# HP EX950 2TB NVMe SSD Review — PCIe 3.0 High Capacity (2026)

The HP EX950 2TB is the range-topping capacity of HP's NVMe SSD line, combining 3,500 MB/s reads, 1,300 TBW endurance, and Micron 64-layer TLC on the proven Silicon Motion SM2262EN controller.

Quick answer: The HP EX950 2TB is a high-capacity PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD that delivers the full potential of the SM2262EN controller: 3,500 MB/s reads, strong sustained writes, and 1,300 TBW endurance. With the updated firmware, it performs competitively against the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and WD Black SN750 at the same capacity. The 2TB model is the pick of the EX950 range for anyone who needs bulk NVMe storage with proven TLC performance. The main caveats are the early firmware issue (verify and update) and the double-sided PCB, which may not fit all laptops. For desktop builders and content creators who need 2TB of fast NVMe storage, the EX950 is a strong value.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 2 TB |
| Interface | M.2 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Silicon Motion SM2262EN |
| Memory type | Micron 64L 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | Nanya or Micron 512 - 2TB DDR3 |
| Sequential read | 3500 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 2900 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 410000 |
| Random write IOPS | 380000 |
| Endurance | 1300 TBW |
| MTBF | 2 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

The EX950 2TB is rated for 3,500 MB/s sequential reads and 2,900 MB/s sequential writes, with 410K random read IOPS and 380K random write IOPS. TechPowerUp's review of the 2TB model with updated firmware found it was one of the fastest SSDs they had tested at the time, beating the Samsung 970 Pro in several real-life benchmarks. The SM2262EN controller's strength is sustained performance — random IO stays consistent even as the drive fills.

The dynamic SLC cache on the 2TB model is generous, absorbing 100–200 GB of burst writes at full speed before folding to TLC rates. Native TLC writes hold around 2,000–2,200 MB/s on the 2TB model, which is strong for PCIe 3.0. Gaming load times are fast and indistinguishable from other high-end PCIe 3.0 drives. Content creators benefit from the 2TB capacity for video project files and scratch disks, and the sustained write performance handles large file transfers well.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

HP rates the EX950 2TB at 1,300 TBW with a five-year limited warranty. At 50 GB of writes per day, the endurance budget covers roughly 71 years. The 2 million hour MTBF is a population-level reliability estimate. HP provides SSD management tools for health monitoring and firmware updates. Warranty service is handled through HP's RMA process.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 3,500 MB/s reads and 2,900 MB/s writes on PCIe 3.0
- 1,300 TBW endurance — generous for a consumer drive
- 2TB capacity for large game libraries or video projects
- SM2262EN controller with strong sustained write performance
- 2 GB DDR3 DRAM cache on the 2TB model
**Cons:**

- Early firmware had performance issues — verify update
- Double-sided PCB limits slim-laptop compatibility
- PCIe 3.0 — surpassed by Gen4 and Gen5 drives
- HP-branded but manufactured by BIWIN — limited SSD heritage
- DDR3 DRAM is older generation


## Verdict

The HP EX950 2TB is a high-capacity PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD that delivers the full potential of the SM2262EN controller: 3,500 MB/s reads, strong sustained writes, and 1,300 TBW endurance. With the updated firmware, it performs competitively against the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and WD Black SN750 at the same capacity. The 2TB model is the pick of the EX950 range for anyone who needs bulk NVMe storage with proven TLC performance. The main caveats are the early firmware issue (verify and update) and the double-sided PCB, which may not fit all laptops. For desktop builders and content creators who need 2TB of fast NVMe storage, the EX950 is a strong value.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the HP EX950 2TB good for video editing?

The EX950 2TB works well for video editing with 2,900 MB/s writes, 1,300 TBW endurance, and strong sustained write performance after the SLC cache fills. Transferring large 4K footage files is fast, and the 2TB capacity provides room for project files and render caches. The SM2262EN controller maintains consistent write speeds during long render jobs. For professional 4K workflows, a PCIe 4.0 drive would be faster, but for most content creators the EX950 2TB is sufficient.

### Does the HP EX950 2TB have a DRAM cache?

Yes. The EX950 2TB includes two 1,024 MB Micron DDR3 DRAM chips for a total of 2 GB of DRAM cache. This is the maximum DRAM configuration in the EX950 range and supports the SM2262EN controller's flash translation layer for the full 2TB address space. The generous DRAM contributes to the drive's strong sustained random IO performance.

### What is the TBW endurance of the HP EX950 2TB?

The HP EX950 2TB is rated at 1,300 TBW (terabytes written), covered by a five-year limited warranty. At a heavy content-creator workload of 100 GB per day, the endurance budget covers roughly 35 years. Even at 500 GB per day — an extreme scenario — it would take 7 years to exhaust the allowance. For normal consumer and professional use, endurance is not a practical concern.

### How does the HP EX950 2TB compare to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB?

Both are PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives with TLC NAND and DRAM cache. The Samsung uses its in-house Phoenix controller, while the EX950 uses the Silicon Motion SM2262EN. Peak speeds are similar. TechPowerUp found the EX950 with updated firmware beat the Samsung 970 Pro in some real-life tests. The Samsung has broader brand recognition and a longer SSD track record. The EX950 is typically priced lower. Both deliver strong performance at 2TB.

### Is the HP EX950 2TB double-sided?

Yes, the EX950 2TB is double-sided with NAND packages on both faces of the M.2 2280 PCB, along with the controller and two DRAM chips. The double-sided layout means the drive is thicker than single-sided designs, which may cause clearance issues in some ultrathin laptops and tight M.2 slots. Standard desktop motherboards accommodate it without issue.

### Should I update the HP EX950 firmware?

Yes, if the drive is running early firmware (SS0411B). HP released a revised firmware (42A7T36A) that significantly improved write performance in several benchmarks. The update resolves consistency issues found on launch firmware. Use HP's SSD management software to check and apply the update. The process does not erase data but back up important data before any firmware update as a precaution.

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Last updated: 2026-05-17. Source: https://ssdrive.net/hp-ex950-2-tb