Introduction
Choosing the right storage upgrade can dramatically improve how fast and responsive your laptop or PC feels. With terms like “SSD” and “NVMe” often used interchangeably, it’s easy to assume newer is always better — but compatibility and real-world performance matter just as much.
Understanding what your device can actually handle helps you make a smart upgrade without paying for performance you’ll never see.
What Is NVMe and Why Does Generation Matter?
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a modern storage standard designed to take full advantage of PCIe connections, allowing data to be transferred far faster than traditional SATA SSDs.
NVMe drives are split into generations. While Gen 5 is beginning to appear in high-end desktops, Gen 3 and Gen 4 are the standards you’ll find in almost all laptops today.
Each generation roughly doubles available bandwidth. Gen 4 offers theoretical speeds of around 7,500 MB/s, compared to approximately 3,500 MB/s for Gen 3.
Can Most Laptops Handle Gen 4 NVMe Drives?
Yes — physically, most modern laptops can accept a Gen 4 NVMe drive. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll actually run at Gen 4 speeds.
- Gen 4 NVMe drives are fully backward compatible
- If your laptop only supports Gen 3, the drive will still work perfectly
- It will simply operate at Gen 3 speeds
This is common in laptops produced before 2022. Even some newer thin-and-light models deliberately cap storage speeds to improve battery life and manage heat.
To confirm your laptop’s capability, check the manufacturer’s specifications for “PCIe version” or use a free tool such as the Crucial System Scanner.
Will You Notice the Speed Difference?
For most everyday users, the honest answer is no. Tasks like booting Windows, opening applications, browsing the web, and light gaming feel almost identical on a good Gen 3 drive compared to Gen 4.
The biggest performance leap comes from upgrading away from mechanical hard drives or older SATA SSDs — not from chasing peak NVMe benchmark numbers.
Should You Still Buy a Gen 4 NVMe?
In many cases, yes — but only if the price difference is small.
Gen 4 drives are now often priced very close to Gen 3 models, making them a sensible option for:
- Future-proofing: Easily reuse the drive in a newer laptop later
- Heavy workloads: Video editing, large datasets, virtual machines
Recommendations: My Top Picks
The Best Overall: Crucial P310 (Gen 4)
For devices that support Gen 4, the Crucial P310 is my top recommendation. Crucial is one of the most reliable names in storage, and the P310 delivers consistently strong performance at a fair price.
It’s especially well-suited to laptops thanks to its power efficiency and cooler operation compared to many high-end gaming drives.
View Crucial P310 on Amazon →The Best Budget Upgrade: Crucial P3 (Gen 3)
If you’re looking to revive an older laptop, the Crucial P3 is an excellent value option. I recently used a 1TB P3 to upgrade an older Lenovo laptop, transforming it from a sluggish spare machine into a fast, usable workstation.
For laptops a few years old, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to dramatically improve responsiveness.
View Crucial P3 on Amazon →Final Thoughts
Whether you’re extending the life of an older laptop or maximising performance on a newer system, you can’t go wrong with either NVMe generation.
Just remember: don’t overpay for Gen 4 speeds if your laptop is only designed to run at Gen 3.
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