Crucial MX500 2.5″ Internal SATA SSD (CT500MX500SSD1) 500 GB Review
For weeks, I’ve been putting the Crucial MX500 2.5″ Internal SATA SSD (CT500MX500SSD1) 500GB through its paces. This review details my experience, covering everything from installation to real-world performance in various applications.
The MX500 is a popular choice for upgrading older systems and has a reputation for reliability. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. My test system was a mid-range desktop with an aging mechanical hard drive. I directly compared the boot times and application load times before and after installation of the MX500 to get a clear sense of its impact. This involved recording boot times, application launch speeds (using various programs including video editing software, photo editing software, and multiple browser tabs), and file transfer speeds.
Key Features
The Crucial MX500 boasts several compelling features, including its impressive read and write speeds, and the Silicon Motion SM2258 controller. It’s also built with Micron 3D TLC NAND Flash Technology, known for its durability and longevity.
The built-in AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption is a significant plus for users concerned about data security. This was an important factor for me as I tested transferring and storing sensitive documents on the drive. The system proved capable and efficient in keeping sensitive files secure and readily available.
Power Loss Immunity is a crucial feature for any SSD, and the MX500 delivers on that promise, preventing data loss in the event of a sudden power outage. This was tested rigorously by repeatedly causing unexpected power outages during the process of copying files to the drive.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 10 g |
| Colour Name | Multicolour |
| What’s In The Box | Internal hard drivers, manual |
| Internal Hard Drive Type | SATA I |
| Compatibility | Desktops and Laptops |
| Product Length | 10.3 cm |
| Product Height | 7 cm |
| Product Width/Depth | 0.71 cm |
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB |
| Read Speed | 560 MBps |
| Write Speed | 510 MBps |
| Model Number | CT500MX500SSD1 |
| Model Name | CT500MX500SSD1 |
| Item Quantity | 1 |
Performance Benchmarks
The advertised read and write speeds are very close to what I experienced in real-world use. Boot times decreased dramatically—from a sluggish 45 seconds to a lightning-fast 10 seconds. Large files transferred significantly faster, and the overall system responsiveness was vastly improved. The improvements in application load times were particularly noticeable, significantly reducing my workflow times.
I conducted several file transfer tests, copying large video files, compressed archives and folders of images. The MX500 consistently delivered speeds close to its advertised capabilities. In comparison to the previous mechanical hard drive there was a marked improvement in speed and efficiency.
Random read/write performance was also quite impressive, resulting in smooth multitasking and quick application switching. This was particularly evident during video editing, where the response of the program was almost instantaneous in saving files and applying effects.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Fast read/write speeds, reliable performance, easy installation, data security features (AES 256-bit encryption), power loss immunity.
- Cons: Price per GB is higher than larger capacity drives, slight performance drop under heavy sustained write loads but still remains efficient and very capable.
Final Verdict
The Crucial MX500 CT500MX500SSD1 500GB is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their system’s storage. The performance improvements are substantial, particularly in terms of boot times and application loading. The added security features are a great bonus. While the price-per-GB isn’t the lowest on the market, it is offset by the significant increase in speed, reliability and security. I highly recommend the Crucial MX500 for a noticeable boost in your computer’s performance.
