Crucial BX300 Review

The all new BX300 series by Crucial is a very interesting series one that in many ways blurs the line between entry level ‘BX’ and mainstream ‘MX’ model designations. So much so you can almost consider it a ‘BX Plus’ model rather than just the successor to the BX200 series. Some of this is because the BX300 is indeed a great drive for its class, but a lot of it has to do with the fact that the MX300 is not so obviously over-powered compared to its actually more expensive BX siblings. The MX300 was the first MX (or even older ‘M’ for that matter) to rely upon a four channel instead of an eight channel SATA controller (like a BX always have used), and make use of TLC instead of MLC NAND. These were the two main ways Crucial have ‘always’ used to help differentiate an MX from a BX… and yet neither were used for the MX300.

With that being said there are key differences that still make the MX300 a superior drive for certain tasks, scenarios, and buyers. While the SM2258 controller inside the BX300 is a 4-channel controller like the MX300, the actual controller used is radically different. To be blunt, the MX300 model’s controller is more capable at higher workloads and when queue depths get hot and heavy. This combined with hardware (not firmware) based data loss protection means the BX300’s is designed for light duty tasks and the MX300 is for more intensive tasks. Mix in completely different firmware tuned for different scenarios and the MX300 is still the clear choice for enthusiasts on a budget (e.g. those on a tight budget who cannot afford NVMe based options) and those who simply hammer their drive with heavy loads (e.g. ‘multi-taskers’ who do a lot at the same time).

So where does this leave the new BX300? In a pretty darn good spot actually… bordering on being in the ‘catbird seat’. You see with the release of the BX300 Crucial has made their MX300 a rather niche drive – as value orientated consumers should opt for the BX300. It may cost a few cents more per Gigabyte of capacity but you do get noticeably more consistent performance than what the smaller MX300 drives can offer. Conversely, buyers who need more performance than the BX300 series offers may indeed be better served by a MX300 model… but they would be even better off with a NVMe instead of SATA based solution. In other words, the BX300 is the everyman SATA series that may not be perfect for all but for the average buying public it will indeed be a good choice at a good price. So, the wise and knowledgeable consumer should be on the lookout for this competition killer series.