Compatible CPUs and motherboards have existed since 2021. Multiple distributors introduced their first takes final summer time. AMD even mentioned throughout its Ryzen 7000 processor launch to count on fashions in November 2022. But blistering quick, face-melting PCIe 5 SSDs have but to truly materialize.

This level was pushed dwelling at CES 2023, the place a lot of the large PC information has remained centered on chip launches and laptops. If you have been wanting ahead to an enormous show of various PCIe 5 SSDs, your hopes have been upset. Vendors with earlier bulletins have largely stayed silent.

But glittering metropolis lights could lastly be in sight on the finish of this lengthy, winding street. CES 2023 has a minimum of yielded hints that concrete launches are across the bend. At MSI’s sales space, two PCIe 5 SSDs are on show (which you’ll be able to see for your self in Tom’s Hardware’s report)—and have an estimated launch date of Q2. The MSI Spatium 570 will hit 10GB/s learn and write speeds, whereas the Spatium 570 Pro can attain 12GB/s learn and 10GB/s write speeds.

Further studying: Best of CES 2023: The most intriguing and innovative PC hardware

Phison

And Phison, the corporate behind the SSD controller chips used industry-wide, is exhibiting off its new E26 controller’s efficiency chops by an PCIe 5 SSD engineering pattern. It’s able to double the bandwidth and a 30 p.c enchancment in latency in comparison with its Gen 4 tech. Phison can be exhibiting off its enterprise controller, which may exceed 14GB/s sequential learn and write speeds.

Given Phison’s partnerships—MSI, Corsair, Gigabyte, and Sabrent, to call just a few—a really prepared state for PCIe 5 drives is probably going approaching ultimately. That’ll be a welcome growth for everybody with large wallets and large file transfers. Current SSDs are still plenty speedy for gaming and on a regular basis computing, however when time is cash, PCIe 5 can’t arrive fast sufficient.

So maybe a bit of renewed hope is warranted—the Q2 estimate for these MSI drives could also be a bit of extra dependable than earlier guarantees. But solely time will inform.