfers, ensuring compatibility with modern systems.
  • With a 5-year warranty, the product provides a solid assurance of durability and reliability.
  • The use of HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology enhances performance, particularly for random access tasks.
Cons
  • The drive does not have an integrated heatsink, which could affect thermal performance during sustained high workloads.
  • It does not include RGB lighting, which may be a downside for users seeking aesthetic customization.
Who is this for?

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB is well-suited for users who need fast and reliable storage for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, or high-performance computing. With its sequential read speed of 5100 MB/s and PCIe 5.0 support, it excels in environments where rapid data access and high transfer speeds are crucial. The 1000GB capacity provides ample storage for large files, and the 5-year warranty ensures long-term reliability for professional use.

Who is this NOT for?

This drive may not be ideal for users who require advanced thermal management, as it lacks an integrated heatsink. Additionally, its absence of RGB lighting could be a drawback for those seeking aesthetic customization in a high-end gaming setup. It may also not be the best choice for environments where extremely high write endurance is a key requirement, as its 600 TBW rating may not be sufficient for heavy, continuous write-heavy workloads like intensive data logging or server use.

Read speed:

sequential read speed 5100 MB/s
random read speed 780000 IOPS

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB offers a sequential read speed of 5100 MB/s, ensuring fast data transfers for large files. Additionally, it provides a random read speed of 780,000 IOPS, delivering strong performance for tasks requiring quick, frequent access to data.

Write speed:

sequential write speed 4800 MB/s
random write speed 940000 IOPS

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB delivers a sequential write speed of 4800 MB/s, ensuring efficient data writing for large files. In addition, its random write speed reaches 940,000 IOPS, offering robust performance for tasks that require frequent, small writes to the drive.

Benchmarks:

General info:

type M2
SSD cache HMB (Host Memory Buffer)
Is an NVMe SSD
NVMe version 1.4
internal storage 1000GB
release date May 2025
controller Phison PS5021-E21T
SSD storage type TLC
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Controller channels 4
Terabytes Written (TBW) 600
warranty period 5 years
Has an integrated heatsink
has RGB lighting

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB features an M.2 form factor and utilizes HMB (Host Memory Buffer) technology for enhanced performance. It is an NVMe 1.4 SSD with a PCIe 5.0 interface, providing high-speed data transfer capabilities. The drive has a storage capacity of 1000GB and is built with TLC storage type, powered by the Phison PS5021-E21T controller with 4 controller channels. Additionally, it offers a 600 TBW endurance rating and comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.

Final Verdict

The SK Hynix Gold P42 1TB is a solid NVMe SSD designed for users who require fast storage with high read and write speeds. Its sequential read speed of 5100 MB/s and PCIe 5.0 support make it ideal for performance-intensive tasks like gaming or content creation. While it lacks an integrated heatsink and RGB lighting, its 5-year warranty and reliable 600 TBW rating offer peace of mind for long-term use. Overall, this drive is a strong choice for anyone seeking high-speed, reliable storage for demanding applications.