Crucial now joins Samsung as another SSD manufacturer to start using 3D NAND flash with the release of the Crucial MX300 750GB Limited Edition SSD. Based on Micron’s 384 Gigabit 32-layer 3D TLC NAND, Crucial has targeted the MX300 750GB as a mainstream consumer SATA drive. In addition to using TLC, they have included all the features we expect to see in a MX series drive. As we get into testing the performance of this drive, we hope that Crucial have learnt from the performance lessons out of the TLC based BX200. Suggestions are that they have as this “limited edition” drive was released to market early so that Crucial could show off the speed and reliability of Micron’s new 3D NAND.
Crucial MX300 SSD specifications| Capacity | 750GB |
| Part Number | CT750MX300SSD1 |
| Box Contents | Crucial MX300 2.5-inch 7mm SSD, 7mm to 9.5mm spacer, Data migration software key |
| Sequential Read MB/s | 530 |
| Sequential Write MB/s | 510 |
| Random Read IOPS | 92k |
| Random Write IOPS | 83k |
| Endurance | 750GB drive: 220TB Total Bytes Written (TBW), equal to 120GB per day for 5 years |
| Life Expectancy (MTTF) | 1.5 million hours |
| Hardware Encryption | AES 256-bit encryption TCG Opal 2.0-compliant IEEE-1667-compliant Compatible with Microsoft® eDrive® |
| Data Transfer Software | Includes Acronis® True Image™ HD software for free data transfer |
| Advanced Features | Dynamic Write Acceleration Redundant Array of Independent NAND Multistep Data Integrity Algorithm Adaptive Thermal Protection Power Loss Protection4 Data Path Protection Active Garbage Collection TRIM Support Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (SMART) Error Correction Code (ECC) Device Sleep Support |
| Warranty | Limited three-year warranty |
Performance
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test was used on an iMac to test the performance of the MX300. We were able to achieve peak reads of 480MB/s and writes of 520MB/s under its multimedia tests. Whilst the peak read times were a little less than expected, the write speeds exceeded our expectations.
According to Micron, the larger NAND cells help improve performance which result in the higher sequential reads and writes. They also utilise Dynamic Write Acceleration, which is a pool of high-speed cell flash memory, to boost speeds. The Micron 3D NAND technology also provides an endurance rating of up to 220TB. That’s equivalent to 120GB/day for 5 years.
Final Thoughts
The Crucial MX300 750GB Solid State Drive is a great little performer for home users. The better than expected write speeds was also a nice little surprise. With improvements through firmware revisions and higher capacity versions on the way, for everyday consumers, this will definitely be one of the SSDs to keep an eye on.
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