Crucial P310 2TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop (PC), & Handheld Gaming Consoles, Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, Solid State Drive - CT2000P310SSD801
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AI Verdict
This 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD delivers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write, targeting casual gamers and home users.
This 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD is a solid choice for users looking for a budget-friendly speed upgrade for everyday tasks and gaming. Its 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds are a significant jump from Gen3, but the QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean it's not built for constant, heavy write cycles.
If you need top-tier sustained write performance and higher endurance for professional workloads, look for Gen4 NVMe SSDs with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache.
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Pros
- Achieves sequential read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,000 MB/s, significantly faster than Gen3 SSDs.
- Offers 2TB of storage capacity, providing ample space for AAA games, applications, and media files.
- Compatible with a broad range of devices including laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go.
- Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, adding value for data protection.
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind for its lifespan.
Cons
- Utilizes QLC NAND flash memory, which can lead to performance slowdowns during sustained, heavy write operations.
- Operates without a dedicated DRAM cache, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) which can impact performance in intensive workloads.
- Features a relatively low endurance rating of 440 TBW for the 2TB model, which is a concern for users with heavy write demands.
- Performance in random 4K workloads can be average compared to higher-end Gen4 drives.
Dimension Scores
The drive offers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds, which are strong for a mid-range Gen4 drive, but not top-tier compared to flagship Gen4 or Gen5 models.
While backed by a 5-year warranty, the 440 TBW endurance rating and QLC NAND raise concerns about long-term heavy write reliability compared to drives with higher TBW or TLC NAND.
A 2TB capacity is ample for most users, including gamers with large game libraries and those storing significant media or application files.
It boasts broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and specific handheld gaming consoles, plus backward compatibility with PCIe Gen3 systems.
Best For
- Upgrading a laptop or desktop for faster boot times and application loading.
- Expanding storage for a handheld gaming console like the ROG Ally X or Steam Deck.
- Serving as a secondary drive for game libraries or bulk media storage.
Not Recommended For
- Professionals requiring sustained, heavy write performance for large file transfers or video editing.
- Users needing the absolute fastest Gen4 speeds for competitive benchmarking or workstation tasks.
- Operating system drives in environments with continuous, high-volume write operations.
Watch Out For
- The 2TB model has a 440 TBW endurance rating, which some users consider abysmal for heavy write workloads.
- Performance can slow down during large, sustained file transfers due to its QLC NAND and DRAM-less design.
- While compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems, it will operate at Gen3 speeds, not fully utilizing its 7,100MB/s read capability.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DC8RVRBZ |
| Brand | Crucial |
| Color | Black |
| Series | P310 2280 |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.353 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Crucial |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | CT2000P310SSD801 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Workstation |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.86 x 0.09 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.86 x 0.09 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
What Buyers Say
Many users point out that despite its impressive sequential read and write speeds for a Gen4 drive, the Crucial P310's QLC NAND and DRAM-less design can lead to noticeable performance dips during sustained, heavy write operations. It's frequently praised for its value, offering Gen4 speeds at a price point that makes it accessible for system upgrades or secondary storage. Some users express concern over the relatively low 440 TBW endurance rating, suggesting it's not ideal for constant, intensive write tasks. The inclusion of Acronis software is a small bonus, but the main draw is the speed-to-cost ratio for everyday use.
“Man, this thing makes my old PC feel like a rocket for games and just opening stuff, but I wouldn't trust it for editing my huge video files all day, that TBW number makes me nervous.”
Common Praise
- Boot times for Windows and application loading, like Adobe Photoshop, are significantly faster.
- Game load times are noticeably quicker compared to older Gen3 or SATA drives.
- The 2TB capacity provides plenty of room for a large game library and other software.
- It's a cost-effective way to get into PCIe Gen4 speeds without spending a fortune.
Common Complaints
- Performance can drop off when transferring very large files continuously due to the QLC NAND and lack of DRAM.
- The 440 TBW endurance rating for the 2TB model is lower than many competitors, raising durability questions for heavy users.
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available, especially in random 4K performance benchmarks.
Ownership Tips
- The drive runs cool enough for most uses without a heatsink in a well-ventilated desktop, but can get warm in tight laptop spaces.
- Actual speeds in real-world scenarios, like copying a large game folder, are consistently faster than my old SATA SSD.
- The Acronis software included is mostly useful for migrating an existing OS, not a full backup solution.
- Even with the QLC and DRAM-less setup, for just playing games and general browsing, it feels snappy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with the PlayStation 5?
The product description mentions compatibility with select gaming consoles like ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. While it's a Gen4 drive, it does not explicitly list PS5 compatibility in the product specs, and PS5 often requires specific heatsink dimensions and performance profiles.
Does this SSD come with a heatsink?
The product title and key specifications do not mention a heatsink. While some reviews indicate heatsink versions exist, this specific model (CT2000P310SSD801) is likely the non-heatsink variant.
What is the difference between QLC and TLC NAND?
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND stores four bits per cell, making it more cost-effective but generally offering lower endurance and potentially slower performance during heavy writes compared to TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND, which stores three bits per cell.
Can I use this SSD in a PCIe Gen3 slot?
Yes, this SSD is backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems. However, it will operate at Gen3 speeds, meaning you won't get the full 7,100MB/s read performance.
Is the included Acronis Data Recovery Software a full version?
The product description states it 'Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software.' Typically, this is a limited or OEM version, often for data migration or basic recovery, not a full retail suite.
Buying Guide
When looking at SSDs, you're mainly concerned with how fast it can read and write data, and how much it can store. For a Gen4 NVMe drive like this, the 'up to' speeds are peak numbers, and real-world performance can vary, especially with sustained tasks. Pay attention to the NAND type (QLC vs. TLC) and whether it has DRAM, as these impact performance and longevity for different use cases. Don't overspend on extreme speeds if you're just gaming or browsing.
PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
This describes the connection type and physical size. PCIe Gen4 is the current mainstream high-speed standard, offering much faster data transfer than older SATA drives. NVMe is the protocol that allows these speeds, and M.2 2280 is a common, compact stick-like form factor that fits most modern motherboards and laptops.
Read/Write Speeds (e.g., 7,100MB/s read, 6,000MB/s write)
These numbers tell you how quickly the drive can access (read) and save (write) data. Higher numbers mean faster boot times, quicker game loading, and snappier application launches. Think of it like a wider highway for your data.
TBW (Terabytes Written)
This is an endurance rating, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its warranty expires or it's expected to degrade. A higher TBW means the drive can handle more writes, which is important for heavy users or those doing constant file transfers.
QLC NAND / DRAM-less
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) is a type of memory that's more affordable but can be slower and less durable than TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND, especially when the drive is nearly full or performing large writes. 'DRAM-less' means it doesn't have a dedicated cache, relying on your system's RAM (Host Memory Buffer) instead, which can also affect performance under heavy load.
Alternatives
If you need more consistent performance for professional tasks, search for Gen4 NVMe SSDs with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache. For even faster speeds, consider Gen5 NVMe drives, though they come at a higher price point.
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