Navigating the Fast Lane: A Comparison of the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4 for Lightning-Fast SSD Performance
Navigating the Fast Lane: A Comparison of the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4 for Lightning-Fast SSD Performance
In the digital age, speed is everything, particularly when it comes to storing and accessing massive amounts of data. This is where solid-state drives (SSDs) come in. Sabrent is a prominent name in the world of SSDs, and their Rocket line of drives has been very popular for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The latest models, Sabrent Rocket 4 and Rocket 4 Plus, offer incredible speeds and features that can enhance your computing experience. But which one is better? In this article, we will compare the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4 in terms of performance, features, design, and price.
Performance: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4
The most significant difference between the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 is their performance. Both drives utilize PCIe 4.0 technology, which offers twice the speed of the PCIe 3.0 that is commonly used in other SSDs. However, Rocket 4 Plus offers a more significant advantage by utilizing the Phison E18 controller. The Phison E18 offers faster read and write speeds than the controller used in the Rocket 4, resulting in a speed boost of around 17%. This means that the Rocket 4 Plus can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 7000MB/s and write speeds of up to 6600MB/s, while the Rocket 4 is limited to sequential read speeds of 5000MB/s and write speeds of 4400MB/s. In short, the Rocket 4 Plus is the faster drive, but both drives offer substantial performance gains over previous-generation SSDs.
Features: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4
When it comes to features, both the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 have a lot to offer. Both drives come with thermal shields, which help prevent overheating and ensure stable performance even under heavy loads. Both drives feature advanced error correction technology that can detect and correct data errors in real-time, ensuring data integrity. Moreover, both drives are NVMe 1.4 compliant, which means they are compatible with the latest motherboards and support secure boot, firmware updates, and power management.
However, there is one key difference in features between the two drives: the Rocket 4 Plus comes with a heat sink pre-installed, while the Rocket 4 does not. The heat sink is an essential component that helps dissipate heat generated by the drive. The Rocket 4 Plus’s heat sink is designed to match the aesthetics of high-end motherboards, making it an attractive option for those who care for looks as much as performance. But if looks are not a priority, you can always install a heat sink yourself or purchase a third-party heat sink.
Design: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4
In terms of design, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 are nearly identical. Both drives measure 80mm x 22mm x 4.4mm, making them standard M.2 2280 form factor. They both have a black PCB with gold-colored M.2 sockets, which make them look quite premium. The only visible difference between the two drives is the presence of a heatsink on the Rocket 4 Plus. However, it’s worth noting that the heatsink will add an additional height of 1.5mm to your laptop or desktop.
Price: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4
Finally, let’s talk about the price. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is undoubtedly the more expensive drive of the two. The 1TB variant of Rocket 4 Plus costs around $200, while the same capacity Rocket 4 costs around $150. The 2TB variant of Rocket 4 Plus costs around $450, while the same capacity Rocket 4 costs around $300. In other words, the Rocket 4 Plus commands a considerable premium over the Rocket 4, but whether that premium is worth it depends on your use case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 are fantastic SSDs that offer lightning-fast performance, advanced features, and attractive design. The Rocket 4 Plus is undoubtedly the better-performing drive, thanks to its Phison E18 controller, but the Rocket 4 is not far behind. The Rocket 4 Plus also comes with a pre-installed heat sink, which makes it an attractive option for those who value aesthetics. However, the Rocket 4 is significantly cheaper and still offers exceptional performance, making it an excellent choice for most consumers. Ultimately, the decision between the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus vs Rocket 4 depends on your use case, budget, and priorities.
FAQs
Q: Which drive is better for gaming, Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, or Rocket 4?
A: Both drives are excellent for gaming, but the Rocket 4 Plus’s faster speeds may result in slightly faster load times.
Q: Are Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 compatible with PCIe 3.0?
A: Yes, both drives are backwards compatible with PCIe 3.0, but you won’t get the full performance benefits of PCIe 4.0.
Q: Can I use Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus or Rocket 4 as a boot drive?
A: Yes, both drives are capable of being used as boot drives, and they support UEFI and legacy BIOS.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my Sabrent Rocket 4 or Rocket 4 Plus?
A: It’s not essential, but a heatsink can help dissipate heat generated by the drive and ensure stable performance under heavy loads.
Q: Does Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Sabrent offers a 5-year warranty for Rocket 4 Plus and Rocket 4 drives.
