3d Xpoint vs Nvme? Know the Difference Before Buying
Match the storage technology to your system and workload: 3d xpoint vs nvme explained with practical product distinctions for November 2026.
By Elena Vasquez
Updated November 12, 2026
An M.2 slot alone doesn’t tell you whether a drive uses the technology you expect, and product labels can blur important distinctions. 3D XPoint and NVMe aren’t competing versions of the same thing: one names a memory technology, while the other is a storage protocol. That matters here because the listed XPG drive specifies 3D NAND, not 3D XPoint, and both listed products use NVMe. This roundup separates what the specifications actually say from what the keyword may suggest. For a closer look at protocols and connections, see our NVMe and PCIe differences guide.
The two drives offer different capacities and interface generations, so the practical choice depends on your system, storage needs, and workload. XPG lists a 2TB S40G with PCIe Gen3x4 and manufacturer-rated sequential speeds up to 3500/3000MB/s; msi lists a 1TB SPATIUM M470 with PCIe Gen4x4 and speeds up to 5000/4400MB/s. Those are manufacturer specifications, not guaranteed results in every computer or task. Check your motherboard or laptop manual for M.2 form factor and NVMe support, and consider whether you need the extra capacity, the listed speed, or neither. Advertised peak speeds depend on the host system and workload.
| Award | Product | BNR Score About BNR ScoreThe BNR Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
XPG S40G 2TB RGB 3D NAND PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.3 M.2
|
8.6/10 | Buy |
| Best Value |
msi SPATIUM M470 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 1TB Internal
|
8.3/10 | Buy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D XPoint and NVMe the same type of technology?
They are different: 3D XPoint is a memory technology label, while NVMe is a storage protocol. The XPG listing specifies 3D NAND and NVMe, not 3D XPoint. Check the product details and your system’s interface before buying.
Does the XPG S40G use 3D XPoint memory?
No, its supplied product details identify 3D NAND, not 3D XPoint. They also list an M.2 2280 form factor, PCIe Gen3x4 interface, and NVMe 1.3 support. Don’t treat the product title’s technology terms as interchangeable.
Will either drive work in any M.2 slot?
No, an M.2 slot alone doesn’t confirm NVMe or PCIe compatibility. Check your motherboard or laptop manual for the supported protocol, form factor, and PCIe generation. The listed drives are M.2 NVMe products, but compatibility with a particular system isn’t confirmed here.
Does PCIe Gen4 make the msi drive the better buy?
Not automatically; the msi listing specifies PCIe Gen4x4 and manufacturer-rated sequential speeds up to 5000/4400MB/s. Those peak figures depend on host support and workload. Compare system compatibility, capacity, and your actual transfer needs before paying for a generation you may not use.
How much capacity should I choose for games and projects?
Choose capacity around the games, applications, and project files you expect to keep installed. The XPG option lists 2TB, while the msi option lists 1TB. For other M.2 2TB options, compare capacity and fit without assuming every system supports every drive.
About the author
Elena Vasquez covers console and laptop storage, including PS5-compatible NVMe drives, external enclosures, and adapters. She focuses on compatibility requirements and practical setup advice for readers expanding storage on devices with specific limits.