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The headline most closely describes the XPG MARS 980 PRO, an ADATA XPG PCIe Gen5 x4 SSD announced on April 29, 2025. XPG rates it for up to 14,000 MB/s sequential read and 13,000 MB/s sequential write, and describes an aluminum heatsink with an active fan. The MARS 980 STORM is another fan-cooled model with the same rated speeds, but it uses a different cooling design.
Which ADATA SSD matches the headline?
The MARS 980 PRO is the closest match: XPG’s April 29, 2025 announcement specifies an active fan integrated with an aluminum-alloy heatsink, along with maximum sequential read and write ratings of 14,000 MB/s and 13,000 MB/s. XPG lists capacity up to 4TB for the PRO and STORM models. See the MARS 980 PRO product information and MARS 980 STORM product information.
These figures are manufacturer specifications, not independently verified results. “Up to” describes a rated maximum sequential transfer speed; it does not mean every computer, application, or file transfer will reach that rate.
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| Model | Cooling design | Manufacturer-rated maximum sequential speed | Capacity stated by XPG | Thermal claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARS 980 PRO | Aluminum-alloy heatsink with an active fan | 14,000 MB/s read; 13,000 MB/s write | Up to 4TB | XPG says its internal laboratory testing found temperatures 15% lower than standard fanless solutions; results may vary. This is a vendor claim, not an independent comparison. |
| MARS 980 STORM | Hybrid liquid-and-air cooling with two integrated fans | 14,000 MB/s read; 13,000 MB/s write | Up to 4TB | XPG says its internal lab data showed approximately 20% lower operating temperatures than traditional fanless heatsinks; results vary by system and conditions. This is a vendor claim, not an independent comparison. |
The two models share the headline speed rating, but their cooling systems and associated temperature claims are distinct. XPG’s announcement says the PRO, like the STORM, draws power directly from the M.2 slot without additional cables; that is XPG’s description of its MARS 980 series design.
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Other ADATA and XPG models that can cause confusion
MARS 980 BLADE: fast, but cooling-free
ADATA’s US catalog lists the MARS 980 BLADE as a laptop-ready M.2 2280 model rated for up to 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write, with capacity up to 8TB. It is a cooling-free model, so it is not the fan-equipped drive described by the headline. Check the ADATA US SSD catalog for its listing.
LEGEND 970: a fan, but a lower speed rating
The earlier LEGEND 970 is a PCIe Gen5 x4, NVMe 2.0 SSD with a built-in micro fan. ADATA rates its 2TB model for up to 10,000 MB/s sequential read and 10,000 MB/s sequential write, so it does not match the 14,000 MB/s read figure. ADATA also claims a 10% temperature reduction compared with a fanless heatsink; this is a manufacturer claim. Its official product listing describes backward compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 platforms, while noting that performance depends on the host platform.
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- Massive Storage and Gaming Power: The ADATA GAMMIX S70 BLADE Gaming SSD is a solid state drive with high write speed and large storage capacity for all your data storage accessory needs.
- Seamless System Compatibility: This backward compatible SSD is an ideal upgrade for a laptop SSD, computer internal component, and PlayStation 6.
- Next-Gen Speed and Performance: Enjoy high read speed up to 7400MB/s and smooth performance powered by SLC cache technology and a powerful performance controller.
- Superior Cooling and Data Protection: A high temperature resistant aluminum heatsink and E2E data protection ensure accurate data transmission and rugged reliability.
- About ADATA: ADATA means number 1 in data storage; we offer premium storage capacity, high speeds, and optimized durability, all while innovating and investing in a sustainable future.
What to check before buying a Gen5 SSD with an integrated cooler
- Exact model and SKU: Confirm whether the listing is for MARS 980 PRO, MARS 980 STORM, or a different model. Similar speed ratings do not mean the products share a cooling design.
- Host interface: The MARS models are specified as PCIe Gen5 x4 drives. A Gen5-compatible platform is needed to target Gen5 performance; a slower host interface can limit throughput. ADATA explicitly makes this compatibility qualification for the LEGEND 970, but equivalent details should be checked for the exact MARS model.
- Physical clearance: Review the SSD’s dimensions and cooler height against your motherboard manual and the space around the M.2 slot. An integrated heatsink or fan can conflict with a motherboard cover, graphics card, or nearby components. ADATA’s installation note about a preinstalled heatsink and removing a motherboard-provided M.2 heatsink applies specifically to the LEGEND 970; verify instructions for the MARS model rather than assuming they are identical.
- Capacity and intended device: Compare the capacity you need with the exact model’s available options. The 4TB maximum in XPG’s 2025 announcement applies to the PRO and STORM; ADATA’s US catalog lists up to 8TB for the cooling-free BLADE.
- Workload expectations: Sequential read/write ratings are not a guarantee of a particular everyday result. Actual performance can vary with the drive capacity, host hardware, software, and operating-system conditions.
What the published speed and cooling figures establish
XPG’s 14,000/13,000 MB/s figures for the MARS 980 PRO and STORM are manufacturer-rated maximum sequential read/write speeds. The temperature reductions—15% for the PRO and approximately 20% for the STORM—are XPG internal laboratory claims, with the company noting that results can vary. No independent benchmark result is established here, so these claims should not be treated as independently confirmed or as a prediction for a particular PC.
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