Crucial BX500 960GB

SSD Description

The Crucial BX500 960GB uses a DRAM-less architecture, commonly pairing a Silicon Motion controller (SM2258XT or SM2259XT) with Micron 3D NAND. The controller relies on aggressive SLC caching to mask native NAND write speeds. NAND configuration may vary between 96-layer TLC and QLC depending on production, which affects sustained write behavior. The drive is housed in a lightweight plastic enclosure that can insulate heat under sustained load, leading to higher controller temperatures and earlier thermal throttling. Newer 960GB units are often QLC-based, and once the SLC cache is exhausted sustained write speeds can fall to around 40–80 MB/s.

Key Specifications

• Interface: SATA III (6 Gb/s)
• Form Factor: 2.5" / 7mm
• Max Sequential Read/Write: 540 MB/s / 500 MB/s
• Controller: Silicon Motion SM2258XT or SM2259XT (DRAM-less)
• NAND Flash: Micron 3D NAND (Variable: TLC or QLC based on revision)
• Endurance (TBW): 240TB (varies by revision)
• Hardware Encryption: Not supported
• Physical Construction: High-impact plastic casing (No internal thermal pads)

Hardware Alternatives

• Kingston A400 960GB: A direct architectural rival in the DRAM-less SATA category. It utilizes a similar controller strategy (Phison S11 or SM2258XT) and exhibits similar performance degradation when the SLC cache fills.
• SanDisk SSD Plus: Functions as a primary competitor in this specific tier. Like the BX500, it lacks DRAM and frequently undergoes internal component changes between TLC and QLC without model number updates.
• Crucial MX500: The hardware relative utilizing the same Micron NAND manufacturing lines. However, the MX500 differs by including a dedicated DRAM cache and a Silicon Motion SM2258/2259 controller optimized for sustained performance and endurance.