This was posted 1 year 4 months 15 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD $244.17 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AU

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Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD $244.17 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AUAffiliate
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Look Up on 18/06/2023 - 11:13 amazon.com.au (357 clicks)
Last edited 18/06/2023 - 12:34
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Near all time lows for this serious server and content creator drive
Low latency in heavy workloads
Custom E18 firmware for sustained 2GB/s average 3.8GB/s writes over the entire 2TB
PS5 compatible

ZP2000GM30013

Controller: Seagate (Custom Phison E18)
Memory: Micron 176L TLC
DRAM Cache: SK Hynix 2GB LPDDR4
Sequential Read: 7300 MB/s
Sequential Write: 6900 MB/s
Random Read: 1,000,000 IOPS
Random Write: 1,000,000 IOPS
Endurance (TBW): 2550 TB
Warranty: 5 Years

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing 2TB Computer Component M.2 PCIe NVMe Seagate SSD

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closed Comments

  • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 12:08
    +6

    Custom E18 firmware for sustained 2GB/s writes over the entire 2TB

    Not according to Tom's Hardware's test. When doing foldback write, the write speed is 1.6 GB/s. There are generally 2 approaches to setup E18. One way is like Seagate, where it has a reasonable SLC cache, so there can be some native TLC write speed and hopefully delay foldback write so user may not notice (unless the user keeps on writing).

    Another approach is like KC3000: max out the SLC cache (so the dynamic SLC size could be 2.5 times larger). The trade off is once that runs out, foldback write has to commence and taking much longer to finish. The advantage of such arrangement is that it "cheats" better and tops most benchmark charts. However, if you have heavy workload constantly, that approach may not be ideal.

    If price is a concern, Silicon Power XS70 2TB is $80 cheaper and the firmware setup appears similar to FireCuda 530 2TB. However, it is Silicon Power though, not a mainstream SSD brand like Seagate. By the way, ChatGPT was the first OZBer to list Silicon Power XS70 deals. Other OZBers managed to exploit it further, but it looks like Amazon AU has officially list it on Amazon AU so no more URL hacking needed.

    • yyhazy on 18/06/2023 - 13:06
      +1

      The XS70 I got from a recent deal came with swapped components.

      • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 13:11

        Different NAND and/or controller? Any chance to get the details so we can warn OZBers?

        • yyhazy on 18/06/2023 - 13:19

          I'm on mobile so it would take a minute but I have an earlier comment with the photos I took.

        • yyhazy on 18/06/2023 - 13:21
          +1

          Copy-pasted from my earlier comment: I bought the 2tb version from a previous deal and removed the heatsink https://imgur.com/a/PHZ7nYY/
          It appears to have different components (eg Innogrit IG5236 controller) than what most review sites suggested. I don't know what differences that makes.
          NAND looks different too.

          • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 13:26

            @yyhazy: Appreciate the photo. So Silicon Power XS70 2TB now has InnoGrit IG5236 + YMTC 128L XTacking 2.0 NAND.

            If that's case case, not recommending XS70 2TB due to the NAND swap. YMTC XTacking 3.0 NAND would have been fine.

            • lixin420 on 18/06/2023 - 18:06

              @netsurfer: can you share more insight why you do not recommend the YMTC 128L XTacking 2.0 NAND, it seems at least on par if not better than the Micro 176L NAND. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/pcie-4-ssd-chinese-128l-3dā€¦
              The only concern would be the endurance which there is not much information online besides manufacture rating.

              BTW, I also just got the XS70 2TB from the amazon jp deal and removed the heatsink and can confirm the exact same components as @yyhazy photo. So yes, they have swapped components.

              • yyhazy on 18/06/2023 - 21:08
                +1

                @lixin420: I did some testings with the XS70 2TB and found the RND4K Q32 read/write speed seems to be quite a bit slower than what review websites reported. https://imgur.com/a/da0eIAv. Not sure if it's just my unit.

                • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 21:33
                  +1

                  @yyhazy: The results you reported are expected. This deal is about FireCuda 530, maybe it is better to discuss this in one of the XS70 2TB deals.

                  Was thinking about sending you private message, but you don't allow PM.

              • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 21:31
                +1

                @lixin420: There are 3 reasons for that:

                • Phison E18 + Micron 176L TLC NAND version performs better. In areas I think most people care about, Phison E18 2TB does better (1TB could be a different matter). The one area InnoGrit IG5236 + YMTC 128L does well is high queue depth sequential write. Problem is, that's SLC cache write result. Sustained write (again 2TB version) is a strong aspect of E18. A full drive write is a pain to test (and crude to ask an OZBer to test it as it zaps 2TB out of the TBW).
                • XTacking 2.0 NAND's reputation. One of the OZBers (who raves about Chinese NAND) raved about XTacking 3.0 NAND, but he pointed out an SSD with XTacking 2.0 NAND having some issues. Can't remember the details. One issue is the Chinese SSD in question at the time lacks firmware updates.
                • Price (SSD price falling, partially due to strong AUD) and the 4TB version doesn't appear to have the component swap (at least not yet). 2TB version is cheaper in $/GB, but we know why now.

                Honestly, there is a fair amount of nitpicking above as InnoGrit IG5236 is pretty decent. The real issue is that it is not pleasant on the receiving end of the bait and switch. I am assuming people get XS70 because they believe they would be getting Phison E18 + Micron 176L TLC combo.

                • lixin420 on 18/06/2023 - 22:13

                  @netsurfer: Thanks for the info šŸ‘.

                  I am assuming people get XS70 because they believe they would be getting Phison E18 + Micron 176L TLC combo.

                  Exactly why I bought it.

    • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 12:40

      That's for an empty FireCuda 530 2TB. Once the SSD is filled, the average will continue to drop due to dynamic SLC cache size being reduced.

      Realistically, any quoting of average write speed is unsafe, even if it is IOMeter result because we don't write files at optimal file sizes in real life all the time, so that's really best case scenario result. That average write speed keeps dropping as we filled the SSD.

      Most mainstream reviewers don't do 50% filled, 75% or 80% filled tests. 75% to 80% filled tests generally show most SSDs cannot use SLC cache and have to rely on native TLC write speed.

      • Look Up on 18/06/2023 - 22:22

        Have you thought about starting "SSD Unboxed"?

        No BS reviews cutting through the marketing fluff, unmask the dodgy vendors swapping parts and running a curated set of synthetic/real world benchmarks measuring latency, transfer speeds and real world/X% fill tests

        • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 22:39

          LOL… Will need your help getting SSDs at bargain prices. Jokes aside, it is hard because it is kinda going up against SSD makers so there is no chance to get freebies from them.

          Appreciate you posting these deals. I do wish Tom's Hardware provided a bit more info on the recovery after the full drive is filled by IOMeter. I'm confused about the bit on the chart where this SSD goes up to 3.5 GB/s write after 1.5 GB/s. Does that mean IOMeter did essentially round 2, and if so, the SLC cache hasn't fully recovered? My main issue is that while I am happy to do full drive write tests on NV2, I am not comfortable doing such test on my flagship SSDs. It's easy for me to toy with a NV2 and purposely do things so it cannot use the SLC cache for a long period of time. IOMeter is hard to use, but it is the only one where SSD makers cannot cheat (that's why Tom's Hardware uses it). Phison controllers cheat big time in zero fill tests.

          Was hoping XS70 would be a cheap way for me to test Phison E18 2TB… but… oh well…

          Realistically though, all these PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs are overkill for most of us.

        • furythree on 19/06/2023 - 04:52

          should just forward these reports to hardware unboxed so they can make a video then get LTT and Steve involved and create a scandal

          worst case nothing happens
          best case they stop baiting and switching and at the very least be transparent about it, create more awareness so avg consumers are aware of these tactics
          and might even drop prices on these once people start finding out

          Historically once the tech consumer space latches on scandals like these it creates awareness and change
          its like the one community youre guaranteed to have karens, and rightfully so. If you paid for performance you should get it

  • Skramit on 18/06/2023 - 12:42

    980 pro better deal today $202

    https://amzn.asia/d/d03AJ5v

    • Namidairo on 18/06/2023 - 12:53

      Just remember to update the firmware upon delivery, as that particular model and size had issues with the wear counter.

      • Skramit on 18/06/2023 - 16:56

        All new deliveries are coming with the newer firmware and has done for a while. The issue was for much much older stock.

    • h0mbre on 18/06/2023 - 13:14
      -1

      So many fake Samsung drives on Amazon. I bought a 990 pro yesterday but just went local.

      They put the Samsung sticker on another drive.

      • DangerNoodle on 18/06/2023 - 13:24
        -1

        The link Skramit posted is for a product being directly shipped from Amazon US so it's unlikely to be a fake product like you'd see from third party sellers.

        For computer parts I usually make sure it's coming directly from Amazon

        • Revrnd on 18/06/2023 - 16:49
          +1

          Doesn't stop you getting a fraudulent product. There's plenty of stories out there where people have bought direct from Amazon and found they've scored a returned product that was not geniune.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jHxBeUYskY

          Serve the Home even scored a fake GPU.

