Crucial T700 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD: speeds, cooling and compatibility

The Crucial T700 is a PCIe 5.0 NVMe solid-state drive in the M.2 format. This 1TB model, CT1000T700SSD3, is aimed at fast gaming PCs and creative workstations that handle large files, such as video, photos and 3D projects.

What PCIe 5.0 means for an SSD

PCIe is the connection between the SSD and the rest of the computer, and each generation roughly doubles the available bandwidth. Crucial rates the T700 at up to 11,700MB/s sequential reads and 9,500MB/s sequential writes, and up to 1,500K random read and write IOPS. Crucial compares that with the 6,600MB/s of its Gen4 P5 Plus and the 560MB/s of its SATA MX500. These are the brand's maximums, measured with CrystalDiskMark under set conditions, and real-world results vary with the system.

Sequential speeds describe large files moving in one go. Random IOPS describe many small reads and writes, which matter for operating systems and applications.

DirectStorage and gaming

The T700 is built for Microsoft DirectStorage, a Windows technology that lets a game's data go from the SSD to the graphics card with much less work by the processor. Crucial says this can mean up to 60% faster texture rendering and reduced load times, and up to 99% less CPU use in heavy workloads. It needs supporting software, such as a game that uses DirectStorage, and a compatible graphics card.

NAND and capacity

Crucial says the drive uses its own Micron 232-layer TLC NAND, and that it is made for Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms. The family goes up to 4TB. This model has 1TB, and some of that is used for formatting, so usable space is a little less.

Cooling matters

Gen5 drives run hot. Crucial states that the T700 must be installed with a heatsink and access to airflow. Many motherboards have an M.2 heatsink, and Crucial sells versions with a heatsink included, so check which one you have. Without cooling, a drive typically slows down to protect itself.

Compatibility

The drive is backward compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 motherboards, but it will run at the speed that the slot supports, so you won't see Gen5 numbers in an older slot. It uses the M.2 2280 form factor, and the listing gives dimensions of about 3.1 x 0.9 x 0.2 inches.

Who it suits

It suits builders with a Gen5-capable motherboard who regularly move very large files or want a system ready for DirectStorage games. For everyday office use, the extra speed is unlikely to be noticeable.

What to check before you buy

• Motherboard slot: confirm you have an M.2 slot with PCIe 5.0 x4, if you want full speed.
• Heatsink: check whether your motherboard has one, or buy the version with one fitted.
• Clearance: make sure the heatsink fits under your graphics card and other parts.
• Airflow: plan for case airflow over the drive.
• Capacity: decide whether 1TB is enough for your games and projects.
• Warranty: read the terms on years and written-data limits.

The short version

• A 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD from Crucial.
• Rated at up to 11,700MB/s reads and 9,500MB/s writes.
• DirectStorage ready, with Micron 232-layer TLC NAND.
• Needs a heatsink and good airflow.
• Backward compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 slots, at lower speeds.

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