Conclusion
The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is a brand-new SSD from Lexar, offering a unique option compared to the Lexar PLAY 2280. The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is solely a 4TB option, and is based on the InnoGrit IG5236 controller, using Longsys 3D TLC NAND flash, in a DRAM-less configuration. The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD operates at up to 7,000MB/s sequential read, and 6,000MB/s sequential write, and 3200 TBW endurance. The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD has an integrated heatsink for an all-in-one package for any system and is certified for the PS5 console. At launch, the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is available online for $224.99.
Cooling
The goal of our temperature testing is to push the SSDs as hard as possible by performing a stress test of read and write. We run PerformanceTESTS’s advanced disk benchmark with a 10GB file, set to run each read/write test for 3 iterations, culminating in a 30-minute run. This is not typical usage behavior, but our goal is to find the maximum limits of the cooling. We utilize HWiNFO64 for reporting SSD temperatures.
We tested two ways, in the left screenshot, the SSD has no active airflow over the motherboard, as if there was no airflow in a case, no external case fans, though it is an open-air test-bench. On the right screenshot, we have a powerful case fan blowing across the SSD, as if a case fan were in use in the computer, with proper case airflow.
On the left screenshot, we can see that with a case fan installed, the ASIC temperature (Drive Temperature 3) is indicating a maximum of 56c, which is more than acceptable, a very good temperature. The NAND flash or composite temperatures were 49c. On the right screenshot, without an active fan, the ASIC temperature rose to 85c, and the NAND flash or composite temperature up to 73/71c. The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD can get hot, even with the heatsink, in extreme usage, it wasn’t hot enough to throttle, but even in this open-air test system, which is hotter than you’d want it. In an enclosed system or a cramped system, with no airflow, under this workload, will cause it to get very hot. In normal usage, however, like gaming, it will not get this hot; this is just the extreme end of the spectrum of what to expect. We recommend proper case airflow.
Lexar DiskMaster
Lexar offers a professional SSD storage disk management software for its SSDs, including the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. The interface and features are very professional here, with an aesthetically pleasing design and GUI. The Disk Information tab shows all relevant information, including the current interface mode running, the health of the SSD, and the temperature. Monitoring health is very important, and we are glad to see that. It also has a table to easily read the S.M.A.R.T. status. The software has a built-in Secure Erase function, with a fast secure erase and an enhanced secure erase function, which is great to see.
An added bonus is also the inclusion of a Data Transfer tab, which easily lets you clone disks from one to another, in a very simple and easy-to-use interface. It also includes Performance Testing so that you can track performance over time. It also has a Scanning Function to scan for disk errors, and there is a fast, simple scan and a deep scan mode. It also has the ability to reach out and check for Firmware updates online, and then apply those updates if there is new firmware, a very needed function, and we are glad to see that implemented.
Final Points
The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is a value-oriented PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD design, yet is still able to maintain a high read and write speed for desktop DIY PCs, and for the PS5. The great thing about the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is the fact that it offers a 4TB capacity, high-speed Gen4x4 performance, and an integrated heatsink at the current price of $224.99. It does this by way of the InnoGrit IG5236 controller, Longsys 3D TLC NAND flash, and forgoing a DRAM cache relying on HMB. This doesn’t come without some sacrifices in performance, but for the intent of the SSD, it has it where it counts.
In our performance testing, we experienced strong sequential read and write performance, and so this is great for playing games. We experienced very fast speeds that exceeded the rated, or quoted, read and write speeds, which surpassed other InnoGrit IG5236 controller SSDs in our line-up today. It also had very strong random write performance. Where it fell below average was in the random read performance, and some variations of queue depths.
It also seemed to have a weakness in latency or access time, which is not too unusual for the InnoGrit IG5236 controller. This led to lower PCMark 10 performance results. However, in file copy, it did decently enough, and it seemed to really shine in game load times. Since the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is geared for gaming, especially PS5 gaming, game load times are an important factor of the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and it did very well in regard to those results. It seems to have very strong DirectStorage performance as well.
In regards to poor performance scenarios, keep in mind that the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB SSD is a brand-new product; further firmware optimizations over time could improve certain situations. It is important to always run a firmware upgrade check when installing for the first time, thanks to Lexar DiskMaster, this task is easy.
It should be noted that when installed in a PS5, the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD has a maximum speed that is capped at 6300MB/s, due to PS5 limitations. Therefore, since this SSD is geared for the PS5, its speed rating not being above 7000MB/s read and 6000MB/s write makes a lot of sense; you don’t need a faster drive for a PS5. Due to this fact, Lexar designed the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD to provide just what you need out of performance, to match the PS5 well, at a lower cost compared to the Lexar PLAY 2280. Therefore, the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE is a perfect fit in performance for the PS5, and will allow fast game loading times, and plenty of game storage at a 4TB capacity.
The integrated heatsink makes for easy installation into any motherboard, without having to worry about your motherboard’s M.2 heatsink. Some lower-cost motherboards do not have secondary M.2 heatsinks for the M.2 slots, and so this SSD, including its own, is useful. You can always choose to dismantle this heatsink, since it conveniently comes with a screwdriver, if you wish to use your motherboard’s M.2 heatsink as well, giving you options.
If you chose to utilize the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in a desktop DIY PC situation, which we showcased in our review, we did find that it is capable and can reach its intended maximum performance. The Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD will work great as a secondary gaming storage drive, or the drive you choose to plant your STEAM game library, and other games to run directly from as your gaming drive on a PC. Check this one out if you want a lot of game storage or wish to give your PS5 an extra boost in storage.