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SSSTC announced the CL1 M.2 2230 NVMe SSD on March 4, 2020—not as a new 2026 launch. The removable drive was offered in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, with advertised sequential reads of up to 2,000 MB/s and sequential writes up to 1,100 MB/s. Those are vendor maximums, and the 2,000 MB/s figure describes large-file sequential reading rather than everyday application speed.
The CL1’s main attraction is its 22 × 30 mm removable format for compact laptops, tablets, handhelds, embedded systems, and other devices that cannot fit a 2280 drive. Compatibility depends on the host’s physical mounting, PCIe wiring, NVMe support, firmware, and clearance—not merely on the “2230” label.
What SSSTC actually launched
Solid State Storage Technology Corporation (SSSTC) introduced the CL1 M.2 2230 on March 4, 2020. Contemporary coverage positioned it as a small, replaceable NVMe module for thin laptops, tablets, two-in-one computers, and other space-constrained equipment. The launch announcement reported a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, 3D TLC NAND, and capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The launch report described the historical module as approximately 22 × 30 mm, 2.3 mm thick, and 4.5g.
SSSTC still lists the CL1 on its website in August 2026, where it is classified as an industrial SSD. That listing does not prove broad consumer retail stock or a dependable current street price; SSSTC also notes that specifications can change with supply.
#1 Best Overall
- 【SSSTC CL1 SSD】 Upgrade your laptop/desktop computer with the SSSTC SSD and feel the difference. Faster OS boot times, shut-downs and app load times
- 【Digital Storage Capacity】128GB
- 【Hardware Interface】SSSTC CL1 PCIe Gen3 x 4 128GB NVMe M.2 2230 Internal Solid State Drive, Please check your motherboard manual and make sure your motherboard's M. 2 slot supports PCIe NVMe
- 【Performance】With an SSD, you’ll enjoy faster launch times, data retrieval, and overall performance for seamless multitasking
- 【Compatible Devices】Laptop, Desktop
CL1 specifications
| Specification | CL1 M.2 2230 |
|---|---|
| Capacities | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Interface | NVMe over PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| NAND | 3D TLC |
| Maximum sequential read | 2,000 MB/s |
| Maximum sequential write | 1,100 MB/s |
| Maximum 4K random read/write | 140K/200K IOPS, according to the current SSSTC page |
| Current listed dimensions | 30 × 22 × 1.5 mm |
| Current listed weight | 4g |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Typical power | 4W, according to the current datasheet/page |
| Features | AES, TCG, TRIM, garbage collection, S.M.A.R.T., temperature monitoring, and low-power functions |
These current figures come from SSSTC’s CL1 product listing. They should not be silently combined with the historical launch specifications: the older report listed 2.3 mm thickness, 4.5g weight, and 1.5 million hours MTBF, while the current page lists 1.5 mm, 4g, and more than 3 million hours MTBF. The difference could reflect revised hardware, production variants, rounding, or an updated specification page.
What “2 GB/s” means
Marketing shorthand often turns 2,000 MB/s into “2 GB/s,” but the number needs three qualifications:
- It is an up-to sequential-read result, not a constant operating speed.
- Sequential writes peak at 1,100 MB/s for the higher-capacity configurations.
- Normal responsiveness depends more on random access, queue depth, thermals, NAND state, workload, and the host platform.
A large-file transfer can approach the sequential rating under suitable conditions. Opening applications or booting an operating system will not automatically be twice as fast as on every SATA SSD. SSSTC’s datasheet says its figures come from internal testing and vary with the host device, operating system, and application.
Rank #2
- Capacity: 512GB
- Sequential Read (CDM): up to 3000MB/s; Sequential Write (CDM): up to 2200MB/s
- Latest PCIe Gen3 controller
- 2282 M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 4, NVMe 1.3
- O/S Supported: Windows
The 128GB version is slower
The headline 2,000/1,100 MB/s figures do not apply equally to every capacity. SSSTC’s CL1-series datasheet rates the 128GB version at approximately 1,300 MB/s sequential read and 600 MB/s sequential write. Buyers should therefore identify the capacity before comparing listings or benchmark claims.