          • DangerNoodle on 18/06/2023 - 16:50

            @Revrnd: That's rough. I haven't had any issues with direct through Amazon yet for nvme drives, touch wood.

        • h0mbre on 18/06/2023 - 17:35

          It is well known that Amazon, whether directly from them or not, often have fake storage/memory.

          I have Amazon boxes arriving everyday but I am always hesitant to buy anything memory related.

          • DangerNoodle on 18/06/2023 - 18:29

            @h0mbre: So far I haven't had any issues with buying from Amazon so I guess I'm lucky? I've bought some 512gb microSD cards and some 2tb pcie 3.0 nvme SSDs from them with no issues. Funnily enough the only products I've had issues with are phone cases.

  • shabaka on 18/06/2023 - 13:12

    I'll hodl some more I reckon. also agree XS70 is better value

    • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 13:30

      With the component swap, I would not recommend XS70 2TB.

      • shabaka on 18/06/2023 - 14:39

        what's the best bet in your opinion then? can't say I would trust SP either

        • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 16:52

          There is no safe bet. Samsung and WD have had component swaps too. They are even harder to spot since there are no 3rd party utilities to test them. Crucial swaps components a lot too. Kingston, PNY, Silicon Power (and rest of the others) swap components even more often and have no issue putting inferior grade NAND in some of their SSDs. My el cheapo Kingston SATA3 SSD comes with factory pre-marked bad blocks (aka inferior grade NAND, but at least Kingston is not hiding it and provides the figure).

          Seagate, there is not much info. However, does that mean Seagate is the only white knight not doing component swap?

  • javawoo on 18/06/2023 - 14:37

    This is the world best SSD for gaming. why? This has fastest reading speed in 4k random.
    Even noticably faster than samsung 990 pro.

    but shame so 7% discount for buying 2

    • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 16:57

      I am not sure about the world's "best" SSD for gaming. It doesn't have the best 4K random read QD1 result nor the best 4K random read latency. 990 Pro's main strength seems to be the new controller improves / reduces the latency. So, if we are talking about "random", do bear in mind of the latency, rather than just looking at the bandwidth.

      4K random write may not be a big factor for gaming. Game developers don't really trust SSDs. They just use SSD to quickly get data to the RAM and/or VRAM. The main reason is that RAM's latency is about 1000X better than SSD (and VRAM is even faster). So, when it comes to random data, RAM is still the way to go. That's part of the issue with 990 Pro, it is hard to utilise that latency strength in gaming because it still pales in comparison to RAM.

      • javawoo on 18/06/2023 - 18:25

        4k random read speed is main thing for loading speed especially real time loading game like GTA 5 you feel lesser lag and faster loading speed while jumping tonother place for this.
        SSD needed for loading speed in gaming. I dont know if latency is the main factor for gaming for not. None of single game load something whenever attack or shooting a gun or something. I believe latency has nothing to do for gaming. all loading stuffs happen as a pack. when you moving to other place in gta 5 the total loading time will be 10-20 secs. latency only affects up to 0.1sec and i believe its even less than 0.01 sec in most cases. (if latency is 10ms different) this doesn't change any user experience. but 4k read speed is noticeably faster.

        • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 19:01
          +1

          If random read is what you care about, according to Tom's Hardware, in the Pros section of 990 Pro:

          • Strong all-around performance, including 4K QD1 random reads

          In both QD1 and peak random read, it appears 990 Pro does well? We know Phison E18 SSDs do well in random writes, but random reads, I don't think they top the charts.

          None of single game load something whenever attack or shooting a gun or something. I believe latency has nothing to do for gaming.

          The loading happens in RAM and VRAM because SSD is too slow for so many random events. No game developer would bank on SSD's random read / write. Sony PS5 tests sequential read speed, not random read speed. For operating systems and server usage patterns, loading random data is needed / unavoidable. SSD's random read isn't as important for gaming because game developers need to ensure to reduce that (and push all the random reads to RAM and VRAM) to achieve high fps.

          As for random read on SSD or flash technology, due to what I mentioned, we don't rush out to get Intel Optane SSDs.

          • javawoo on 18/06/2023 - 20:01

            @netsurfer: i didnt say 990 pro is bad but this ssd is the fastest

            • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 20:33

              @javawoo: The problem is that this SSD is no longer the fastest. SSD makers will leapfrog each other. Phison E18 SSDs have been around for quite some time now. They are vulnerable in 1TB space, 2TB.. they remain competitive.

