# Acer Predator GM9 1TB NVMe SSD tech specifications (2026)

The Acer Predator GM9 1TB is a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD built around the Maxio MAP1806A-F2C controller, offering competitive Gen5 transfer speeds at a mid-range price point.

Quick answer: The Acer Predator GM9 1TB fills the gap between the entry-level FA300 and the flagship GM9000 in Acer's Gen5 lineup. Its Maxio controller delivers competitive read speeds at 14,500 MB/s, though the DRAM-less design and lower write speeds keep it a step behind the GM9000 in sustained workloads. Buyers who prioritize write performance and endurance should step up to the GM9000 1TB. Those who want a capable Gen5 drive for gaming and everyday use at a lower price point will find the GM9 a reasonable option. Competitors like the Samsung 9100 EVO offer similar DRAM-less positioning with a more established controller platform, while the GM9's 14,500 MB/s read speed gives it a slight edge on paper.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 1 TB |
| Interface | M.2 5.0 |
| Controller | Maxio MAP1806A-F2C 8 Channel |
| Memory type | 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | HMB |
| Sequential read | 14500 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 11000 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS |  |
| Random write IOPS |  |
| Endurance | 625 TBW |
| MTBF | 2000000 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Acer rates the GM9 1TB at up to 14,500 MB/s sequential read and 11,000 MB/s sequential write. The read speed is among the highest available on any Gen5 consumer SSD, while the write speed sits below the GM9000's 12,000 MB/s at the same capacity. Random IOPS figures are not published by Acer or listed in the johnnylucky.org database, which is common for Maxio-based drives where the manufacturer emphasizes sequential throughput over random metrics.

The DRAM-less HMB architecture means that the GM9 performs best in systems with ample RAM and a direct CPU connection to the M.2 slot. Performance may be reduced in systems where the M.2 slot is routed through the chipset, as this adds latency to the HMB path. The SLC write cache absorbs burst writes effectively, and most consumer workloads including game loading and file copies will not exceed the cache capacity at the 1TB tier.

The Maxio MAP1806A-F2C controller is relatively new to the Western market, so long-term firmware maturity and compatibility data is more limited than for the widely deployed SM2508 platform used in the GM9000. However, early reviews indicate competitive real-world performance for gaming and general use, with the 14,500 MB/s read speed delivering fast game loading and responsive system behavior.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Acer covers the Predator GM9 with a five-year limited warranty. The total lineup endurance is rated at 2,500 TBW (2.5 PBW), with the 1TB model carrying approximately 625 TBW of that figure. At 625 TBW over five years, that works out to roughly 342 GB of writes per day to reach the warranty threshold. This is lower than the GM9000's endurance per terabyte but still adequate for consumer and light professional use. For comparison, most gamers and general users write well under 50 GB per day. The drive supports SMART health monitoring through standard utilities like CrystalDiskInfo, where you can track total bytes written and remaining spare block status.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 14,500 MB/s sequential read is among the fastest
- Maxio MAP1806A eight-channel controller
- Five-year warranty with 625 TBW at 1TB
- PCIe 5.0 performance at a mid-range price point
- DRAM-less HMB design reduces cost and power
**Cons:**

- DRAM-less design limits sustained write consistency
- 11,000 MB/s write trails the GM9000 at 1TB
- Maxio controller has less track record than SM2508
- Endurance per TB is lower than the GM9000
- Random IOPS not officially published by Acer


## Verdict

The Acer Predator GM9 1TB fills the gap between the entry-level FA300 and the flagship GM9000 in Acer's Gen5 lineup. Its Maxio controller delivers competitive read speeds at 14,500 MB/s, though the DRAM-less design and lower write speeds keep it a step behind the GM9000 in sustained workloads. Buyers who prioritize write performance and endurance should step up to the GM9000 1TB. Those who want a capable Gen5 drive for gaming and everyday use at a lower price point will find the GM9 a reasonable option. Competitors like the Samsung 9100 EVO offer similar DRAM-less positioning with a more established controller platform, while the GM9's 14,500 MB/s read speed gives it a slight edge on paper.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between the GM9 and GM9000?

The GM9000 uses the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller with dedicated LPDDR4 DRAM and Micron 232-L TLC NAND. The GM9 uses the Maxio MAP1806A-F2C controller without DRAM, relying on HMB. The GM9000 has higher write speeds, higher endurance, and more consistent sustained performance. The GM9 costs less and may draw slightly less power.

### Does the Predator GM9 1TB work in a PS5?

Yes, the GM9 is an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with 14,500 MB/s read, well above Sony's 5,500 MB/s minimum. As a DRAM-less drive, it draws less power than the GM9000, which helps with thermals in the PS5 expansion bay. Sony requires the total assembly including heatsink to be no larger than 110 x 25 x 11.25 mm.

### What NAND does the Predator GM9 use?

Acer lists the GM9's NAND as 3D TLC without specifying the manufacturer or layer count. The Maxio MAP1806A-F2C controller is known to pair with various TLC NAND suppliers depending on the region and production batch. Acer has not published the specific NAND part number for this drive.

### How much endurance does the GM9 1TB have?

The GM9 lineup has a total endurance rating of 2,500 TBW. The 1TB model carries approximately 625 TBW of that figure. Over the five-year warranty period, that equals about 342 GB of writes per day to reach the warranty threshold. Most consumer workloads involve well under 50 GB of daily writes.

### Is the Predator GM9 good for gaming?

Yes. The 14,500 MB/s read speed on PCIe 5.0 ensures fast game loading and level transitions. The Overclockers review of the 2TB model found it well-suited for gaming, 4K and 8K video production, and AI workloads. At 1TB, it can hold approximately 8 to 12 large modern games depending on file sizes.

### Does the GM9 need a heatsink?

As a DRAM-less drive, the GM9 draws less power than DRAM-equipped Gen5 SSDs like the GM9000. For desktop use, most modern motherboards include M.2 heatsinks that are more than sufficient. For PS5 use, a slim aftermarket heatsink is still recommended to keep temperatures within a safe range during extended gaming sessions.

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Last updated: 2026-06-07. Source: https://ssdrive.net/acer-predator-gm9-1-tb