Crucial P310 2230
Industry-Leading Speed | High IOPS Performance | Power Efficiency
Introduction
The Crucial P310 2230 SSD represents a significant leap in compact storage solutions, offering high-performance capabilities in a diminutive form factor. This product caters to the growing demand for powerful, space-efficient storage in handheld gaming devices and ultra-thin laptops.
Product Overview
The Crucial P310 is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2230 form factor, designed to deliver top-tier performance in constrained spaces. Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, it targets users of portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, as well as ultra-thin laptops and mini PCs requiring compact, high-speed storage.
Key Features
Industry-Leading Speed
The P310 boasts impressive read speeds of up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 6,000 MB/s, making it the fastest 2230 Gen4 consumer SSD currently available.
High IOPS Performance
With up to 1 million IOPS, the P310 ensures quick boot-ups and faster game loading times, enhancing overall system responsiveness.
Power Efficiency
Engineered for energy efficiency, the P310 maximizes performance while minimizing power consumption, ideal for extending battery life in portable devices.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
The Crucial P310 excels in sequential performance, reaching read speeds of 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 6,000 MB/s. These figures place it at the forefront of M.2 2230 SSDs, outperforming many competitors in its class.
Random Performance
In terms of random 4K performance, crucial for everyday tasks and game loading, the P310 demonstrates solid capabilities. It achieves up to 1 million IOPS for both read and write operations, ensuring swift responsiveness in various scenarios.
Thermal Management
While specific thermal management details are not provided, the P310's design focuses on power efficiency, which typically correlates with better heat management. Its performance in compact devices suggests effective thermal control, crucial for maintaining consistent speeds in confined spaces.
Compatibility
Steam Deck and Handheld PCs
The Crucial P310 is specifically designed for compatibility with popular handheld gaming PCs. It's an ideal upgrade for devices like the Steam Deck (both LCD and OLED versions) and the ASUS ROG Ally, offering a significant storage boost without compromising on form factor.
Laptops and Mini PCs
Beyond gaming handhelds, the P310 is compatible with select Microsoft Surface laptops, certain Dell models, and various mini PCs that support the M.2 2230 form factor.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Exceptional sequential read and write speeds for its form factor
High IOPS performance enhancing overall system responsiveness
Energy-efficient design, beneficial for portable device battery life
Compact M.2 2230 form factor suitable for space-constrained applications
Available in capacities up to 2TB, offering ample storage
Constraints
Limited write endurance (220TBW per TB) due to QLC NAND usage
Potentially higher price point compared to some competitors
May require adapters for use in systems designed for larger M.2 form factors
Performance may degrade under sustained heavy workloads typical of QLC NAND
Conclusion
The Crucial P310 2230 SSD stands out as a top-tier storage solution for compact computing devices, particularly excelling in handheld gaming systems and ultra-thin laptops. Its combination of industry-leading speeds, high IOPS performance, and energy efficiency make it an attractive option for users seeking to maximize storage performance in space-constrained environments. While the use of QLC NAND introduces some limitations in write endurance, the P310's overall performance and capacity options position it as a strong contender in the M.2 2230 SSD market. For users of compatible devices looking to enhance storage speed and capacity without compromising on form factor, the Crucial P310 offers a compelling balance of performance and practicality.
Works Cited
ANANDTECH. "Crucial P310 NVMe SSD Unveiled: Micron's Play in the M.2 2230 Market." AnandTech, www.anandtech.com/show/21476/crucial-p310-nvme-ssd-unveiled-microns-play-in-the-m2-2230-market. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
BetaNews. "Crucial P310 Is the World's Fastest 2230 Gen4 SSD." BetaNews, betanews.com/2024/07/17/micron-launches-crucial-p310-fastest-2230-gen4-ssd/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
Micron Technology, Inc. "Micron Unveils Industry's Fastest 2230 Gen4 Consumer SSD, the Crucial P310." Micron, investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-unveils-industrys-fastest-2230-gen4-consumer-ssd-crucial. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
PC Gamer. "Crucial P310 2230 2 TB NVMe SSD Review." PC Gamer, www.pcgamer.com/hardware/ssds/crucial-p310-2-tb-nvme-ssd-review/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
Tom's Hardware. "Crucial P310 SSD Review: More Speed for M.2 2230." Tom's Hardware, www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/crucial-p310-ssd-review. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.
