Performance: 36 out of 40.
For all intents and purposes this drive acts more like a larger capacity model than it really is. This is all thanks to good NAND, a good controller and great firmware. This is why we consider its performance a step above average for the mainstream SATA class. That is to say very good, but not NVMe good.
Technological Innovation: 16 out of 20
Once again Crucial is pushing the boundaries and while we would love to see this new NAND in a NVMe drive there is no denying it is extremely fast for its class. This really is a nice showcase model for some rather interesting second-generation technology.
Build Quality & Warranty: 18 out of 20
While some will be less than enthused with the use of TLC instead MLC the MX300 is built to exacting standards – and the reliability specifications just underscore this. However, what sets this drive apart from the typical mainstream SATA drive is the warranty. Five years from one of the best in the industry really makes this drive the best MX released to date. TLC or not.
Value: 19 out of 20
The MX500 redefines value for the entire marketplace. Even ‘entry level’ budget drives are more expensive than this new model from Crucial and yet the MX500’s performance easily justifies its ‘mainstream’ branding. Brilliant stuff indeed.
Final Score: 89 out of 100
The very fact that Crucial was able to charge the same price per Gigabyte as the last generation just underscores who fantastic a value the new MX500 really is. Mix in performance that punches way above its weight and it is obvious that Crucial really out did themselves.
