# Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB — Highest Capacity IRDM NVMe SSD (2026)

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB is the top-capacity model in Goodram's IRDM Ultimate PCIe 3.0 NVMe lineup, combining the Phison E7 controller with Toshiba MLC NAND and a 5-year warranty for users who need reliable, high-endurance NVMe storage.

Quick answer: The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB is the best all-around variant in the IRDM Ultimate lineup, offering the most practical capacity with MLC NAND durability and a 5-year warranty. It is a good fit for users who want a reliable, long-lasting NVMe drive and are willing to accept PCIe 3.0 speeds. For users who need faster sequential performance, the WD Black SN750 500GB or Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB are better options. For users who value endurance and warranty length, the IRDM Ultimate 480GB is a strong choice.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 480 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 | 1116 TBW |
| MTBF | 2 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Goodram rates the IRDM Ultimate 480GB 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 are consistent across all IRDM Ultimate capacities, as the controller and NAND configuration are the same.

The Phison E7 controller's dynamic SLC cache absorbs burst writes effectively. With MLC NAND, the sustained-write performance after cache exhaustion is more consistent than TLC alternatives, as MLC cells program faster and with less voltage stress. The DRAM cache ensures low-latency random reads, making the drive feel responsive for OS boot, application launches, and game loading.

At 480GB, the drive has enough SLC cache headroom to handle typical consumer and light prosumer workloads without exhausting the cache during normal use. The E7 controller supports L1.2 low-power mode drawing under 5 mW, making it viable for laptop use despite the double-sided PCB.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Goodram backs the IRDM Ultimate 480GB with a 5-year limited warranty. The drive is rated for 2 million hours MTBF. The 5-year warranty is a key strength, matching the industry best and providing significantly longer coverage than the 3-year warranty on Goodram's PX500 lineup. No TBW endurance rating is published, but the MLC NAND provides inherently higher endurance than TLC-based alternatives — the nearly identical MyDigitalSSD BPX 480GB is rated at 1,400 TBW.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- Toshiba MLC NAND — higher endurance than TLC
- 5-year warranty
- Phison E7 controller with DRAM cache
- 480GB practical standalone capacity
- AES-256 encryption and end-to-end data protection
- L1.2 low-power mode
**Cons:**

- PCIe 3.0 — slower than PCIe 4.0 alternatives
- No published TBW endurance rating
- Double-sided PCB — may not fit ultrabooks
- Limited regional availability
- Older Phison E7 platform


## Verdict

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB is the best all-around variant in the IRDM Ultimate lineup, offering the most practical capacity with MLC NAND durability and a 5-year warranty. It is a good fit for users who want a reliable, long-lasting NVMe drive and are willing to accept PCIe 3.0 speeds. For users who need faster sequential performance, the WD Black SN750 500GB or Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB are better options. For users who value endurance and warranty length, the IRDM Ultimate 480GB is a strong choice.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does the Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB have DRAM?

Yes. The IRDM Ultimate 480GB includes a Nanya DDR3L DRAM cache. This dedicated cache stores the FTL mapping table, providing consistent random I/O performance and reducing write amplification.

### Is the Goodram IRDM Ultimate 480GB good for gaming?

Yes. The 480GB capacity holds roughly 10 to 15 AAA games, and the 2,900 MB/s read speed provides fast load times. The MLC NAND handles frequent game installs and updates well. It does not meet the PS5's 5,500 MB/s read-speed recommendation.

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

The IRDM Ultimate is a PCIe 3.0 drive with the Phison E7 controller and Toshiba MLC NAND (2,900/2,200 MB/s). The IRDM Ultimate X is a PCIe 4.0 drive with the Phison E16 controller and Toshiba 3D TLC NAND (5,000/4,500 MB/s). They target different interface generations and performance tiers.

### How does the IRDM Ultimate 480GB compare to the MyDigitalSSD BPX 480GB?

Both drives use the Phison E7 controller with Toshiba MLC NAND and are functionally very similar. The MyDigitalSSD BPX 480GB has a published 1,400 TBW endurance rating, while Goodram does not publish a TBW figure for the IRDM Ultimate. Both have 5-year warranties. Performance is nearly identical. Price and availability should be the deciding factors.

### What is the TBW endurance of the IRDM Ultimate 480GB?

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. The nearly identical MyDigitalSSD BPX 480GB is rated at 1,400 TBW, which can be used as a reference point.

---

Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/goodram-irdm-ultimate-480-gb