Crucial T710 2TB SSD Review: A Subdued Powerhouse
▼ Summary
– The Crucial T710 is a high-end PCIe 5.0 SSD that succeeds the T705, offering significantly improved power efficiency and reduced heat output but minimal performance gains.
– It uses a newer, more efficient Silicon Motion SM2508 controller and Micron 276-layer TLC flash, making it suitable for laptops and HTPCs without requiring active cooling.
– The T710 is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities with MSRPs starting at $179.99, and a heatsink version is recommended for optimal performance in desktops.
– It boasts sequential read/write speeds up to 14,900/13,800 MB/s and random read/write speeds up to 2,200K/2,300K IOPS, with the 1TB model having the highest sequential read rating.
– While not the fastest or cheapest PCIe 5.0 option, the T710 carves out a niche for users prioritizing power efficiency and future-proofing across various systems.
Crucial’s T710 2TB SSD steps into the high-performance storage arena not with a dramatic speed boost, but with a focus on refined power efficiency and thermal management. While it doesn’t surpass its predecessor, the T705, by a wide margin in raw throughput, it brings meaningful upgrades for users who prioritize cooler operation and lower energy draw, especially in compact or portable systems.
This drive leverages a newer controller and advanced TLC NAND flash to deliver top-tier PCIe 5.0 performance without the extreme heat output that plagued earlier generations. Where many competing drives still demand active cooling or hefty heatsinks, the T710 manages to maintain stability with minimal cooling, a significant advantage for laptop users or anyone building a quiet, small-form-factor PC.
Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, the T710 offers sequential read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s and writes up to 13,800 MB/s, placing it among the fastest drives on the market. Its use of Micron’s 276-layer TLC flash enables strong parallel performance, particularly in the 1TB model, which outperforms some rivals in write throughput. Endurance ratings are solid, with warranties covering up to 600TBW per terabyte over a five-year period.
Where the T710 truly shines is in its everyday usability. The drive’s single-sided design ensures broad compatibility, and its improved idle power consumption makes it a realistic option for mobile workstations. Even when used in a PCIe 4.0 slot, it remains blisteringly fast, though you won’t tap into its full Gen5 potential without the corresponding hardware.
Software support includes Acronis True Image for easy data migration and Crucial’s Storage Executive utility for drive health monitoring and firmware updates. These are standard offerings, but they get the job done reliably.
While the T710 isn’t the cheapest Gen5 SSD available, it strikes a compelling balance between peak performance, power efficiency, and thermal behavior. It may not be the right choice for budget-focused builders, but for professionals, creators, or enthusiasts who want leading-edge speed without the noise and heat, it’s a standout option.
The drive uses the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller, which has already proven its merits in other flagship SSDs like the WD_Black SN8100. Paired with LPDDR4 cache and Micron’ latest flash technology, the T710 delivers a responsive and consistent experience whether you’re moving large files, loading applications, or working with demanding creative software.
Ultimately, the Crucial T710 doesn’t seek to reinvent the wheel, it perfects it. If you’re looking for a high-performance SSD that runs cool, sips power, and delivers reliable speed across a range of use cases, this drive deserves serious consideration.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
