The Predator GM7 SSD is a gamer’s dream come true. Offering lightning-fast bandwidth of up to 7400MB/s+ and low latency, it is designed to deliver top performance to even the most demanding users. The latest technologies, including the new Maxio MAP1602 controller and pSLC cache, ensure that the GM7 runs at the optimal speed and remains cool even during intense gaming sessions. With the GM7, gamers can enjoy extreme gaming experiences without worrying about thermal throttling.
Introducing the Predator GM7 – an impressive SSD that has garnered attention in recent months. With a DRAM-less design and innovative components, it boasts unexpected speed. This is just the beginning, as Predator Storage promises further advancements in upcoming designs. Check out the specifications and features below before we delve into the exciting performance details.
The GM7 SSD is engineered to satisfy the needs of gamers who crave unparalleled gaming experiences by pushing boundaries. It offers lightning-fast speeds with a maximum read speed of 7200MB/s and a maximum write speed of 6300MB/s.
Superior Performance
The GM7 boasts PCIe Gen4x4 and NVMe 2.0 compatibility, providing lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 7200 MB/s and 6300 MB/s, respectively. This translates to smooth multitasking and highly responsive performance.
The JEDEC standards are met by subjecting the memory ICs to stringent testing at every stage of production, ensuring only the highest quality components are selected.
The GM7 employs Thermal Throttle and Power Management technology, effectively dissipating heat and prolonging the battery life of your laptop. This translates to efficient and optimized performance.
SLC and HMB Cache
The GM7 utilizes HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and SLC Cache, delivering a cost-effective and reliable storage solution to its customers. This ensures exceptional performance at an affordable price point.
The GM7 utilizes the traditional M.2 2280 interface, making it a perfect fit for laptops, desktops, and external drives compatible with PS5.
Specification
The SSD is designed to enhance stability, data protection, and performance, and our testing confirms its effectiveness. It supports thermal throttling, but we measured temperatures no higher than 48°C without a heatsink, which is impressive given its performance and lack of a heatsink. Temperatures further dropped by up to 5°C after installing the motherboard’s heatsink, and the GM7 SSD’s low temperatures make it ideal for ultrabooks and SFF PCs. It is unlikely to overheat or throttle even with two SSDs in RAID0/1 on an ITX motherboard. The SSD has a 5-year warranty, but details on its TBW are scarce as it is not yet available in stores and its specifications have changed slightly since the CES 2023 presentation. The specifications published may differ from others available online. The CrystalDiskInfo diagnostic software screenshot we provide shows the SSD is in excellent condition.
Examining the Package and SSD
The GM7 SSD comes in a package that resembles the one used for the previously tested GM7000 SSD. Along with the SSD, the box contains a quick start guide and a single screw that can prove useful if it is not readily available in our motherboard or laptop.
The exterior of the box is well-designed and provides detailed information about the enclosed SSD. It is worth noting that the specifications may differ slightly from those reported in earlier web articles.
In summary, the GM7 SSD has a maximum bandwidth of 7200MB/s read and 6300MB/s write, rather than the previously reported 7400MB/s read and 6700MB/s write. However, the actual performance achieved will depend largely on the device in which the GM7 SSD is installed.
The GM7 is equipped with Acronis software in digital format to facilitate the transfer of old data and operating systems to a new SSD.
The SSD appears to be standard and follows the widely used M.2 2280 standard. It lacks additional features such as graphene pads, but this is not necessary and allows for easy installation in any device that supports M.2 PCIe SSDs.
The PCB features a unique combination of the Maxio MAP1602A, a 12nm ARM-based controller, and YMTC 128-layer TLC NAND, which is not commonly found in other SSDs. Additionally, a pSLC cache is present to enhance operational speed.
In its initial release, the GM7 includes a YMTC flash with 128 layers, but we anticipate a forthcoming version with 232 layers. This update holds the promise of even better performance in the coming months.
We utilized two test platforms to conduct a performance comparison, and the results can be found on the following page.
The AMD Ryzen platform was used to test performance, with the Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, ASUS Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi motherboard, G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64GB DDR5-6000 CL30 memory kit overclocked to DDR5-6400 CL30 and ASUS Strix RTX3070 graphics card. Results were confirmed on the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor with the ASUS Crosshair X670E GENE motherboard. Both setups used the GM7 SSD, with one as the OS drive and the other as a second drive. The tests were performed in a Windows 11 Pro x64 environment with the latest updates, and results were similar to those on Windows 10 Pro x64. The ATTO Disk Benchmark was used as the first benchmark.
The ATTO benchmark shows excellent results, with a maximum read speed of 6.93GB/s and a maximum write speed of 5.40GB/s, comparable to the best-performing NVMe SSDs on the market, including the GM7000 SSD.
The CrystalDiskMark results are also impressive, with a maximum sequential bandwidth of approximately 7.44GB/s, which is outstanding for a PCIe 4.0 SSD with a DRAM-less design.
However, the random bandwidth and IOPS are about 15% lower than those of the GM7000 SSD, which is currently one of the fastest options available. Nonetheless, the high results achieved by the GM7 SSD are impressive.
The UL benchmarks reveal outstanding results, although we would prefer slightly higher bandwidth in the Data Drive Benchmark, as top-tier models like the GM7000 can reach up to 800MB/s. However, this difference is not significant in gaming, where the GM7 SSD is designed to excel.
The GM7 SSD scored only 100 marks lower than the GM7000 SSD in the 3DMark Storage Benchmark, which is impressive, especially when considering the HMB and potential delays that are not apparent in these tests. The exceptional average access time displayed in the 3DMark is also worth noting.
Although Anvil’s Storage Utilities is an older benchmark, it remains popular, making it a viable option. While the results obtained through this benchmark are impressive, they are not as high as those indicated in the SSD specification. This is not an issue, as different benchmarks use varying test patterns and files.
For the final assessment, we will be using the demanding AIDA64 test, with a focus on read performance, which is crucial for gaming.
The GM7 SSD performs well in both sequential and random read tests, with the sequential test yielding impressive results of up to 6.46GB/s. However, the random test indicates that there are faster SSDs available for more professional tasks, with the GM7000 achieving over twice the bandwidth in this benchmark. Nevertheless, the GM7 is a more affordable option that is specifically designed for gaming and does not require handling large databases.
The GM7 surpassed our expectations with its exceptional performance in all benchmarks, making it an ideal choice even for the most discerning users. Moreover, its affordability is expected to boost its popularity significantly.
Conclusion
The GM7 SSD is a successful addition to the Predator brand, surprising and entertaining me with its unique features that have the potential to revolutionize the storage market. Despite its DRAM-less design typically associated with budget SSDs, the GM7 performs exceptionally well in all tests, even rivaling top PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs in some cases.
While the GM7’s performance is impressive, I consider temperature and power usage to be a crucial feature that I’ve been waiting for. Many SSDs can exceed 7GB/s bandwidth, but few can achieve that while operating below 50°C. The GM7’s low operating temperatures make it ideal for use in laptops, small form-factor PCs, RAID setups with limited airflow, and gaming consoles. This SSD is unlikely to reach its throttling point, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
The Predator GM7 SSD passed compatibility and stability tests without any issues and comes with an industry-leading 5-year warranty. Although it has not yet hit store shelves, it will be available soon at expected prices of $49.99, $89.99, and $159.99 for the 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB versions respectively.
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