              Don't get me wrong, I have a Phison E18 2TB SSD. However, I know it is no longer the fastest so I don't really see a reason to pay extra for one now. Also, honestly, to really take advantage of this, ideally 2 flagship SSDs are needed and preferably both on CPU lanes directly. That means PCIe Bifurcation, which is a pain. On our main machines, we would prefer to use a powerful GPU so unless you get a top end motherboard which does x8 x8 split, getting one of these is essentially a feel good that the benchmark results look great purchase. Gaming doesn't really hammer the SSD hard. All the great / cool bits of these flagship SSDs require us to hammer it hard.

              • javawoo on 18/06/2023 - 21:56

                @netsurfer: I didnt say ur one is the fastest one tho. I dunno whats ur point

                • netsurfer on 18/06/2023 - 22:54
                  +1

                  @javawoo: Sigh, my Phison E18 2TB is Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB. It's this particular SSD. Is that clear enough for you? Since I own one, am I allowed to tell people it is no longer the fastest SSD?

                  • javawoo on 19/06/2023 - 01:28
                    -1

                    @netsurfer: why should I know about phison? anyway firecuda 530 2tb is the fastest 4k random read ssd. do ur own research. I didn't say it is fastest in all aspects. read carefully

                    • netsurfer on 19/06/2023 - 01:35

                      @javawoo: Tom's Hardware 4K Random Read QD1 Result FireCuda 530 2TB unable to beat Samsung 980 Pro 2TB.

                      Now, let's add the latest 990 data in:

                      Tom's Hardware 4K Random Read QD1 Result in 990 Pro review

                      It's obvious Samsung would push random read performance further for 990 Pro, above 980 Pro.

                      I remind you I also mentioned Intel Optane. In case you have not realised, it was because 4K random read QD1, Intel Optane is 4X to 5X in terms of IOPs vs flagship PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs. So all this FireCuda 530 2TB is so the best in 4K random read QD1 is puzzling.

                      P.S. I own SSDs which beat Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB in QD1 random reads. FireCuda 530 2TB is impressive, but I won't claim it is random read QD1 champ.

                      • javawoo on 19/06/2023 - 02:00

                        @netsurfer: This is different result from mine. Readers will make their own decision

                        • netsurfer on 19/06/2023 - 12:01

                          @javawoo: I know my reasons for getting a FireCuda 530 2TB, random read wasn't one of the it. Like I said, I have other SSDs which beats it.

                          KC3000 uses very similar components and due to its more aggressive SLC cache approach, it is generally faster than FireCuda 530. However, nothing is free, there is a down side to that approach and it is that aspect that made me picked FireCuda 530 over KC3000 (there is a reason why FireCuda 530's TBW is higher). That said, for general public, they might prefer the opposite.

                          Disclaimer: since I own FireCuda 530 but not KC3000, my opinion is "biased". Trying to be objective, I can totally understand why people would prefer KC3000.

                      • furythree on 19/06/2023 - 04:59

                        @netsurfer: based on recent switched nands. time to summarise your findings in a megathread!

                        also intel optane. i havent heard about them for a while. So theyre faster than 990pro?

                        • netsurfer on 19/06/2023 - 12:25
                          +2

                          @furythree: Intel Optane, most people don't need them. It is really for pros doing work or techies and they are too expensive (unless you somehow love closing apps all the time and re-opening them). Thing is, if you can afford an Optane, surely you don't have issue buying sufficient RAM.

                          The reality is no SSD tops every benchmark and new SSDs come out regularly. Each camp tends to target different areas. Honestly, PCIe gen 4 x4 flagship SSDs are overkill for most of us.

                          There are basically 2 approaches: (1) when one of them is cheap / bargain price for you, and you want one, get it. (2) there is one you really like, so just wait for it to be low enough to buy.

                          Silicon Power's component swaps on flagship class SSDs is disappointing so I suggest sticking with major SSD makers for flagship SSDs (Samsung, WD, Seagate, Crucial). Samsung and WD though… upgrade firmware a.s.a.p. Mid tier or low end, it is a mess.

                          • furythree on 20/06/2023 - 01:32
                            +1

                            @netsurfer: yeah, been following all these listings and reading your insights and peoples feedback
                            its been more stressful than waiting for the price to drop

                            in all honestly i kind of want to pay a premium to ensure its not swapped components

                            im just after 1 x 2tb nvme for boot drive, 1 x 2tb for gaming
                            and 1 x4tb sata for general purpose
                            But these issues with nand and controllers have made it so difficult lol

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