Crucial MX300 M.2 525GB SSD Review

Final Thoughts

Pricing

At the time of writing, Crucial’s MX300 M.2 2280 SSD with 525GB can be yours for $124.99 at NewEgg, £122.99 at Scan Computers, and €117.18 through Geizhals.

Conclusion

Crucial once again convinced me with one of their SSDs. The M.2 version of the MX300 solid state drive performed just as well as the 2.5-inch counterparts. We saw an SSD that performed consistently across all fillage scenarios, file type, benchmark type, and with both compressible and incompressible data alike. While it isn’t the fastest drive in the charts, in fact, it comes in at the bottom of most charts, it is one of the most consistent performing drives tested. Even though it does come in below other drives in speed, it isn’t by much. When we look at the numbers themselves, we see that there isn’t much of a difference.

Feature wise, Crucial provides us with everything that we could want from such a drive – just like we’re used to from them. Basic features include everything from SMART and Active Garbage Collection over TRIM to DevSleep and ECC. Additional features include Dynamic Write Acceleration, Redundant Array of Independent NAND, Multistep Data Integrity Algorithm. The MX300 series also features Adaptive Thermal Protection, Power Loss Protection, Data Path Protection. A complete solution.

An added bonus to the MX300 is the included software features. The MX300 SSD is compatible with Crucial’s Storage Executive software which includes the Momentum Cache feature. By using a little of your system’s main memory, the software is able to boost the drive performance up to 10 times while increasing the lifespan of your drives by performing fewer writes. Crucial also added an activation key for Acronis True Image HD drive cloning software. With this, you can quickly and with ease, migrate your complete system drive onto this brand new MX300 M.2 525GB SSD. Overall, a great value. Especially when you consider that it is one of the cheapest drives available.

Pros

• Steady performance across all scenarios
• Up to 1TB capacity in M.2 2280 form factor
• Low price
• Momentum Cache function
• Bundled with Cloning Software
• Features everything from DevSleep to power loss protection.

Cons

• none

“Crucial’s MX300 M.2 2280 525GB SSD is an impressive drive for its price. You get a full set of features, high capacity, and a steady performance.”

Thank You, Crucial for providing us with this sample.