Nextorage NN5Pro SSD

Design and Features

Advanced Cooling and Design

The NN5Pro features a large heatsink, making it unsuitable for compact devices like laptops and PS5 consoles. However, this design effectively manages the heat generated by the SSD, ensuring stable performance under heavy workloads. The SSD is available in both heatsinked and non-heatsinked variants, with the latter requiring a separate cooling solution.

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Capacity and Speed

Offered in 1TB and 2TB capacities, the NN5Pro lacks a 4TB option available in its predecessor, the NE5N. It boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 12,400 MB/s and 11,800 MB/s, respectively, along with high random read and write IOPS.

Performance and Compatibility

High-End Performance

The NN5Pro, powered by the Phison E26 controller, is designed for enterprise-level tasks, featuring TCG Opal support for encryption. However, it has limitations, such as the lack of dynamic contrast for HDR content and a color gamut limited to sRGB instead of DCI-P3.

Market Position and Availability

Currently, information on the NN5Pro is limited, with availability primarily in Japan. However, like the NE5N, it's expected to become more widely available and potentially at a discounted price. The SSD faces competition from products like the Crucial T500 and Teamgroup Cardea Z540, each with unique cooling solutions and features.

Software and Accessories

Minimal Software Support

The NN5Pro offers limited software support, with Nextorage providing a downloadable version of Acronis True Image OEM for cloning and backup purposes. This minimal software approach aligns with the SSD's focus on high performance and specialized use.

Cooling System and Build

Detailed Cooling Mechanism

The SSD's cooling system is intricate, featuring thermal pads for both sides of the flash, the DRAM package, and the SSD controller, along with thermal grease for the top side of the controller. This elaborate cooling structure ensures all components, especially the controller, receive adequate cooling.

Heatsink Variants

The model number ending with "H" indicates the presence of a heatsink, while the "N" variant lacks one. The absence of a 4TB version might be due to challenges in procuring faster flash or market conditions affecting the availability of larger capacity Gen 5 drives.

Market Trends and SSD Evolution

Current State of SSD Market

The SSD market is currently experiencing shifts in both capacity and performance. The mainstream market often overrates these aspects, as most users don't require excessive storage or performance beyond basic levels. The waiting game for further developments, especially with DirectStorage, seems reasonable given the relative affordability of SSDs in recent years.

Future of High-Capacity SSDs

While options like the Maxio MAP1602 SSD controller and YMTC flash provide solutions for 4TB needs, other products rely on QLC technology to bridge the capacity gap at 4TB. High-capacity SSDs like the WD Black SN850X or Samsung 990 Pro offer more expensive alternatives, highlighting the need for the market to catch up in terms of Gen 5 drives.

Conclusion: The Role of Nextorage NN5Pro in the SSD Market

Assessing the NN5Pro's Niche

The Nextorage NN5Pro, with its standout heatsink and impressive performance, is well-suited for specialized applications requiring high bandwidth. It represents a significant part of the evolving SSD landscape, catering to users with heavy workloads and specific cooling requirements. As the SSD market continues to evolve, the NN5Pro is a noteworthy example of balancing extreme performance with effective thermal management, even if its use cases are somewhat niche.