# Goodram IRDM Ultimate X 512GB Review — Early PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (2026)

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate X 512GB is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD from Polish manufacturer Goodram, built around the first-generation Phison E16 controller and Toshiba 3D TLC NAND for 5000 MB/s reads.

Quick answer: The Goodram IRDM Ultimate X 512GB is a competent early PCIe 4.0 SSD that brings Gen4 compatibility to budget-conscious builds through the proven Phison E16 platform. The five-year warranty is a strong point, and the Toshiba TLC NAND is from a reputable flash manufacturer. The E16's thermal output and the 28 nm process efficiency lag behind newer controllers, and the endurance figure appears inflated compared to industry norms. For buyers in Central European markets where Goodram is readily available at competitive pricing, the IRDM Ultimate X is a reasonable entry into PCIe 4.0 storage.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 512 GB |
| Interface | M.2 4.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Phison PS5016-E16 |
| Memory type | Toshiba 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | Yes |
| Sequential read | 5000 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 4500 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 750000 |
| Random write IOPS | 700000 |
| Endurance | 3600 TBW |
| MTBF | 2000000 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Sequential performance peaks at 5,000 MB/s read and 4,500 MB/s write, which was competitive at the E16's 2019 launch but has since been surpassed by second-generation PCIe 4.0 controllers. The Phison E16 uses a 28 nm process with support for up to eight NAND channels, and its random 4K performance is adequate for everyday desktop responsiveness. Load times for games and application launches are fast, though not noticeably quicker than a good PCIe 3.0 drive in blind testing.

The E16's thermal characteristics are the platform's most notable weakness. The 28 nm controller runs warm even at idle and can reach throttling temperatures under sustained writes without adequate cooling. Goodram's heatsink is essential — do not attempt to use this drive bare in a desktop build. Like all TLC drives, the IRDM Ultimate X uses dynamic SLC caching for burst writes, and sustained writes that exhaust the cache will fall to direct TLC speeds, typically in the 500–800 MB/s range for this generation. The Toshiba BiCS4 TLC NAND is a mature and reliable flash type, though it lacks the performance density of newer 176L and 200L designs.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Goodram covers the IRDM Ultimate X with a five-year warranty, consistent with the enthusiast positioning of the product and matching coverage from competitors like Samsung and Corsair. The published endurance figure of 3,600 TBW for the 512 GB model is notably higher than what comparable drives from Western brands offer — typical 512 GB TLC SSDs rate between 300 and 400 TBW. Without official confirmation from Goodram's datasheet, this figure is difficult to verify and may be inflated. MTBF is not publicly stated. For normal consumer use, the five-year warranty is the practical guarantee that matters, and the drive should comfortably outlast that period under typical workloads regardless of the actual endurance rating.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- PCIe 4.0 x4 compatibility for future-proofing
- Phison E16 controller with proven track record
- Toshiba 3D TLC NAND from reputable manufacturer
- Five-year warranty coverage
- 5,000 MB/s read speed adequate for gaming
**Cons:**

- E16 controller runs hot on 28 nm process
- Endurance rating appears inflated for 512 GB
- Slower than second-gen PCIe 4.0 controllers
- DRAM configuration not publicly confirmed


## Verdict

The Goodram IRDM Ultimate X 512GB is a competent early PCIe 4.0 SSD that brings Gen4 compatibility to budget-conscious builds through the proven Phison E16 platform. The five-year warranty is a strong point, and the Toshiba TLC NAND is from a reputable flash manufacturer. The E16's thermal output and the 28 nm process efficiency lag behind newer controllers, and the endurance figure appears inflated compared to industry norms. For buyers in Central European markets where Goodram is readily available at competitive pricing, the IRDM Ultimate X is a reasonable entry into PCIe 4.0 storage.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What controller does the Goodram IRDM Ultimate X use?

The Phison PS5016-E16, the first consumer PCIe 4.0 x4 controller. It uses a 28 nm process, supports up to eight NAND channels, and was the foundation for early Gen4 SSDs from Corsair, Gigabyte, and Seagate starting in 2019.

### Does the IRDM Ultimate X have DRAM cache?

The Phison E16 reference design includes DDR4 DRAM caching, and most E16-based SSDs ship with DRAM. Goodram does not explicitly confirm the DRAM configuration for this specific model in public documentation, but the platform typically includes it.

### Is the Goodram IRDM Ultimate X compatible with PS5?

It uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface with 5,000 MB/s sequential reads, which meets Sony's requirements. The drive includes a heatsink, though you should verify its physical height fits within the PS5 M.2 expansion slot clearance.

### What is the TBW endurance rating?

The listed figure is 3,600 TBW for the 512 GB model, which is significantly higher than the 300–400 TBW typical for 512 GB TLC drives. Without official documentation from Goodram, this figure should be treated with caution.

### How does the IRDM Ultimate X compare to newer PCIe 4.0 SSDs?

At 5,000 MB/s read, it is slower than second-generation PCIe 4.0 drives using the Phison E18 (7,000+ MB/s) or InnoGrit IG5236 (7,400+ MB/s). The E16 also runs hotter due to its 28 nm process. For everyday use, the real-world difference is modest.

### Does the IRDM Ultimate X need a heatsink?

Yes. The E16 controller runs warm even at idle and can thermally throttle under sustained writes. The drive ships with a heatsink — do not remove it. For desktop use, ensure adequate case airflow around the drive.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/goodram-irdm-ultimate-x-512-gb