Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 NVMe SSD - Prices and Deals 2026
Gaming-focused Gen5 from a motherboard giant. Massive heatsink included for sustained performance.
Quick Answer+
The Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 brings gaming aesthetics to Gen5 with a massive included heatsink. With 12,400 MB/s reads matching the T700, it offers sustained performance where others throttle. The large heatsink maintains temps but may conflict with GPUs in tight builds. NOT PS5 compatible - heatsink too large. Best for: Aorus/Gigabyte builds, cases with M.2 clearance, users wanting complete thermal solution.
- Gaming-focused Gen5 with Aorus styling
- Massive heatsink included - no throttling
- 12,400 MB/s - matches Crucial T700
- NOT PS5 compatible - heatsink too large
- Verify M.2 slot clearance before buying
The Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 brings PCIe 5.0 to the gaming market with aggressive styling and a massive included heatsink. As a motherboard manufacturer, Gigabyte understands thermal requirements - and they have addressed Gen5 heat with an oversized aluminum cooler.
With up to 12,400 MB/s read speeds, the Aorus Gen5 matches the Crucial T700 while including superior cooling out of the box. The distinctive design appeals to builders who want their components to make a statement.
The trade-off is size - the massive heatsink may interfere with GPU backplates or other components in tight builds. Also, the Crucial T705 now offers faster speeds at lower prices, though without an included heatsink. The Aorus Gen5 best suits builders who want a complete thermal solution and appreciate the gaming aesthetic.
Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 Specifications
| Specification | 1TB | 2TB | 4TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read | 10,000 MB/s | 12,400 MB/s | 12,400 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | 9,500 MB/s | 11,800 MB/s | 11,800 MB/s |
| Random Read | 1,200K IOPS | 1,500K IOPS | 1,500K IOPS |
| Random Write | 1,300K IOPS | 1,500K IOPS | 1,500K IOPS |
| Endurance (TBW) | 700 TBW | 1,400 TBW | 3,000 TBW |
| NAND Type | Micron 232-Layer 3D TLC | ||
| DRAM Cache | Yes (DDR4) | ||
| Controller | Phison E26 | ||
| Interface | PCIe Gen 5 x4, NVMe 2.0 | ||
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 (with large heatsink) | ||
| Heatsink | Included - Massive aluminum design | ||
| Warranty | 5 Years | ||
| PS5 Compatible | No - Heatsink too large for PS5 | ||
Aorus Gen5 Key Features
Massive Included Heatsink
Large aluminum heatsink with Aorus branding. Maintains performance under sustained loads where others throttle.
Complete Solution12,400 MB/s Sequential
Competitive Gen5 speeds. Matches Crucial T700 and approaches the bandwidth ceiling.
Gen5 PerformanceGaming Aesthetic
Aggressive Aorus design with angular heatsink. Matches Gigabyte motherboard styling.
Builder AppealPhison E26 Controller
Industry-standard Gen5 controller with proven firmware and broad compatibility.
Reliable PlatformUp to 4TB Capacity
Generous capacity options for gaming and content creation. Room for extensive libraries.
High CapacitySustained Performance
Thermal solution enables consistent speeds during long file transfers and gaming sessions.
No ThrottlingThe Aorus Heatsink - Benefits and Trade-offs
The defining feature of the Aorus Gen5 is its massive aluminum heatsink. Here is what you need to know:
Advantages
- Sustained performance: Where bare Gen5 drives throttle within minutes, the Aorus maintains speeds during long transfers
- No additional purchase: The heatsink is included - no aftermarket shopping required
- Aesthetic cohesion: Matches Gigabyte Aorus motherboards and components
- Quality construction: Thick aluminum with good thermal contact
Considerations
- Physical size: The heatsink is LARGE - may conflict with GPU backplates in top M.2 slot
- Not PS5 compatible: Far exceeds PS5 M.2 slot height limit
- Cannot remove easily: The heatsink is designed as permanent - removing voids thermal solution
- May block RAM slots: Verify clearance in your specific motherboard layout
Recommendation: Measure your M.2 slot clearance before purchasing. The heatsink extends approximately 22mm above the PCB - significantly taller than standard M.2 heatsinks.
