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Writer's pictureJamie Robinson

Kingston NV3 NVMe SSD 2TB Review

In a landscape packed with fast and flashy SSDs, finding a reliable storage drive that balances speed, power efficiency, and durability is key, especially when it comes to gaming. Over the last several months, I’ve had the Kingston NV3 NVMe SSD installed both in my PC as a dedicated game drive and in an external enclosure with my Ally X. After dealing with some of the challenges that come with high-performance storage, I can confidently say that the NV3 has become my go-to solution. Here’s why.



Kingston has positioned the NV3 as a budget friendly SSD that still promises strong performance, especially for those of us needing reliable storage for gaming and media heavy tasks. Internally, I’ve been using it as mass game storage on my PC, and the drive has been hitting the speed marks where I need it most. Kingston claims that the NV3 delivers up to 3500 MB/s read and 2800 MB/s write speeds, and while real-world performance varies, I've consistently experienced smooth loading times and responsiveness when accessing large files. It's especially impressive given the SSD's price point, and considering my focus on gaming, it’s handled my demanding titles efficiently without bottlenecks.


For my PC setup, I needed something that could hold up under long gaming sessions and frequent game file transfers. With the NV3, I get the balance of performance without the overhead of extreme power consumption, which can sometimes drive up temperatures. Not once have I noticed it overheating or throttling – it’s remained impressively cool and stable, even when handling a heavy library of AAA games and large game patches.


Where some NVMe drives tend to sacrifice power efficiency for raw speed, the NV3 manages to find a sweet spot. Kingston’s design has clearly prioritized a lower power draw, which is immediately evident from its cool temperatures even under sustained load. When running power hungry games and resource heavy applications, I’ve never had to worry about excessive heat affecting my setup.

This drive’s efficiency with power consumption directly translates to its cooling performance. My previous drives would run considerably hotter, especially under load, and this would often cause throttling. But with the NV3, cooling has been virtually effortless, which I’ve appreciated, particularly when you’re in the heat of gameplay and can’t afford any slowdown.



Using the NV3 in an external enclosure has been another major test of its reliability. While many SSDs are designed for internal use, I wanted something that could also fit into a portable setup to take advantage of the Ally X’s capabilities. I’ve tried several SSDs in my external enclosure, but only the NV3 has consistently performed without overheating. Other drives I tested would crash after extended gaming sessions, a frustrating experience when you’re deep into a game. The NV3, on the other hand, has proven itself time and again, running smoothly without so much as a temperature spike.


This stability in an enclosure is a standout feature for me. Running in portable mode, some SSDs don’t take well to the constraints of smaller spaces, often resulting in excess heat. The NV3 defies this norm. It’s become my storage choice for my Ally X setup, where I need dependable speed on the go. Loading times on games are fast and responsive, and I haven’t experienced a single crash with the NV3, even during intensive use.


Some higher end models do offer features like DRAM cache and advanced thermal controls that the NV3 lacks, but Kingston has compensated with a streamlined focus on delivering reliable storage. For those who want to make the most of every dollar spent, this SSD is an appealing investment, one that handles everyday and gaming demands without breaking the bank.


The NV3 however isn’t without its limitations. Advanced users or content creators might miss features like DRAM cache, which boosts speed for sustained tasks, or advanced thermal management for ultimate stability under extreme loads. And if you’re the type to push an SSD to its absolute limits, there are certainly faster drives on the market.


That said, these trade offs don’t significantly impact my usage, I’ve found the NV3 well suited for my primary needs of gaming and portable storage. Kingston has designed this SSD with a clear focus on delivering solid, dependable performance without the overhead of features that might only see use in specialized scenarios.



After using the Kingston NV3 in different setups, I can see why it’s been recommended as a solid, budget-friendly NVMe option. This SSD has proven to be a worthy storage solution, particularly for those of us who want good performance without the hassle of dealing with overheating issues. The NV3 delivers consistent, dependable speed without the need for excessive cooling, which has been a major factor in its appeal for both my PC and my Ally X.


For anyone in search of a reliable NVMe SSD that won’t overheat or compromise on performance, I’d highly recommend considering the Kingston NV3. It’s a drive that punches above its weight, holding its cool in even the most demanding gaming and storage applications. Whether in a desktop or on the go, it’s a well-rounded choice for gaming and beyond.



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