TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB Review: Affordable DRAM-Equipped SSD with Low Latency

According to Shane Downing’s review on Tom’s Hardware, the TeamGroup G70 Pro has been gaining attention as a PCIe 4.0 SSD equipped with DRAM, yet positioned at a relatively affordable price point. This article delves into the details of its performance and features.

The TeamGroup G70 Pro series offers a wide range of capacities, from 512GB to 8TB, and is available in two variants: with and without a heatsink. At the time of review, the 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models were available, priced at $197.99, $326.99, and $505.99, respectively. The 2TB model, priced at $326.99, is competitively priced for a DRAM-equipped SSD of its capacity.

Specifications and Build

The core of this drive lies in the combination of 232-layer TLC NAND flash manufactured by China’s YMTC (Yangtze Memory Technologies) and the InnoGrit IG5236 controller. It supports PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and NVMe 1.4 protocol. The drive is equipped with DDR4 DRAM, which differentiates it from the growing number of DRAM-less SSDs on the market.

Sequential read speeds are claimed to reach up to 7,400MB/s, while write speeds max out at 6,600MB/s. Performance differences among capacities are primarily seen in write speeds: the 512GB model offers a modest 2,600MB/s, whereas models of 1TB and above see a significant improvement, ranging from 5,500MB/s to 6,600MB/s. The 2TB model has an endurance rating of 1,480TBW (total bytes written), and the 4TB model is rated at 2,960TBW. Both come with a five-year warranty.

A noteworthy aspect of the G70 Pro series is its uniform design across all capacities, from the entry-level 512GB model to the high-end 8TB variant. This standardization aims to cut costs and reduce performance discrepancies across different capacities.

Performance

According to the test results from Tom’s Hardware, the standout feature of the TeamGroup G70 Pro is its low random read latency. This is where the benefits of having DRAM are most evident. Users can expect improved perceived performance during everyday tasks such as OS booting, application loading, and game level loading.

However, the SSD’s low power efficiency has been highlighted as a significant drawback. The high heat generation under heavy load makes it less suitable for laptops, especially thin models. While it performs well in desktop setups, its high thermal output could lead to thermal throttling in laptops with limited cooling options. The review explicitly states, “I wouldn’t put this in a laptop,” emphasizing the need for careful consideration before purchasing.

The balance between sequential and random performance is well-maintained, with stable throughput during extended write operations—an advantage attributed to the DRAM buffer’s effective cache management. Nonetheless, the InnoGrit IG5236 controller, being slightly older technology, lags behind newer controllers like the Phison E26 and Silicon Motion SM2508 in peak performance.

Competitor Comparison

The G70 Pro faces competition from SSDs such as the Seagate FireCuda 530R and WD Black SN850X in the same price range. In the 1TB category, the FireCuda 530R is generally preferred due to its superior overall performance and power efficiency, making the G70 Pro’s advantage less pronounced. However, in capacities of 2TB and above, the G70 Pro’s pricing becomes increasingly attractive. For instance, the 4TB model is priced around $500, making it more affordable than similar high-capacity options from competitors.

Looking at cost per terabyte, the G70 Pro’s 2TB model offers approximately $163/TB, while the 4TB model comes in at about $126/TB—an exceptionally reasonable rate for DRAM-equipped SSDs. That said, actual prices in Japanese retail markets may vary due to differences in currency exchange rates and distribution factors, so buyers should verify local prices beforehand.

Heatsink Options

The TeamGroup G70 Pro comes in both heatsink-equipped and non-heatsink versions, with only a slight price difference between the two. The review recommends opting for the heatsink-equipped version whenever possible. Given the drive’s high heat output, especially under prolonged heavy workloads in gaming PCs or creator workstations, proper cooling measures are essential.

If planning to use the G70 Pro as an expansion drive for the PlayStation 5, the heatsink-equipped model is recommended. The PS5’s internal slot has limited heat dissipation capabilities, and considering the drive’s thermal characteristics, its default heatsink might not be sufficient. Users may want to consider replacing the stock heatsink with a larger aftermarket option.

Editorial Opinion

The TeamGroup G70 Pro embodies a dichotomy of “high performance but low power efficiency.” Its combination of low latency, thanks to DRAM, and cost advantages brought by YMTC’s 232-layer TLC NAND make it an appealing option for budget-conscious DIY PC builders. However, its poor power efficiency limits its use in data centers and laptops, thereby narrowing its market appeal. Additionally, the reliance on the somewhat dated InnoGrit IG5236 controller may place it at a disadvantage compared to competitors using more advanced controllers for PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

Looking ahead, the increasing adoption of YMTC’s NAND flash in SSDs suggests a diversification in the supply chain that could have significant industry implications. However, given the uncertainties surrounding U.S.-China trade tensions and export regulations, supply risks cannot be ignored. For TeamGroup, upgrading the controller and enhancing power efficiency should be key priorities for future models.

References

• ” TeamGroup G70 Pro 2TB SSD Review: Low latency meets affordable DRAM ”, by Shane Downing — Tom’s Hardware, 2026-07-09T17:17:56.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/teamgroup-g70-pro-2tb-ssd-review