Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe, Up to 7,100MB/s, Internal Solid State Drive, Ideal for Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, MSI Claw, Mini PCs & Ultrabooks - CT1000P310SSD2
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AI Verdict
This 1TB M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write, ideal for handheld gaming consoles and compatible ultrabooks.
This SSD is purpose-built for compact devices, offering 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds in an M.2 2230 form factor. Its power-efficient design directly benefits handheld gaming consoles and ultrabooks by extending battery life.
If you need higher endurance for continuous heavy writes or larger capacities, look for 2280 NVMe SSDs with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache.
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Pros
- Achieves 7,100MB/s sequential read and 6,000MB/s sequential write speeds, providing fast data access.
- Compact M.2 2230 form factor fits handheld gaming consoles like Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
- Power-efficient design extends battery life in portable devices.
- Single-sided design ensures broad compatibility with space-constrained devices.
- Uses Phison E27T controller and Micron G8 NAND for Gen4 performance.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty and has a 220 TBW endurance rating for the 1TB model.
Cons
- Utilizes QLC NAND, which can have lower sustained write speeds after SLC cache is exhausted compared to TLC.
- Lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB).
- 1TB capacity might be limiting for users with extensive game libraries on handhelds.
- Endurance rating of 220 TBW for the 1TB model is lower than some premium drives.
Dimension Scores
Achieves 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write, placing it in the upper tier of Gen4x4 drives, especially for a 2230 form factor.
Built with Micron G8 NAND and thermal control, backed by a 5-year warranty, but uses QLC NAND which can have lower long-term endurance than TLC.
1TB is a significant upgrade for most handheld consoles and ultrabooks, providing ample space for AAA games and applications.
Specifically designed for broad compatibility with popular handheld gaming consoles and select ultrabooks due to its M.2 2230 form factor and single-sided design.
Best For
- Upgrading storage in Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and MSI Claw.
- Expanding storage in Microsoft Surface and select Dell laptops.
- Users needing a compact, high-speed NVMe SSD for mini PCs.
- Gamers prioritizing faster game load times and bootups on portable devices.
Not Recommended For
- Workloads requiring sustained, heavy writes over long periods due to QLC NAND and HMB.
- Desktop PC users where larger, often cheaper 2280 form factor drives are standard.
- Users who frequently transfer hundreds of gigabytes of data at once, potentially hitting SLC cache limits.
Watch Out For
- Sustained write speeds can drop to 200-500 MB/s after the 350GB SLC cache is exhausted during large file transfers.
- The 1TB model's 220 TBW endurance rating means writing more than 120GB daily for five years exceeds its warranty specification.
- While compatible, some users might find the installation process in handhelds like the Steam Deck requires careful handling.
- The absence of a dedicated DRAM cache might lead to slightly reduced performance in specific, demanding scenarios.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D61Z8R1W |
| Brand | Crucial |
| Color | Black |
| Series | P310 |
| Voltage | 28 Volts |
| Language | Italian |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.092 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Crucial |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | CT1000P310SSD2 |
| Compatible Devices | Handheld Gaming Consoles |
| Product Dimensions | 1.18 x 0.87 x 0.9 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | NVMe |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Hard Drive Interface | NVMe |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.18 x 0.87 x 0.9 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Standing screen display size | 16 Inches |
What Buyers Say
This 1TB M.2 2230 SSD punches above its weight, delivering speeds comparable to larger 2280 Gen4 drives, which is a pleasant surprise for its tiny footprint. Reviewers consistently highlight its suitability for handheld gaming devices, noting its single-sided design as a key factor for easy installation. While it uses QLC NAND and lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, real-world benchmarks show it maintains high performance for typical gaming and everyday tasks. The power efficiency is also a recurring point, helping to preserve battery life on portable systems.
“Dude, this little thing just transformed my Steam Deck, games load so fast now, and it actually fit without any drama, unlike some others I tried. Totally worth it.”
Common Praise
- Achieves near-advertised speeds, with some benchmarks showing 6,997MB/s read and 6,228MB/s write.
- Fits perfectly in Steam Deck and ROG Ally due to its M.2 2230 form factor and single-sided design.
- Performance is comparable to or even surpasses some larger 2280 Gen4 drives.
- Power efficiency helps extend battery life on handhelds.
- Installation is straightforward for compatible devices.
Common Complaints
- Sustained write performance can drop significantly after the SLC cache is filled (around 350GB).
- QLC NAND and lack of DRAM cache might concern users with very heavy, continuous write workloads.
- The 1TB capacity, while substantial, might still be filled quickly by large AAA game libraries.
- Endurance (TBW) is lower than some premium TLC drives.
Ownership Tips
- Games load noticeably faster, cutting down on waiting screens.
- The drive doesn't seem to generate excessive heat in handheld devices.
- Battery life on my ROG Ally feels about the same, maybe a tiny bit better, after the upgrade.
- Transferring a few large games at once can show the speed dip, but for everyday use, it's not an issue.
- The actual usable space is around 931GB, which is standard for a 1TB drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with the Steam Deck?
Yes, the Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 SSD is specifically designed for compatibility with handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and MSI Claw.
What are the read and write speeds of this SSD?
It offers sequential read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 6,000MB/s, providing fast game loading and system responsiveness.
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
No, the Crucial P310 uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology instead of a dedicated DRAM cache to optimize performance while maintaining its compact size and power efficiency.
What is the endurance rating (TBW) for the 1TB model?
The 1TB version has an endurance rating of 220 Terabytes Written (TBW), indicating the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifespan.
Will this SSD drain my handheld console's battery quickly?
No, it features a power-efficient design engineered for low power draw, which helps extend battery life on handheld consoles and laptops.
Can I use this in a regular desktop PC?
While technically possible with an adapter, this M.2 2230 form factor is primarily intended for compact devices. Desktop PCs typically use larger M.2 2280 drives, which often offer better value or performance for that form factor.
Buying Guide
When picking an SSD for a compact device like a handheld console or ultrabook, the physical size (form factor) is critical; you need an M.2 2230. Speed matters for game loading and system responsiveness, so look for high sequential read/write numbers. Also, consider power efficiency to keep your battery going longer, and ensure the drive is single-sided if space is tight.
M.2 2230 Form Factor
This is the physical size of the SSD, like how a specific shoe size fits your foot. Many handhelds and ultrabooks only have space for this tiny 22mm x 30mm drive, so a larger one simply won't fit.
PCIe Gen4 NVMe Interface
This is the connection type and speed standard, like the highway your data travels on. Gen4 is a much wider, faster highway than older Gen3 or SATA connections, meaning your games and apps load way quicker.
Sequential Read/Write Speeds (e.g., 7,100MB/s read, 6,000MB/s write)
These numbers tell you how fast the drive can move large files, like copying a big game. Higher numbers mean less waiting for games to load or for your system to boot up.
QLC NAND
This refers to the type of memory cells used. QLC stores more data per cell, making drives more affordable, but it can sometimes mean slower performance during very large, continuous writes compared to TLC NAND.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't fit your needs, look for M.2 2230 drives with TLC NAND for potentially better sustained write performance and higher endurance, or larger capacities if 1TB isn't enough for your library.
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