Crucial T700 1TB Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD Review

Unleashing Next-Gen Performance but with Some Caveats for Power Users

The Crucial T700 1TB Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD is designed to offer cutting-edge speed and performance for demanding workloads, but while it excels in some areas, it also comes with certain trade-offs that users should carefully consider before upgrading to this next-generation storage device.


Design and Build Quality

The Crucial T700 has a sleek, modern design that includes an optional heat sink, catering to users who need high-performance thermal control for sustained workloads.

Compared to other high-end Gen5 drives like the Samsung 990 Pro, the T700’s build quality is sturdy, but the heat sink’s bulk might pose compatibility issues in smaller setups, especially compact builds where space is limited.

The design is clearly focused on functionality, though it lacks some of the aesthetic flair seen in premium gaming SSDs.

Performance and Speed

The advertised sequential read speeds for the Crucial T700 reach up to a staggering 12,400 MB/s, with write speeds up to 11,800 MB/s, showcasing the raw power of PCIe Gen5 technology.

During testing, the T700 delivered exceptional performance in large file transfers, booting times, and loading heavy applications, surpassing most Gen4 drives like the WD_BLACK SN850X by a wide margin.

However, the real-world difference between Gen5 and high-end Gen4 drives may not be immediately noticeable in everyday tasks unless you’re working with very large files or demanding software environments.

Real-World Use Case

When tested in real-world scenarios like launching games, editing 4K video files, and handling data-heavy multitasking, the Crucial T700 performed admirably with minimal delays, but for general everyday tasks, it was hard to differentiate the experience from high-end Gen4 drives such as the Seagate FireCuda 530.

The Gen5 advantage becomes more apparent when pushing the SSD to its limits, but casual users or even gamers may not fully utilize the potential unless they are consistently working with large, demanding files.

Gaming Performance

The T700 significantly reduces game load times, making it a strong contender for serious gamers, particularly in large open-world titles where fast read/write speeds are critical for smooth in-game streaming.

Compared to the Samsung 990 Pro, which is also a high-performance Gen5 SSD, the T700 holds its own, though the difference in gaming performance is marginal in most cases.

The improvement over Gen4 drives like the WD Black SN770 is more pronounced, but not as revolutionary as one might expect, especially for users upgrading from a premium Gen4 drive.

Thermal Performance

Thermal management is a key concern with Gen5 SSDs, and the Crucial T700 is no exception.

During intense tasks, the drive generates considerable heat, and while the optional heat sink does a reasonable job of keeping temperatures in check, there were occasional thermal throttling issues when pushing the SSD for extended periods.

Compared to competitors like the Corsair MP700, which also offers advanced thermal solutions, the T700 runs a bit warmer, so users with poor case airflow might want to reconsider this drive or ensure their system is optimized for cooling.

Durability and Endurance

The endurance rating of the Crucial T700 is 600TBW (Total Bytes Written), which is standard for a 1TB SSD at this performance level, though slightly lower than some competitors like the Kingston Fury Renegade, which offers a higher TBW.

For most users, this rating will be more than sufficient for years of regular use, but heavy users who write large volumes of data daily may find better value in SSDs with higher endurance ratings.

For content creators or professionals working with extensive media libraries, this may be a point of concern when choosing the right SSD.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation of the T700 is straightforward, and it is compatible with most modern motherboards that support PCIe Gen5 slots.

Users should note, however, that without a Gen5 slot, they will not be able to take full advantage of the drive’s speed, as it will default to Gen4 performance levels.

This means that unless you're upgrading your entire system to take full advantage of Gen5 technology, you might be better off with a high-end Gen4 drive like the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, which offers excellent speeds at a lower price point.

Power Consumption

The Crucial T700’s power consumption is higher than that of Gen4 SSDs, which is expected due to its increased speed and performance capabilities.

While this isn’t a major concern for desktop users, those installing the T700 in laptops should be aware that the drive’s higher power draw can impact battery life.

In comparison, the Samsung 990 Pro is more power-efficient, making it a better option for users prioritizing energy savings.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

While the Crucial T700 is undeniably fast, its high price point may not justify the performance gains for everyone.

The price-to-performance ratio is less favorable compared to top-tier Gen4 drives, such as the WD_BLACK SN850X, which provides nearly similar real-world performance at a lower price.

For users who are not heavily reliant on the extreme speeds of Gen5, sticking to a high-end Gen4 SSD might offer better overall value.

Downsides for Power Users

For power users who need sustained performance over long durations, the T700’s occasional thermal throttling and relatively lower endurance rating could be drawbacks.

While the drive is capable of incredible speed, it’s also clear that cooling is an issue, and its durability may not match that of SSDs like the Kingston KC3000, which offers higher endurance and more stable performance under heavy workloads.

Conclusion

The Crucial T700 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is a powerful, next-generation drive that pushes the limits of what’s possible with PCIe Gen5 technology, but it may not be the best fit for every user.

Pros:

  • Blazing fast sequential read and write speeds
  • Great for gaming and professional workloads
  • Compatible with Gen5 motherboards for future-proofing

Cons:

  • High power consumption and occasional thermal throttling
  • Expensive for the performance gains in everyday tasks
  • Lower endurance rating compared to some competitors

For users who want to experience the future of SSD performance, the T700 is a solid choice, but for those who don’t need extreme speeds, the Samsung 990 Pro or WD_BLACK SN850X provide better overall value with similar real-world performance at a lower price

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