# Goodram IRDM Ultimate 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD Specifications (2026)

Goodram IRDM Ultimate 2TB uses a Phison E26 controller with Kioxia 162-layer 3D TLC NAND and DDR4 DRAM for PCIe Gen5 reads of 10,000 MB/s and writes of 9,500 MB/s.

Quick answer: The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 2TB delivers compelling PCIe 5.0 performance with the proven Phison PS5026-E26 controller, Kioxia 162-layer 3D TLC NAND, and DDR4 DRAM cache. At 10,000 MB/s read and 9,500 MB/s write, it provides a meaningful generational upgrade over Gen4 storage and positions the 2TB capacity as a strong option for enthusiasts.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 2 TB |
| Interface | M.2 5.0 |
| Controller | Phison PS5026-E26 |
| Memory type | 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | DDR4 |
| Sequential read | 10000 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 9500 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 1400000 |
| Random write IOPS | 1400000 |
| Endurance | 1400 TBW |
| MTBF | 1800000 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

The 2TB IRDM Ultimate reaches 10,000 MB/s sequential read and 9,500 MB/s write throughput over PCIe 5.0 x4. These figures represent a significant generational improvement over PCIe 4.0 drives, which top out around 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write.

Random 4K performance benefits from the Phison E26 controller architecture and the dedicated DDR4 DRAM cache. While Goodram has not published specific IOPS figures for the IRDM Ultimate, the E26 platform typically delivers read IOPS in the 1.5 million range and write IOPS around 1.7 million, translating to excellent desktop responsiveness and fast application loading.

Thermal management is a critical consideration for any PCIe 5.0 SSD. The E26 controller generates substantially more heat than Gen4 controllers under sustained load. The IRDM Ultimate ships with a heatsink option, and Goodram recommends ensuring adequate M.2 slot airflow to maintain peak performance without thermal throttling.

Under sustained heavy writes, the dynamic SLC cache will eventually exhaust, at which point write speeds fall to the native TLC pace of the Kioxia 162-layer NAND. For typical consumer workloads the cache is sized large enough to avoid exhaustion, but professional users transferring hundreds of gigabytes should expect a speed drop after the cache fills.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Goodram provides warranty coverage for the IRDM Ultimate series under their standard SSD warranty terms. As a brand primarily serving the European market through distributor Xcellence, Goodram typically offers five-year limited warranties on premium SSD products. Specific TBW endurance ratings for the IRDM Ultimate 2TB have not been publicly disclosed by Goodram. Similar Phison E26 platform drives with comparable capacity generally carry endurance ratings in the 700 to 1,400 TBW range. Warranty claims are processed through authorized Goodram retailers and regional distributors. European customers benefit from standard EU consumer protection laws in addition to manufacturer warranty coverage. For the most current warranty and endurance information, consult the official Goodram website or contact their technical support team.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 10,000 MB/s reads deliver significant PCIe Gen5 improvement
- Kioxia 162-layer 3D TLC NAND for proven reliability
- DDR4 DRAM cache for sustained random performance
- Phison E26 controller with strong eight-channel architecture
- 2TB capacity suitable for gaming and content creation
**Cons:**

- Requires robust cooling to prevent E26 controller thermal throttling
- Limited brand availability outside European markets
- No published TBW endurance rating from Goodram
- SLC cache exhaustion under sustained multi-hundred-gigabyte transfers


## Verdict

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 2TB delivers compelling PCIe 5.0 performance with the proven Phison PS5026-E26 controller, Kioxia 162-layer 3D TLC NAND, and DDR4 DRAM cache. At 10,000 MB/s read and 9,500 MB/s write, it provides a meaningful generational upgrade over Gen4 storage and positions the 2TB capacity as a strong option for enthusiasts.

Goodram is a well-established brand in the European market, and the IRDM Ultimate represents their push into the premium Gen5 segment. Thermal management is essential with any E26-based drive, so plan for adequate cooling. If you want PCIe 5.0 storage from a reputable European brand, the IRDM Ultimate 2TB deserves consideration.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does the Goodram IRDM Ultimate 2TB have DRAM?

Yes, it includes a DDR4 DRAM cache chip for efficient NAND mapping table management, improving sustained random performance compared to DRAMless HMB designs.

### What controller does the IRDM Ultimate use?

It uses the Phison PS5026-E26, an eight-channel PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe 2.0 controller paired with DDR4 DRAM cache and Kioxia 162-layer 3D TLC NAND.

### Does the IRDM Ultimate need a heatsink?

Yes, the Phison E26 controller generates significant heat and can throttle above 80 degrees Celsius. Goodram offers the IRDM Ultimate with a heatsink option, or you can use your motherboard M.2 cooling armor.

### Is the IRDM Ultimate compatible with PCIe 4.0 motherboards?

Yes, the drive works in PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots at reduced speeds of approximately 7,400 MB/s read, the maximum bandwidth of the Gen4 interface.

### What is the TBW endurance of the IRDM Ultimate 2TB?

Goodram has not publicly disclosed specific TBW ratings for the IRDM Ultimate line. Similar Phison E26 platform drives of comparable capacity typically carry 700 to 1,400 TBW ratings.

### Where is Goodram IRDM Ultimate sold?

Goodram is a brand of Polish distributor Xcellence and is primarily available in European markets. International availability may be limited, so check with local retailers.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/goodram-irdm-ultimate-2-tb