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Crucial MX500 2.5-inch SATA solid state drive
Crucial (Micron)

Crucial MX500

Interface:
SATA III
NAND:
TLC with DRAM Cache
Availability:
Being Phased Out in Some Markets

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Manufacturer: Crucial (Micron) Last updated: September 8, 2026

Crucial MX500 (SATA III/2.5-Inch and M.2/TLC NAND with DRAM/Strong Value SATA Alternative) Review

The Crucial MX500 has long stood as a genuine peer to the Samsung 870 EVO covered elsewhere on this site, sharing the same TLC-with-DRAM architecture that delivers consistent, reliable SATA performance. Worth noting directly: this drive is being phased out or discontinued in many markets as the broader SATA category winds down, meaning availability can be inconsistent depending on region and retailer.

The Crucial MX500 has long stood as a genuine peer to the Samsung 870 EVO covered elsewhere on this site, sharing the same TLC-with-DRAM architecture that delivers consistent, reliable SATA performance. Worth noting directly: this drive is being phased out or discontinued in many markets as the broader SATA category winds down, meaning availability can be inconsistent depending on region and retailer.

Performance and Speed

Very strong real-world performance at the SATA interface's inherent ceiling matches what the Samsung 870 EVO delivers, with the MX500 historically priced slightly cheaper in many markets, a genuine value edge when both drives are actually available for comparison.

Form Factor Flexibility

Unlike some SATA competitors, the MX500 is available in both traditional 2.5-inch and M.2 SATA form factors, giving flexibility for both standard desktop/laptop bays and M.2 slots that don't support NVMe, a genuinely useful option for older laptops with an M.2 slot limited to the SATA protocol specifically.

Availability Considerations

This is worth stating plainly: because this drive is being phased out in many regions, buyers should confirm current stock and pricing carefully before committing, since availability inconsistency could mean either a great clearance deal or genuine difficulty sourcing the drive at all depending on timing and location.

Comparison to Sibling Products

Against the Samsung 870 EVO, covered elsewhere on this site, both deliver essentially equivalent real-world SATA performance from a similar TLC-plus-DRAM design, making the choice largely about price and availability at the moment of purchase rather than a meaningful capability gap. Against the WD Blue SA510, also covered elsewhere on this site, that drive is generally cheaper and suitable for basic upgrades, while this MX500 and the Samsung 870 EVO both deliver stronger sustained performance for a modest premium.

Who This SSD Is Actually For

Buyers who find this drive in stock at a genuinely competitive price against the Samsung 870 EVO. Performance-wise, either is a safe, strong choice.

Anyone needing an M.2 SATA form factor specifically for an older laptop's non-NVMe M.2 slot. A genuinely useful format option not every competitor offers.

Not for buyers who want maximum long-term availability confidence. Given this drive's phase-out status in various markets, the Samsung 870 EVO, covered elsewhere on this site, currently offers more consistent long-term sourcing.

Specifications

Identity

BrandCrucial (Micron)
Model NumberMX500
SeriesCrucial MX500

Interface and form

Drive TypeInternal
Bus InterfaceSATA III, 2.5-Inch and M.2 Form Factors Available
Bus InterfaceSATA III

Sequential performance

Sequential Read560 MB/s
Sequential Write510 MB/s

Controller and cache

ControllerSilicon Motion SM2258
Controller VendorSilicon Motion
DRAM CacheDRAM

NAND

NAND TypeTLC
NAND VendorMicron
NAND Layers96

Physical and commercial

Warranty5 Years
NANDTLC with DRAM Cache
AvailabilityBeing Phased Out in Some Markets

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Buyers who find this drive in stock at a genuinely competitive price against the Samsung 870 EVO. Performance-wise, either is a safe, strong choice.
  • Anyone needing an M.2 SATA form factor specifically for an older laptop's non-NVMe M.2 slot. A genuinely useful format option not every competitor offers.

Not for

  • Not for buyers who want maximum long-term availability confidence. Given this drive's phase-out status in various markets, the Samsung 870 EVO, covered elsewhere on this site, currently offers more consistent long-term sourcing.

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Crucial MX500 (SATA III/2.5-Inch and M.2/TLC NAND with DRAM/Strong Value SATA Alternative)?

The Crucial MX500 (SATA III/2.5-Inch and M.2/TLC NAND with DRAM/Strong Value SATA Alternative) is a component from Crucial (Micron). Key specs: Interface SATA III, 2.5-Inch and M.2 Form Factors Available, NAND TLC with DRAM Cache, Availability Being Phased Out in Some Markets.

Who is the Crucial MX500 (SATA III/2.5-Inch and M.2/TLC NAND with DRAM/Strong Value SATA Alternative) best suited to?

It suits buyers who find this drive in stock at a genuinely competitive price against the samsung 870 evo. performance-wise, either is a safe, strong choice., anyone needing an m.2 sata form factor specifically for an older laptop's non-nvme m.2 slot. a genuinely useful format option not every competitor offers..

What are the drawbacks of the Crucial MX500 (SATA III/2.5-Inch and M.2/TLC NAND with DRAM/Strong Value SATA Alternative)?

It is a poor fit for not for buyers who want maximum long-term availability confidence. given this drive's phase-out status in various markets, the samsung 870 evo, covered elsewhere on this site, currently offers more consistent long-term sourcing..

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