Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD with Heatsink, Up to 7,100MB/s, PlayStation5, Laptop & Desktop (PC) Compatible, Solid State Drive - CT2000P310SSD5-01
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AI Verdict
This 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a 7,100 MB/s read speed and included heatsink is for gamers and casual users needing extra storage for PS5 or PC.
This 2TB Crucial P310 is a solid choice if you primarily need fast read speeds for gaming and general use, especially for a PlayStation 5 due to its integrated heatsink and 7,100 MB/s read speed. Its QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean it won't hold up to constant, heavy write tasks as well as more premium options.
If you're doing heavy video editing or frequent large file transfers, look for a drive with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache for better sustained performance and endurance.
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Pros
- Achieves 7,100 MB/s sequential read and 6,000 MB/s sequential write speeds, meeting PS5 requirements.
- Includes a pre-installed heatsink, fitting directly into a PlayStation 5 and automatically detected.
- Offers 2TB of storage, providing significant space for games and applications.
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems, allowing for broader upgrade options.
- Utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to compensate for its DRAM-less design.
Cons
- Uses QLC NAND, which generally results in lower endurance and slower sustained write performance compared to TLC NAND.
- Lacks dedicated DRAM, relying on HMB, which can impact performance during heavy, sustained workloads.
- The 440 TBW endurance rating for the 2TB model is considered low for heavy write tasks.
- Performance can drop during large data transfers or prolonged write sessions due to QLC and DRAM-less architecture.
Dimension Scores
It delivers 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds, which are at the higher end for Gen4 drives, but sustained write performance can be limited by QLC NAND and lack of DRAM.
The 440 TBW endurance rating for the 2TB model is on the lower side for a Gen4 drive, and QLC NAND generally has less longevity than TLC NAND.
2TB provides substantial storage for a large game library or extensive media, making it a significant upgrade for most users.
It's broadly compatible with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5, and offers backward compatibility with Gen3 systems.
Best For
- Expanding PlayStation 5 game storage without needing to buy a separate heatsink.
- PC gamers looking for a dedicated game drive with fast load times.
- Home users upgrading from older SATA SSDs for quicker bootups and application launches.
- Laptops or desktops that need a 2TB M.2 2280 Gen4 upgrade for general use.
Not Recommended For
- Users with heavy, continuous write workloads like video editing or large database operations.
- As a primary OS drive for systems demanding peak sustained performance.
- Enthusiasts seeking top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance that rivals drives with TLC NAND and DRAM.
Watch Out For
- The QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean sustained write speeds can dip significantly after the SLC cache fills, making it less suitable for transferring hundreds of gigabytes at once.
- Its 440 TBW endurance rating means it's not built for constant, heavy data writing over its lifespan, unlike higher-end drives.
- While it meets PS5 speed requirements, some users report other drives offer better performance or value for a similar price point.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DQBQZ9LX |
| Brand | Crucial |
| Color | Black |
| Series | P310 2280 NVMe SSD |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.23 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Crucial |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | CT2000P310SSD5-01 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Workstation |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.92 x 0.38 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Drive Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 22 Millimeters |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.92 x 0.38 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
What Buyers Say
Many users are picking this drive for its easy PS5 installation and the included heatsink, which saves them from buying one separately. While the 7,100 MB/s read speed is a big draw for faster game loading, some buyers note that the QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean it's not the best for heavy, continuous file transfers. It's often seen as a budget-friendly option that performs well enough for gaming and general use, but not for demanding professional workloads.
“Needed more space for my PS5 games, this thing just popped right in and works, no fuss. Games load quick enough for me, way better than deleting stuff all the time.”
Common Praise
- The heatsink is pre-installed and fits perfectly in the PS5.
- Games load noticeably faster on PS5 and PC.
- Installation is straightforward in both PS5 and PC.
- Provides a significant storage boost for the price.
- Meets or exceeds PlayStation 5's minimum speed requirements.
Common Complaints
- Sustained write performance can drop with large file transfers due to QLC NAND.
- The 440 TBW endurance rating is lower than some competing drives.
- Some users feel other drives offer better performance for heavy workloads at a similar price.
- Not ideal for an OS drive if you're doing constant, heavy operations.
Ownership Tips
- The heatsink keeps temperatures in check even during extended gaming sessions on PS5.
- You won't notice the QLC/DRAM-less limitations unless you're constantly moving huge files around.
- It's a 'set it and forget it' upgrade for console or PC game storage.
- The actual usable capacity after formatting is slightly less than 2TB, as expected with all drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this SSD work with PlayStation 5?
Yes, it's explicitly designed for PlayStation 5, meets the required 5,500 MB/s speed, and includes a heatsink that fits the console's M.2 slot.
Is the heatsink pre-installed?
Yes, the heatsink comes pre-installed, so you don't need to attach it yourself.
What kind of memory does this SSD use?
It uses QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND flash memory.
Does it have DRAM?
No, it's a DRAM-less SSD, but it uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to utilize a small portion of your system's RAM for caching.
Can I use this in a PCIe Gen3 system?
Yes, it's backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems, though it will operate at Gen3 speeds.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. If you're just loading games, booting Windows, and opening apps, the raw sequential read speed is what you'll feel most. But if you're constantly moving massive video files or doing professional-level work, the type of memory (QLC vs. TLC) and whether it has dedicated DRAM become super important for how long it can keep those high speeds. Don't overspend on features you won't use, but don't underspend if you need sustained performance.
Read/Write Speed (MB/s)
This is how fast the drive can pull information (read) or save information (write). Higher numbers mean faster game loading, quicker boot times for your operating system, and snappier application launches. Think of it like a highway: higher speeds mean less traffic and faster travel.
NAND Type (QLC vs. TLC)
This refers to how data is stored on the flash memory cells. QLC (Quad-Level Cell) stores more data per cell, making drives cheaper but generally less durable and slower for sustained writes. TLC (Triple-Level Cell) stores less data per cell, costing more but offering better endurance and consistent performance, especially for heavy tasks. It's like the difference between a compact car and a heavy-duty truck for carrying loads.
DRAM Cache
A dedicated DRAM cache acts like a fast scratchpad for the SSD controller, helping it manage data more efficiently, especially with many small files. Drives without DRAM (DRAM-less) use a portion of your system's RAM (HMB) instead, which works but isn't as performant for demanding, sustained operations. It's the difference between having a dedicated assistant for quick tasks versus sharing one with everyone else.
Alternatives
If you need more consistent performance for heavy professional workloads or higher endurance, look for PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs with TLC NAND and dedicated DRAM cache. For even faster speeds, consider Gen5 drives, but be aware of potential heat and cost.
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