Orico OS5 Review: Mid-Range PCIe 4.0 SSD with Powerful Heatsink

Overview of the Orico OS5 NVMe SSD

The Orico OS5 NVMe SSD is a unique product that stands out for its design and affordability. It features a large, stylish heatsink that not only enhances its appearance but also helps in managing heat efficiently. This 2280 form factor SSD is designed to work with PCIe 4.0 technology and uses a host memory buffer (HMB) for primary caching instead of traditional DRAM.

Key Features of the Orico OS5

• Design: The OS5 comes with a substantial heatsink, which is typically an extra cost on other SSDs. This makes it a more appealing option for those who value aesthetics.
• Performance: The SSD utilizes a Maxio 1602A controller and 144-layer TLC NAND. It can dedicate around 35% of its capacity to secondary cache, effectively using it as single-bit SLC.
• Warranty: Orico offers a five-year warranty, which is standard in the industry. The drive also has a 600TBW (terabytes written) rating per terabyte of capacity, which is average for this type of NAND.

Pricing and Value

The Orico OS5 is available in various capacities:

• 1TB: $90
• 2TB: $160
• 4TB: $280

These prices are competitive, especially considering the included heatsink, which usually costs between $10 and $15. While not an outright bargain, the OS5 offers good value for money, particularly for those looking for a stylish and functional SSD.

Performance Analysis

In our testing, the OS5 showed mixed results. It ranked fourth among six PCIe 4.0/HMB SSDs, which is decent but not outstanding. The performance was affected by its 1TB capacity, as most of the tested drives were 2TB or 4TB. This led to quicker exhaustion of the secondary cache during write operations.

CrystalDiskMark 8 Results

• Sequential Transfer Tests: The OS5 performed well in these tests, showing competitive speeds.
• 4K Numbers: The results were adequate, though not exceptional, suitable for most everyday tasks.

Real-World Testing

During file transfer tests, the OS5 was generally on par with other HMB-designed SSDs like the Lexar 2280 Play SE, Teamgroup MP44Q, and WD Blue SN5100. However, during the 450GB write test, the OS5 lagged behind due to its smaller capacity and limited secondary cache.

Despite this, the OS5 maintained a reasonable speed of around 1GBps after the secondary cache was exhausted, which is better than some older technologies.

Should You Buy the Orico OS5?

While the OS5 is not optimal for the PS5, it still performs adequately for most tasks. Its main drawback is the lack of support for HMB on the PS5, which means it will operate off the console's secondary cache. This might be a concern for users who prioritize maximum performance.

However, if you're looking for a stylish and affordable SSD, the OS5 could be a good choice, especially if you find it at a favorable price. The design and value proposition make it a viable option for many users.

Testing Methodology

Our testing process involves using Windows 11 24H2, a Core Ultra i5 225 CPU, and two Crucial 64GB DDR5 4800MHz modules. We use synthetic benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark 8.04, AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 to evaluate performance. Additionally, we conduct real-world tests with 48GB and 450GB transfers using both Windows Explorer and FastCopy.

We also use a 20GBps two-SSD RAID 0 array for transfer tests and ensure each drive is NTFS-formatted and newly TRIM’d for optimal results. Note that performance may vary as drives fill up, affecting secondary caching and overall speed.

Final Thoughts

The Orico OS5 NVMe SSD offers a balance of design, performance, and affordability. While it may not be the fastest option, it provides good value for users who appreciate its aesthetic and functionality. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish SSD, the OS5 is worth considering, especially if you can find it at a competitive price.