Crucial SSD PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe M.2

The Crucial T705 4TB hits 14,100 MB/s read and 12,600 MB/s write, landing at the 98th percentile for speed in our database. It's the fastest consumer SSD we've tested, with random performance just as impressive. But affordability sits at the 9th percentile, so you'll pay dearly for all that speed.

Let's talk numbers. The T705 hits 14,100 MB/s sequential read and 12,600 MB/s sequential write. That's roughly double what a solid Gen4 drive like the Crucial T500 manages at 7,400 MB/s. Random performance is equally bonkers. 1,500K read IOPS and 1,800K write IOPS mean this thing chews through small file operations like they're nothing. In our database, both speed and random performance rank at the 98th percentile. That's best-in-class territory.

What makes this possible is the Micron 232-layer TLC NAND paired with a DRAM cache. The premium heatsink uses aluminum and copper to keep thermals in check without fans or liquid cooling. Crucial says it can run at max workload without thermal throttling under typical airflow conditions. That's a big deal for a Gen5 drive, since these things run hot. The drive is also backward compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 systems, though you'll lose the speed advantage there.

Against the Samsung 9100 PRO, the T705 trades blows on sequential speeds but pulls ahead on random write IOPS at 1,800K. The Kingston FURY Renegade 4TB is a Gen4 drive that can't touch these numbers, but it costs significantly less. The Western Digital Black SN850X is another Gen4 option that's cheaper and still fast enough for most people. The Lexar NM1090 PRO is the closest Gen5 competitor, but the T705's 98th percentile speed ranking puts it ahead. If you're cross-shopping, the real question is whether you need Gen5 at all. For most gamers and creators, a good Gen4 drive gets you 80% of the experience for half the price.

Here's where it gets painful. The T705 4TB sits at the 9th percentile for affordability. In the US, prices range from USD 698 to USD 800 across four listings. That's a USD 102 spread for the exact same drive. Best Buy has the lowest price at USD 698, so if you're buying in the US, that's the one to grab. In Europe, the spread is EUR 76, ranging from EUR 736 to EUR 812. The cheapest EUR listing is the one to target. You're paying a massive premium over Gen4 drives, and even over some Gen5 competitors. The value proposition only makes sense if you actually need this level of speed for AI workloads, 8K video editing, or DirectStorage gaming.

The Crucial T705 4TB is the fastest consumer SSD we've tested. 14,100 MB/s sequential read and 12,600 MB/s write put it in the 98th percentile for speed in our database. That's not just a spec sheet flex. It's the kind of number that makes a Gen4 drive look like it's standing still. Random performance is just as wild, with 1,500K read IOPS and 1,800K write IOPS also landing at the 98th percentile. If you want the absolute best right now, this is it.

But here's the thing. All that speed comes with a catch. Affordability sits at the 9th percentile, which means this drive is one of the most expensive options we track. The 4TB capacity is generous at the 93rd percentile, and the feature set is top of the charts too. Yet endurance is only middle of the pack at the 57th percentile. So you're paying a serious premium for speed, not longevity.

Skip this if you're on any kind of budget. The 9th percentile affordability ranking means you're paying top dollar for speed you might not even notice. If you're just gaming or doing everyday work, a Gen4 drive like the WD Black SN850X or Kingston FURY Renegade will feel nearly identical in real-world use. Also skip it if endurance matters more than raw speed. The 57th percentile endurance ranking is nothing special, and there are drives with better longevity ratings for less money. And if you plan to remove the heatsink, know that multiple owners found it tricky and nerve-wracking.

The Crucial T705 4TB is the fastest SSD we've tested, full stop. 14,100 MB/s read and 12,600 MB/s write are absurd numbers, and the 98th percentile rankings across speed, random performance, and features back that up. Owners love it too, with a 92/100 sentiment score and recurring praise for speed, easy installation, and effective cooling. The main gripes are the tricky heatsink removal and the pricey heatsink option. If you want the absolute best and money isn't a concern, buy it. If you're budget-conscious, the 9th percentile affordability ranking should make you pause.