Inland QN460 2TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe

The Inland QN460 2TB hits 6,000 MB/s read and 900K random IOPS, with the random performance landing at the 86th percentile. But affordability sits at the 25th percentile, making it overpriced compared to faster DRAM-equipped rivals. Wait for a sale or buy a Crucial T500 instead.

The 900K random read IOPS is the headline number. That's a standout result, one of the better figures we've seen for a DRAM-less drive, and it translates to fast app launches and quick file access in everyday use. The sequential speeds of 6,000 MB/s read and 5,600 MB/s write are strong, well above average for PCIe 4.0 drives, though they won't touch the 7,000+ MB/s flagships.

The HMB memory buffer and SLC cache do a lot of heavy lifting here. Without onboard DRAM, the drive borrows system memory to keep its mapping tables close, and the SLC cache keeps writes feeling quick until you push past it. The upgraded heat spreading label is a nice touch for sustained loads, and the power management support for APST, ASPM, and L1.2 means it sips power in laptops. Endurance sits at the 65th percentile, which is about average for a 2TB TLC drive.

Stacked against the competition, the QN460 has a hard time justifying its price. The Crucial T500 and WD_BLACK SN850X both hit 7,000+ MB/s reads with onboard DRAM, and they're often found at or below this drive's $316 asking price. The Samsung 9100 PRO is in a completely different league, though it costs more. The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 and Micron T710 also outpace the QN460 on sequential speeds. Where the Inland drive holds its own is random read IOPS, its 900K figure beats plenty of pricier drives, but that's one bright spot in an otherwise uphill battle.

This is where the QN460 gets tricky. The affordability score sits at the 25th percentile, which means this drive is priced like a premium product without the premium performance to match. The US listing at $316 puts it dangerously close to drives like the Crucial T500 or WD_BLACK SN850X, both of which offer DRAM caches and higher sequential speeds. The CAD 660 and JPY 77,303 listings tell the same story in their respective markets. You're paying flagship money for a drive that's more of a strong mid-ranger.

The Inland QN460 2TB is a DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 drive that hits 6,000 MB/s read and 5,600 MB/s write. Those numbers put it in the 79th percentile for speed in our database, which is solid but not going to scare any flagship drives. The 900K random read IOPS is the real story here, landing at the 86th percentile and making this drive feel snappier than its sequential numbers suggest.

It's a 2TB TLC drive with a 6-year warranty and HMB support to make up for the missing DRAM cache. The drive scores best as a laptop upgrade at 74.1 out of 100, with gaming at 68.6 and overall at 70.4. The portable score of 17.5 is rough, but that's not really what this drive is for.

Skip this drive if you're doing heavy sustained writes, like video editing or large file transfers. The DRAM-less design and 65th percentile endurance score mean it'll slow down under prolonged write loads. Also skip it if you're price-sensitive, the 25th percentile affordability score means you're paying a premium for mid-tier performance. And if you need a portable drive, the 17.5 portable score makes this a poor fit for external enclosures.

The Inland QN460 2TB is a capable drive with a genuinely impressive random read performance, but it's priced like it's competing with the big boys when it's really a solid mid-tier option. The 6-year warranty and brick-and-mortar availability are real advantages, especially if you value easy returns over raw speed. But at $316, you're leaving performance on the table compared to the Crucial T500 or WD_BLACK SN850X. If this drive drops to the $220-240 range, it becomes a much easier recommendation. At current pricing, it's a tough sell unless you specifically want the Inland warranty and local availability.