Corsair MP700 Micro 4TB SSD: A Tiny M.2 2242 Powerhouse
▼ Summary
– The Corsair MP700 Micro is a top-performing, power-efficient SSD in the M.2 2242 form factor, offering up to 4TB in a single-sided design.
– Its performance is driven by the Phison E31T controller and Kioxia TLC flash, delivering high sequential speeds and excellent random read performance.
– The drive’s main appeal is its unique 4TB capacity in such a small form factor, though its niche size and current market conditions affect its broader appeal.
– Current memory market trends, including rising prices and a shift toward enterprise AI, may limit competition and availability for such high-capacity, niche drives.
– Despite the niche market and challenging timing, the MP700 Micro is highly recommended for users specifically seeking maximum capacity and performance in the M.2 2242 size.
Corsair’s MP700 Micro 4TB SSD delivers exceptional performance and massive capacity in a compact M.2 2242 form factor, making it a top-tier choice for small-form-factor PC builds and handheld gaming devices. This drive stands out by packing up to 4TB of storage onto a single-sided board without sacrificing speed or efficiency. It leverages a powerful Phison E31T controller and high-quality Kioxia TLC flash, achieving sequential read speeds up to 10,000 MB/s. For enthusiasts seeking to maximize storage in tight spaces, this SSD represents a significant engineering achievement.
Currently, the drive is available in 4TB and 2TB capacities. The 4TB model is particularly noteworthy as it achieves this high density in the short 2242 format, a feat that sets it apart from many competitors. Pricing sits at $219.99 for the 2TB version and $484.99 for the 4TB model. Given the current trends in the memory market, with rising costs and shifting manufacturer priorities, this pricing is competitive for a drive of this caliber. The performance is robust, with sequential write speeds reaching 8,500 MB/s and strong random read/write operations. It’s backed by a standard five-year warranty.
The drive’s design is a key advantage. Its single-sided construction allows for easier installation in space-constrained systems, such as certain laptops, handheld PCs, or compact desktops. The use of Kioxia’s 218-layer BiCS8 TLC NAND flash contributes to both strong performance and excellent power efficiency, with an active power draw of just 5.9W. Corsair supports the drive with its SSD Toolbox software for Windows, which provides health monitoring, secure erase, and cloning utilities.
While the MP700 Micro excels, its launch coincides with a challenging period for storage. Broader industry shifts, like Micron’s focus on enterprise AI markets, are tightening the supply of high-end flash memory. This context makes a specialized product like this somewhat of a luxury. Furthermore, the M.2 2242 form factor itself serves a niche audience. Not every user requires 4TB in such a small package, and game developers are working to reduce installation sizes, which could make smaller capacities more practical again.
Nevertheless, for its intended audience, the drive has few rivals. The combination of the efficient Phison E31T controller and premium flash creates a package that doesn’t force a compromise between size, speed, and capacity. Competition in this specific segment is minimal, giving Corsair a notable early-mover advantage. The company may have secured favorable access to components, allowing it to release a product that currently stands alone. Whether you’re upgrading a Steam Deck, a compact laptop, or a small-form-factor PC, the MP700 Micro 4TB is a compelling, high-performance solution that makes the most of limited physical space.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