Aorus Gen5 vs Gen5 Competition
| Drive | Price (2TB) | Seq. Read | Heatsink | PS5? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aorus Gen5 | ~$280 | 12,400 MB/s | Included (large) | No |
| Crucial T700 HS | ~$354 | 12,400 MB/s | Included (compact) | Yes |
| Crucial T705 | ~$240 | 14,500 MB/s | No | No |
| SK Hynix P51 | ~$389 | 14,700 MB/s | No | No |
Value Analysis: The Aorus Gen5 offers good value when you factor in the heatsink. However, the T705 is faster AND cheaper - adding a $20 aftermarket heatsink still costs less than the Aorus while providing superior performance.
Best Use Cases for Aorus Gen5
Ideal For
Aorus/Gigabyte Builds: If you are building around Gigabyte components, the aesthetic matches perfectly. The design complements Aorus motherboards and GPUs.
Clearance-Available Builds: Mid-tower and full-tower cases with roomy M.2 areas. Lower M.2 slots that do not conflict with GPU.
Sustained Workloads: Large file transfers, content creation, and scenarios where thermal throttling would be problematic.
One-Stop Solution Seekers: Buyers who want complete thermal solution included without aftermarket shopping.
Not Recommended For
PS5: The heatsink is far too large for PS5 M.2 slot. Use Crucial T700 with heatsink or Gen4 alternatives.
Compact Builds: ITX cases and tight layouts may not accommodate the heatsink size.
Top M.2 Slot (often): Many motherboards have interference with GPU backplates in the primary M.2 slot.
Value Seekers: The T705 + aftermarket heatsink is faster and cheaper.
Which Capacity Should You Buy?
1TB (~$180): Entry into Aorus Gen5. Lower speeds than larger capacities. Consider 2TB for better value per TB.
2TB (~$280) - Recommended: Best balance. Full 12,400 MB/s performance at reasonable price. Sweet spot for most users. Compare with 2TB alternatives.
4TB (~$500): Maximum capacity. Best for content creators with large project needs. Compare with 4TB options.
All Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 Prices - Sorted by $/TB
Compare all Aorus Gen5 capacity options. Prices updated hourly from Amazon.
| Product | Capacity | Price | $ / TB | Price Drop | Brand | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIGABYTE Aorus 2TB M.2 Solid State Drive Gen5 14000 (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4/NVMe 2.0) | 2.00 TB | $488.07 | $244.04 | +0% | GIGABYTE | NVMe |
| Gigabyte Aorus 1TB M.2 Solid State Drive Gen5 14000 (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4/NVMe 2.0) | 1.00 TB | $355.66 | $355.66 | +0% | GIGABYTE | NVMe |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Aorus Gen5 in PS5?
No. The Aorus Gen5 heatsink is far too large for PS5 M.2 slot. Additionally, PS5 only supports Gen4 speeds, making Gen5 drives unnecessary. Use the Crucial T700 with heatsink or Gen4 drives for PS5.
Is the Aorus heatsink removable?
Technically yes, but not recommended. The heatsink is designed as an integrated solution. Removing it eliminates the thermal solution the drive relies on, potentially causing throttling. If you need a bare drive, buy a different model.
Aorus Gen5 vs Crucial T705?
The T705 is faster (14,500 vs 12,400 MB/s) and cheaper ($240 vs $280 for 2TB). Adding a $20 heatsink to T705 still costs less than Aorus while providing better performance. The Aorus wins on convenience and aesthetics for Gigabyte builds.
Will the Aorus Gen5 fit my motherboard?
Measure first. The heatsink extends approximately 22mm above PCB. Check clearance from M.2 slot to nearest obstruction (GPU, RAM, chipset heatsink). Lower M.2 slots typically have better clearance than top slots near CPU.
Is Gigabyte reliable for SSDs?
Reasonably yes. Gigabyte is established in PC components and uses quality Phison controllers and Micron NAND. They lack the SSD-specific track record of Samsung or WD, but the 5-year warranty and component quality provide confidence.
Does my system support Gen5?
Gen5 M.2 requires Intel 12th gen+ with Z690/Z790, or AMD Ryzen 7000 with X670E/B650E. Verify your motherboard has a Gen5 M.2 slot - many only have one. Without Gen5 support, the drive runs at Gen4 speeds.