INTRODUCTION

   Although SATA III SSDs (solid state drives) still hold the first place in global sales (not only thanks to their compatibility with much older systems but also because of their slightly better price/capacity ratio) the far smaller (and in some cases much faster) M.2 models rise in popularity every day. Of course unlike SATA SSDs M.2 models are currently available in "regular" (offer similar performance levels as their SATA brothers) and NVMe (enthusiast grade) types. We've tested some NVMe models in the past but never a "regular" M.2 model so since the latest MX500 SATA III SSD by Crucial which we reviewed a while back is also available in the M.2 form factor we decided to test it and see just how close (of far) it lands compared to its brother.

   Crucial.com is a leading online retailer specializing in computer memory (RAM) and solid state drives (SSD), and is operated by a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of computer memory products. Crucial.com offers more than 250,000 compatible products for nearly every computer system: home and business, old and new, PC and Mac® computers. Utilizing a suite of easy-to-use, free online tools, including the Crucial® System Scanner and the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool, crucial.com makes it easy to find a compatible upgrade to improve computer performance and restore system reliability.

   Just like last time the MX500 line of SSDs is based on Micron's 256Gbit 64-layer 3D TLC NAND flash and is currently available in 250GB/500GB/1TB/2TB capacities for the SATA III interface and 250GB/500GB/1TB for the M.2 2280 interface. This time over Crucial decided to equip the MX500 line with the same SM2258 quad-channel NAND controller by Silicon Motion which features various technologies including NANDXtend (error-correcting with data protection), Static Data Refresh (ensures data integrity), Direct-to-TLC and SLC Caching (algorithms for optimal sustained performance - Crucial uses a dynamic buffer), global wear leveling (algorithm which evens program/erase count and extends SSD lifespan), DevSleep (device sleep - power save), S.M.A.R.T, TRIM, NCQ, TCG Opal and hardware AES 256bit encryption. The MX500 line of SSDs also supports partial power loss protection (Crucial calls it power loss immunity and unlike previous MX models it's based on a combination of firmware improvements and capacitors), is covered with a 5 year limited warranty and features an MTBF (MTTF) of up to 1.8 million hours. Finally Crucial reports a write endurance of 100TBW for the 250GB model, 180TBW for the 500GB model, 360TBW for the 1TB model and 700TBW for the 2TB model.