Performance: 38 out of 40
By the PCIe 4 x4 standards the Crucial Pro T500 2TB is right up there with some of the best last generation premium models. That is to say you can expect to get down right fine levels of performance. Be it in OS and application load time scenarios where IOPS matter most, or more sequential r/w scenarios like where it is acting as a “D” or “Game drive”. Just, be aware that PCIe 5.0 models have surpassed PCIe 4 controller for a good reason. So, set your expectations accordingly.
Technological Innovation: 17 out of 20
Crucial really have been pulling out all the stops lately and the amount of innovation they have crammed into the T500 Pro series is impressive. A downright fine controller that is rather power efficient. Down right premium NAND. Really good firmware. There is a lot to be impressed with here. Sadly, by getting ‘fancy’ with the NAND ICs Crucial has left a little bit of performance on the cutting room floor. Mix in the fact that one should ignore the heatsink version and there is still room for improvement with Crucial’s mainstream Pro series option.
Build Quality & Warranty: 17 out of 20
As we stated in the T500 Pro 1TB review, Crucial are known for three things: their conservativism, their commitment to customer service, and their build quality. All of which have garnered them an enviable reputation. Ironically, the 2TB capacity w/ no heat-sink option also scores a two out of there here… as instead of worrying about press-fitted heatsink issues Crucial went and got ‘fancy’ and used two of the much more expensive B58R ICs instead of four of the cheap(er) B58R ICs. Yes, it would have made this a D2 instead of S2 but that would have doubled the CuA circuitry so as to be able to better handle emergency P/E cycles.
Value: 18 out of 20
With its combination of excellent price to performance ratio, its excellent warranty, and its ease of use there really is not much here to mar an otherwise excellently executed mainstream model. It simply oozes value and many a buyer will be hard pressed to justify the T70x Pro series when the T500 Pro can offer nearly as much for (relatively) so little!
Final Score: 90 out of 100
Much like the 1TB T500 Pro, the 2TB capacity variant is a pleasant surprise. One where you can get great (albeit by last generation standards) performance without the usual heat induced headaches. Just understand that it is a 4 channel based model, and top-notch NAND or not, the T700 and T705 Pro models are better for those with a true need for speed. For the rest of us? What the 2TB T500 Pro has to offer is more than merely ‘good enough’. Instead it simply is ‘good’. Color us impressed to say the least.
