Crucial P510 NVMe SSD: Performance & Speed Tested
▼ Summary
– The Crucial P510 is a budget-friendly PCIe 5.0 SSD featuring Micron’s 276-layer NAND and Phison’s E31T controller, offering strong price-to-performance ratios.
– The P510’s use of in-house Micron NAND reduces costs and improves density, allowing for competitive pricing at $100 for the 1TB model.
– Sequential performance is exceptional (10,973 MB/s read, 9,394 MB/s write), but random 4K workloads are average compared to similar drives like Corsair’s MP700 Elite and Kioxia’s Exceria Plus G4.
– The Phison E31T controller improves efficiency and reduces temperatures compared to earlier PCIe 5.0 drives, with the P510 staying under 70°C during testing.
– The P510 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking balanced performance but isn’t suited for those prioritizing top-tier flagship SSD speeds.
The Crucial P510 NVMe SSD delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price, making it a standout choice for gamers and PC builders looking for fast storage without breaking the bank. Combining Micron’s high-density 276-layer NAND with Phison’s efficient E31T controller, this drive offers blazing sequential speeds while keeping temperatures in check, a rare feat for early PCIe 5.0 SSDs.
What sets the P510 apart is its exceptional value proposition. Unlike competitors relying on third-party NAND, Crucial leverages its in-house Micron flash, cutting costs without sacrificing quality. The 1TB model retails for just $100, undercutting rivals like Corsair’s MP700 Elite while delivering superior sequential performance, clocking in at nearly 11,000 MB/s reads and 9,400 MB/s writes in benchmarks.
However, the drive isn’t without compromises. Random 4K performance, crucial for everyday tasks and game loading, falls into the middle of the pack. Tests show it trailing slightly behind competing drives with the same controller, suggesting that raw NAND speed doesn’t always translate to snappier real-world responsiveness. Still, for most users, the difference will be negligible, especially given the P510’s thermal efficiency. Unlike early PCIe 5.0 drives that demanded bulky heatsinks or noisy fans, this SSD stays cool, peaking at 64°C under load, a testament to Phison’s refined 7nm manufacturing process.
Who should consider the P510? It’s ideal for budget-conscious builders who want PCIe 5.0 speeds without flagship pricing. While it won’t dethrone high-end drives like the WD SN8100, its balanced performance and affordability make it a smart upgrade for mainstream systems.
On the flip side, enthusiasts chasing absolute peak performance may find the P510’s middling random speeds underwhelming. But for those prioritizing value, efficiency, and solid sequential throughput, Crucial’s latest offering hits the sweet spot, proving that budget SSDs no longer mean sacrificing speed.
Ultimately, the P510 feels like a throwback to the early days of SSDs, when affordable models first convinced users to ditch hard drives. With competitive pricing, strong sustained speeds, and reliable thermals, it’s a compelling reason to make the jump to PCIe 5.0, especially if you’re still running an older NVMe or SATA drive.
(Source: PCGAMER)
