Crucial T500 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The Crucial T500 (model CT500T500SSD8) is an internal M.2 solid state drive that uses the PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface. This 500GB version replaces or adds to the storage in a laptop or desktop, with the aim of shorter load times for games, large files and creative software. Here is what the numbers on the listing mean in everyday use.

What PCIe Gen4 NVMe means

NVMe is a protocol designed for flash storage, and it talks to the processor over PCIe lanes instead of the older SATA connection. SATA drives top out at roughly 550MB/s. A Gen4 NVMe drive has far more bandwidth to work with. Crucial describes the T500 as up to twice as fast as Gen3 drives. Gen4 drives also work in Gen3 slots, but then they are limited by the slot's speed.

Reading the speed figures

Crucial rates the T500 at sequential reads up to 7,200MB/s and sequential writes up to 5,700MB/s. Random performance is rated at up to 800K IOPS for reads and 1,390K IOPS for writes. Sequential speed matters when you copy big files, such as video footage or game installs. Random IOPS matter more for the small, scattered reads and writes that operating systems and applications make constantly.

"Up to" is the key phrase. Real speeds depend on the host system, the drive's free space, temperature and the type of workload. Brands normally measure these figures under ideal conditions.

Gaming and DirectStorage

Crucial says the T500 can load games up to 16% faster, and that it is enabled for Microsoft DirectStorage. DirectStorage is a Windows technology that lets a game load assets from the drive with less work from the CPU. It needs a game that supports it, along with a compatible system, so the benefit varies from title to title.

Content creation and power use

For creative work, Crucial says the drive offers up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps. The company also cites a performance-to-power ratio up to 40% better, and TLC NAND flash. In a laptop, an efficient drive can help keep heat and battery drain in check, though the effect depends on the whole system.

Size, capacity and fit

The T500 is a gumstick-style M.2 module, listed at about 3.1 inches (80 mm) long, which matches the common M.2 2280 length. It installs into an M.2 slot on a laptop, desktop or workstation motherboard. Crucial says the T500 is available in capacities up to 2TB. At 500GB, it suits an operating system, applications and a modest game library. People with large game collections or video projects often pick a bigger capacity.

Who it suits

It suits anyone upgrading from a SATA SSD or hard drive, builders who want a fast system drive, and laptop owners whose machine has a free or upgradeable M.2 slot.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type: confirm that your device has an M.2 slot that accepts NVMe (M key) drives, and the 2280 length.
• Generation: check whether the slot runs at PCIe Gen4 or Gen3, since this sets the real speed.
• Heat: many motherboards include an M.2 heatsink, and some laptops have tight clearances. Check the manual.
• Capacity: work out how much space your system, programs and files need, with room to spare.
• Games consoles: if you want to use it in a console, check that console maker's compatibility list first.
• Cloning or fresh install: decide how you will move your existing data across, and back it up first.

The short version

• Crucial T500 500GB internal M.2 NVMe SSD, model CT500T500SSD8.
• PCIe Gen4, rated at up to 7,200MB/s reads and 5,700MB/s writes.
• Random performance rated at up to 800K/1,390K IOPS.
• Enabled for Microsoft DirectStorage; TLC NAND.
• Fits laptops, desktops and workstations with a suitable M.2 slot.

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