
Best 128GB PCIe 3.0 MLC SSDs
There are 7 128GB PCIe 3.0 MLC SSDs in our database — each linked via an Amazon search on its part number. The fastest is the Apacer Z280 at 2750 MB/s read, and the highest-rated for endurance is the Plextor M8PeY (768 TBW). Sequential reads across the group span 1900–2750 MB/s.
Why this configuration
A 128GB PCIe 3.0 MLC SSD is an affordable NVMe step up from SATA. Gen3 is roughly six times SATA's throughput yet often costs little more, making it the easy default for a first NVMe drive or a laptop that only supports Gen3.
At 128GB this is really a boot or cache drive rather than a main library.
Usually chosen for: budget builders, laptop upgraders and anyone leaving SATA behind.
Good fit: mainstream desktop and laptop builds.
Ranked list


Plextor M8PeG

OCZ RD400

OCZ RD400 AIC

Plextor M8PeGN

Apacer Z280

ADATA XPG SX8000
The parts, explained
128GB suits a boot drive or a light secondary disk.
PCIe 3.0 x4 reaches about 3,500 MB/s — plenty for everyday use and gaming, and cheaper than Gen4.
MLC NAND is older and costs more per gigabyte, but is very durable.
Common questions
How do the links to Amazon work here?
0 of the 7 drives listed have a direct product link; for the rest we link an Amazon search on the manufacturer part number, which lands on the right listing. We deliberately don't display stock or prices on this page — check both on Amazon, they change constantly.