The Western Digital WD Green SN350 is the best fit here for buyers specifically seeking a Gen 3 M.2 SSD, with 2TB capacity and listed read speeds up to 3,200MB/s. The Silicon Power Gen3x4 drives offer 1TB or 2TB options at up to 2,200MB/s read speeds. The Kingston NV3 and SanDisk Optimus are newer-generation alternatives, not Gen 3 models, so consider them only after checking your device’s requirements.
| Product | Interface | Capacity | Listed Maximum Read Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Green SN350 | PCIe Gen 3 | 2TB | 3,200MB/s | Everyday storage with more space |
| Silicon Power P34A60 | PCIe Gen3x4 | 1TB | 2,200MB/s | Moderate-capacity Gen 3 builds |
| Silicon Power P34A60 | PCIe Gen3x4 | 2TB | 2,200MB/s | Higher-capacity Gen 3 storage |
| Kingston NV3 | PCIe Gen 4×4 | 1TB | 6,000MB/s | Buyers considering a newer generation |
| SanDisk Optimus GX PRO 8100 | PCIe 5.0 | Listed as 1TB | Product details conflict | Shoppers researching a Gen 5 upgrade |
Western Digital WD Green SN350 2TB
The WD Green SN350 is the strongest match for a buyer who wants a Gen 3 M.2 SSD with substantial capacity. It uses a PCIe Gen 3 interface and an M.2 2280 form factor, and its listed sequential transfer speed reaches up to 3,200MB/s. Western Digital describes it as an NVMe drive for everyday computing.
Best for: Everyday computing and users who want 2TB of storage in a Gen 3 drive. The listed shock resistance may also appeal to buyers who want protection against accidental bumps and drops.
Consider: The product uses QLC storage, as stated in its name. Its maximum speed is a listed figure, not a guarantee of sustained performance in every workload. Confirm that your device has an NVMe-capable M.2 slot before purchase.
Silicon Power P34A60 1TB
This Silicon Power drive is a straightforward Gen 3 option for buyers who need 1TB rather than a larger 2TB model. Its listed PCIe Gen3x4 interface supports read speeds up to 2,200MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s.
Best for: A Gen 3 desktop or laptop upgrade where 1TB is enough for applications, documents, and a moderate media library. It was selected because the provided specifications explicitly identify it as PCIe Gen3x4 and M.2 2280.
Consider: Its listed sequential speeds are lower than the WD SN350’s maximum read speed. The supplied warranty detail says terms depend on whichever comes first: the warranty length or the TBW limit. Check the current terms for the specific product before buying.
Silicon Power P34A60 2TB
The 2TB version keeps the same listed Gen3x4 interface and speed figures as the 1TB model: up to 2,200MB/s read and 1,600MB/s write. Its stated TBW is 1,200, compared with 600 for the 1TB listing.
Best for: Buyers who want more Gen 3 storage for large files, games, or a broad application library. Choose this over the 1TB option when capacity is more important than minimizing unused space.
Consider: The listing does not claim faster transfer speeds than the 1TB version. Warranty terms are tied to the warranty period or TBW limit, whichever occurs first, according to the supplied product information.
Kingston NV3 1TB Gen 4
The Kingston NV3 is not a Gen 3 SSD; it is a PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4 model. Its listed speeds are up to 6,000MB/s read and 4,000MB/s write. It is included as a newer-generation alternative for shoppers comparing Gen 3 with a faster-interface drive.
Best for: Buyers who are open to Gen 4 and want a 1TB M.2 2280 drive with higher listed peak speeds. Kingston describes it as a low-power storage option.
Consider: Do not choose it solely because it is labeled M.2. Check your computer’s supported interface and drive requirements; this product does not meet a strict Gen 3-only search.
SanDisk Optimus GX PRO 8100
This SanDisk drive is a PCIe 5.0 option, not a Gen 3 SSD. Its supplied product information describes high-end read and write speeds, nCache 4.0, and capacities up to 8TB, but the name identifies a 1TB model while the detailed speed claims refer to 2TB and 4TB models.
Best for: Buyers researching a Gen 5 upgrade for demanding storage workloads, provided their system supports the drive’s interface.
Consider: The capacity and speed details supplied for this listing do not clearly align. Verify the exact model and specifications before purchase. It is not the right choice when the requirement is specifically a Gen 3 SSD.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an M.2 Gen 3 SSD
Does M.2 mean the drive is Gen 3?
No. M.2 describes a physical form factor, while PCIe generation describes the interface. Check the product specification and your computer’s manual for the supported drive type and interface. The WD and Silicon Power models above are identified as Gen 3; the Kingston and SanDisk options are newer generations.
How much capacity should you choose?
Choose 1TB for a smaller application and file library. A 2TB model provides more room for games, media, and larger projects. Compare the WD and Silicon Power drives by both capacity and listed speed rather than assuming that every Gen 3 model performs identically.
Which speed specification matters?
Read and write figures are maximum sequential speeds in the supplied listings. Real-world results can vary with the computer, workload, and other system conditions. For everyday use, first confirm interface compatibility and capacity; use speed as a comparison factor after that.
What should you check before ordering?
Confirm that the device accepts an M.2 2280 NVMe drive, and check its supported PCIe generation. Also review the specific listing’s capacity, interface, and warranty or TBW terms. Do not assume that a newer-generation drive is the best match for a Gen 3-only system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gen 3 M.2 SSD?
It is an M.2-form-factor solid-state drive that uses a PCIe Gen 3 interface. The product specifications should explicitly identify the interface; M.2 alone does not confirm PCIe generation.
Which listed SSD is the best match for Gen 3?
The WD Green SN350 and both Silicon Power P34A60 drives are identified as Gen 3 models. The WD listing has the highest stated maximum read speed among those options.
Should I buy 1TB or 2TB?
Choose 1TB if that capacity meets your storage needs. Choose 2TB if you need additional room for large files or a broader collection of applications and games.
Is the Kingston NV3 a Gen 3 SSD?
No. The provided specifications identify the Kingston NV3 as PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4.
Is the SanDisk Optimus GX PRO 8100 suitable for a Gen 3-only purchase?
No. It is identified as PCIe 5.0, and the supplied listing details have a capacity and speed inconsistency that buyers should verify.