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Contemporaneous reporting identified Silicon Motion’s SM2263XT controller, a four-channel, DRAM-less PCIe Gen3 NVMe controller, with host memory buffer support and NVMe 1.3. The current SSSTC product page does not visibly identify the controller, so these details should be treated as reported launch-era design information rather than a current page confirmation. The contemporaneous report also described TLC NAND, AES, and TCG support.
DRAM-less does not mean cache-less. Host memory buffer techniques can use a portion of system memory, but the SSD has no dedicated DRAM package. That can simplify a very small 2230 board and reduce cost, while sustained writes, nearly full-drive operation, or heavy multitasking may show less consistent latency than a drive with onboard DRAM. It does not, by itself, establish poor reliability.
Rank #3
- 【SSD】Upgrade your laptop/desktop computer with the SSSTC SSD and feel the difference. Faster OS boot times, shut-downs and app load times
- 【Storage Capacity】128GB
- 【Hardware Interface】PCIe Gen3 x 4 128GB NVMe M.2 2230 Internal Solid State Drive, Please check your motherboard manual and make sure your motherboard's M. 2 slot supports PCIe NVMe
- 【Performance】With an SSD, you’ll enjoy faster launch times, data retrieval, and overall performance for seamless multitasking
- 【Compatible Devices】Laptop, Desktop
Why M.2 2230 matters
M.2 2230 means approximately 22 mm wide and 30 mm long. A common desktop and laptop M.2 2280 module is the same width but 80 mm long. The shorter board allows manufacturers to retain removable storage where a 2280 drive would not fit and avoids soldering the storage directly to the motherboard.
- Advantages: replaceability, a much smaller board footprint, and substantially higher potential throughput than SATA storage.
- Trade-offs: fewer capacity choices, potentially higher cost per gigabyte, limited thermal headroom, and highly device-specific compatibility.
The CL1 is therefore primarily a compact-space solution, not a 2026 enthusiast-performance product.
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An M.2 2230 label describes dimensions, not electrical compatibility. Check the following in the device service manual or manufacturer documentation:
Rank #4
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE - Fikwot FN960 M.2 SSD 512GB adopts M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 technology and is compatible with NVMe1.4 protocol. The maximum read speed of this NVME 512GB SSD is as high as 4,800MB/s, and the maximum write speed is as high as 2,400MB/s. It is equipped with a dynamic SLC cache to effectively maintain the high-speed operation and stability of the SSD.
- WIDELY COMPATIBLE - Use FN960 with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD to expand your PS5 storage capacity, and the Heatsink can be installed together with the product on the PS5 console to provide you with a better gaming experience. This PS5 SSD 512GB is suitable for Desktops, All-in-one PCs, Laptops, and is perfectly compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11.
- RELIABILITY & STABILITY - Stability is one of the core values of our products, after 88 hours of rigorous testing to ensure that the M.2 2280 NVMe SSD will not fail. This includes 16-hour 1000-time sleep test, 48-hour uninterrupted read and write test, 16-hour flash memory high temperature test, 4-hour performance test and 4-hour system continuous startup test. Through strict quality control and testing process, each internal SSD is guaranteed to have excellent stability and reliability.
- LOW TEMPERATURE — FN960 with Heatsink M.2 SSD for PS5 features a high-thermal-conductivity thermal pad and an aluminum alloy heatsink. Easy to install, it rapidly dissipates heat generated by the M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD, eliminating concerns about thermal throttling during high-speed data transfer. You can choose whether or not to install the heatsink based on your needs.
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY — Fikwot FN960 SSD with Heatsink offers durability of up to 700 TBW and a 5-year limited warranty, allowing you to rely on the Fikwot brand. Should you have any questions, we provide 24-hour technical support as well as repair or replacement services.
- Mounting length: confirm a 30 mm mounting point, screw, standoff, bracket, or retention mechanism.
- Protocol: verify that the slot supports NVMe over PCIe. An M.2 slot wired only for SATA will not use this drive.
