# Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB — PCIe 3.0 NVMe with MLC Durability (2026)

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB pairs the Phison E7 controller with Toshiba MLC NAND and a Nanya DDR3L DRAM cache to deliver strong PCIe 3.0 performance backed by a 5-year warranty.

Quick answer: The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB is a solid PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive with MLC NAND durability and a 5-year warranty. It is a good fit for users who want a reliable boot drive with proven components and long warranty coverage. For users who need more capacity, the IRDM Ultimate 480GB offers the same platform with more space. For users who prioritize raw speed over endurance, newer PCIe 3.0 drives with TLC and faster controllers may be more appealing.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 240 GB |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Phison PS5007-E7 |
| Memory type | Toshiba MLC |
| DRAM cache | Nanya 256 - 512 DDR3L |
| Sequential read | 2900 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 2200 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 235000 |
| Random write IOPS | 270000 |
| Endurance | 558 TBW |
| MTBF | 2 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Goodram rates the IRDM Ultimate 240GB at up to 2,900 MB/s sequential reads and 2,200 MB/s sequential writes, with random performance up to 235,000 read IOPS and 270,000 write IOPS. These ratings match the 120GB model, as both use the same Phison E7 controller and Toshiba MLC NAND configuration.

The Phison E7 controller's dynamic SLC cache handles burst writes effectively. The MLC NAND provides more consistent sustained-write performance than TLC, as MLC cells program faster and endure more P/E cycles. The DRAM cache ensures low-latency random reads, making the drive responsive for OS boot and application launches.

At 240GB, the drive has enough capacity for a practical boot-plus-apps setup. The E7 controller's L1.2 low-power mode makes it viable for laptop use, though the double-sided PCB may limit compatibility with some ultrabooks.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Goodram backs the IRDM Ultimate 240GB with a 5-year limited warranty. The drive is rated for 2 million hours MTBF. The 5-year warranty matches the industry best and is a significant advantage over budget drives with 3-year coverage. No TBW endurance rating is published, but the MLC NAND provides inherently higher endurance than TLC.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- Phison E7 controller with Toshiba MLC NAND
- 5-year warranty
- 2,900/2,200 MB/s sequential performance
- Nanya DDR3L DRAM cache
- AES-256 encryption and end-to-end data protection
**Cons:**

- 240GB capacity is limiting for modern use
- PCIe 3.0 — slower than PCIe 4.0
- No published TBW endurance rating
- Limited regional availability


## Verdict

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB is a solid PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive with MLC NAND durability and a 5-year warranty. It is a good fit for users who want a reliable boot drive with proven components and long warranty coverage. For users who need more capacity, the IRDM Ultimate 480GB offers the same platform with more space. For users who prioritize raw speed over endurance, newer PCIe 3.0 drives with TLC and faster controllers may be more appealing.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does the Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB have DRAM?

Yes. The IRDM Ultimate 240GB includes a Nanya DDR3L DRAM cache for FTL mapping table storage, providing consistent random I/O performance.

### Is the Goodram IRDM Ultimate 240GB good for gaming?

It works as a boot drive with room for a few games, but 240GB fills up quickly with modern titles — roughly 5 to 8 AAA games. The 2,900 MB/s read speed provides fast load times. For a larger game library, the 480GB model is a better choice.

### What is the difference between IRDM Ultimate and IRDM Ultimate X?

The IRDM Ultimate is PCIe 3.0 with Phison E7 and Toshiba MLC NAND. The IRDM Ultimate X is PCIe 4.0 with Phison E16 and Toshiba 3D TLC NAND, offering up to 5,000 MB/s reads. They are different platforms for different interface generations.

### How does the IRDM Ultimate 240GB compare to the WD Blue SN570 250GB?

The WD Blue SN570 250GB offers faster sequential speeds (2,400/1,950 MB/s) with a newer controller and TLC NAND, plus a 5-year warranty. The IRDM Ultimate 240GB uses MLC NAND with higher endurance but older Phison E7 platform. Both have 5-year warranties. The SN570 is the better value for most users.

### What is the TBW endurance of the IRDM Ultimate 240GB?

Goodram does not publish a TBW endurance rating for the IRDM Ultimate series. The drive is backed by a 5-year warranty. The MLC NAND provides inherently higher endurance than TLC-based drives.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/goodram-irdm-ultimate-240-gb