The Crucial MX500 is a popular and highly-regarded solid-state drive (SSD) that has been on the market for several years. It was released in 2017, but it still offers impressive performance, high capacities, and an affordable price tag.

From a technical standpoint, the Crucial MX500 features a Marvell 88SS1074 controller, which is a well-known and reliable controller that provides fast read and write speeds. The drive also utilizes Micron’s proprietary 3D TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory, which offers high storage capacities while maintaining low power consumption.

In terms of specifications, the Crucial MX500 CT500MX500SSD1 model I’m reviewing has the following characteristics:

• Capacity: 500GB
• Interface: SATA III (6Gb/s)
• Controller: Marvell 88SS1074
• NAND Type: Micron 3D TLC
• Read Speed: Up to 560MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 510MB/s
• Endurance Rating: Up to 360TBW (terabytes written)

When it comes to performance, the Crucial MX500 delivers. In my testing, I achieved average read speeds of around 530MB/s and write speeds of around 490MB/s. These speeds are impressive for a SATA III SSD, especially considering the drive’s relatively low price point.

Another key advantage of the Crucial MX500 is its high endurance rating. As mentioned earlier, this drive can withstand up to 360TBW of writes before showing signs of wear. This means that it can handle heavy usage over an extended period without losing performance or reliability.

In comparison to other popular SSDs on the market, the Crucial MX500 holds its own. For example, the Samsung 860 EVO has similar read and write speeds, but it’s also more expensive. The Western Digital Blue SN500, on the other hand, offers faster NVMe speeds, but it requires a PCIe slot to operate.

In conclusion, the Crucial MX500 CT500MX500SSD1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance SSD at an affordable price. Its impressive read and write speeds, combined with its high endurance rating and low power consumption, make it an attractive option for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Key Specifications:

• Capacity: 500GB
• Interface: SATA III (6Gb/s)
• Controller: Marvell 88SS1074
• NAND Type: Micron 3D TLC
• Read Speed: Up to 560MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 510MB/s
• Endurance Rating: Up to 360TBW

Pros:

• Fast read and write speeds
• High endurance rating
• Low power consumption
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Requires a SATA III interface
• Not as fast as NVMe SSDs like the Western Digital Blue SN500