- Keying and lanes: check the connector key and confirm that PCIe lanes are available. Some compact slots are wired for fewer lanes or for another module type.
- Clearance: inspect single-sided requirements, shielding, thermal pads, and nearby components.
- Firmware: look for OEM storage whitelists, BIOS restrictions, or required firmware behavior.
- Capacity support: confirm that the device firmware supports the desired capacity, especially in older systems.
- Thermals: the listed operating range is 0°C to 70°C; fanless or externally mounted systems may have little margin before throttling.
- Warranty: opening a sealed tablet or laptop can affect warranty coverage.
Do not infer compatibility with a particular Surface, Steam Deck, Dell, Lenovo, HP, or other model from a marketplace description alone. Device-specific documentation is the appropriate authority.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the CL1 compares with newer 2230 SSDs
The CL1 remains relevant when a system requires PCIe Gen3 and a verified 512GB module is available. Newer SSSTC 2230 families, including the CL4 series in SSSTC’s catalog, advertise PCIe Gen4 performance and capacities beyond the original CL1 range. The catalog is an industrial/OEM signal, not proof of easy consumer availability. See SSSTC’s current catalog.
When comparing a CL1 with another 2230 drive, prioritize the host’s PCIe generation, TLC or QLC NAND, sustained-write behavior, endurance rating, warranty, single-sided clearance, capacity, seller reliability, and price per gigabyte. Do not claim a newer drive is faster in practice without independent testing under the same conditions; the CL1 figures are manufacturer maximums, not an independent review result.
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- PCIe Gen 3x4 interface with read speeds up to 2,200MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s
- TBW=300 The warranty terms on all of its SSDs are based on whether the warranty length or TBW limit occurs first.
- The custom screw should come with the motherboard or PC. Please acquire the screw from your motherboard or PC Manufacturer, if needed
- To support a Silicon Power PCIe SSD, the system must have an M.2 connector with only an M key. The Silicon Power PCIe SSD does not have a B notch and therefore, the B key on the SSD connector will prevent it from being inserted.
- Need Help? Contact U.S. Tech Support First! If your device isn’t recognized, can’t be formatted, or stops working. Our U.S. tech team can help fix the issue quickly. Email: USTech@silicon-power.com We support common problems like: Drive not showing up, Formatting errors, Device stopped working after short use, etc.
Availability and buying advice in 2026
SSSTC provides a product-inquiry route rather than a normal consumer checkout, and no reliable official retail price or broad U.S. consumer stock signal is established by the current listing. Marketplace inventory may consist of OEM pulls, relabeled modules, used drives, or regional stock.
- Match the exact CL1 model and capacity to the listing.
- Confirm NVMe PCIe interface and NAND type rather than accepting a generic “M.2 2230” description.
- Request a readable serial number and verify warranty terms.
- Use a seller with a meaningful return policy.
- Compare the total price with newer 2230 TLC drives offering better endurance, warranty, capacity, or PCIe generation.
Who should consider the CL1?
A reasonable fit
- Your system explicitly supports an M.2 2230 NVMe drive.
- PCIe Gen3 performance matches the platform.
- 512GB is enough and a verified unit is available.
- You value replaceable storage in a very small device.
- Your workload is normal operating-system, application, and light-gaming use rather than prolonged heavy writes.
A poor fit
- The slot supports SATA only, lacks PCIe lanes, or is intended for Wi-Fi or another module.
- The device requires PCIe Gen4 performance.
- You need more than 512GB.
- A newer 2230 SSD offers materially better warranty, endurance, or availability at a similar price.
- You expect 2,000 MB/s in every benchmark or workload.
The Bottom Line
The SSSTC CL1 is a genuine March 2020 M.2 2230 NVMe SSD with up to 512GB capacity and up to 2,000 MB/s sequential reads. Its value is the small, removable form factor; its limits are Gen3 bandwidth, capacity-specific performance, DRAM-less design, uncertain 2026 retail availability, and device-specific compatibility. Verify the host slot and the exact drive before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
