Overview

The Crucial P310 2TB is an NVMe M.2 SSD that leverages the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface for high-speed data transfers. What sets this model apart is its integrated heatsink, which is pre-installed from the factory, saving you the hassle and cost of buying a separate cooler. Under the hood, it uses Micron's 232-layer QLC NAND flash memory paired with a Phison E27T controller, delivering sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s. This drive is positioned as a mid-to-high-end PCIe 4.0 SSD, offering a compelling balance of performance and price. It's particularly well-suited for PS5 storage expansion, where the integrated heatsink meets Sony's requirements, and for desktop PC users who want a fast boot drive without spending a premium. The DRAM-less design is compensated by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which uses a portion of your system RAM as a cache. Crucial, a brand owned by Micron, has a strong reputation for reliable storage products. The P310 series aims to deliver Gen4 speeds at a more accessible price point than many DRAM-equipped competitors, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious builders.

Compatibility Guide

Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (NVMe 1.4) — backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, but speeds will be limited to the Gen3 x4 bandwidth (around 3,500 MB/s). Form Factor: M.2 2280 (80mm length) — fits most desktop motherboards and many laptops. However, the integrated heatsink adds height, so check clearance in slim notebooks or tightly-packed builds. PS5 Compatibility: The M.2 2280 size and built-in heatsink make it a drop-in solution for the PlayStation 5 expansion slot. Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s; the P310's rated 7,000 MB/s exceeds this, but real-world results may vary. OS Support: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 5.

Product Info

Released around July 2024, the Crucial P310 2TB carries a 5-year limited warranty or until the TBW (Total Bytes Written) threshold is reached, whichever comes first. The TBW rating for the 2TB model is 440 TB, which translates to roughly 1.2 years of continuous 1TB/day writes — but for typical home use, you'll likely never hit that limit within the warranty period. Market positioning: mid-high tier. It competes with other DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 SSDs like the WD Black SN770 and Samsung 990 EVO Plus, but the integrated heatsink gives it an edge for PS5 users and those who want a simple installation.

Best Use Cases

PS5 Storage Expansion: The integrated heatsink meets PS5 requirements, and 2TB of capacity lets you install a large library of modern games. Just verify the actual sequential read speed in your PS5 before relying on it for demanding titles. Desktop Boot Drive: Install your OS and frequently-used applications on this SSD for snappy boot times and quick app launches. The HMB feature ensures good everyday performance without the cost of a DRAM cache. Budget-Conscious Builders: If you want Gen4 speeds but don't want to overspend, the P310 offers a great price-to-performance ratio. It's ideal for gaming rigs where the primary workload is reading game assets rather than constant writing. Who Should NOT Buy: Users who frequently write large amounts of data (e.g., video editors working with 4K/8K footage, database servers) should consider a DRAM-equipped or TLC-based SSD for more consistent write performance and higher endurance.

Things to Consider

DRAM-Less Design: While HMB helps, the lack of a dedicated DRAM cache means random write performance can suffer under heavy multi-threaded workloads. For typical gaming and office use, this is rarely noticeable. QLC NAND Endurance: QLC flash has lower write endurance than TLC. The 440 TBW rating is adequate for most consumers, but if you plan to write hundreds of gigabytes daily, look for a TLC-based drive. Heatsink Height: The integrated heatsink adds thickness. In some ultra-thin laptops or motherboards with very tight M.2 slot clearance, it may not fit. Always measure the available space before purchasing. Competitor Comparison: The Samsung 990 EVO Plus (also DRAM-less, but TLC) and WD Black SN770 (DRAM-less, TLC) are direct competitors. The P310's advantage is the included heatsink and often a lower price. The SN770 may offer slightly better sustained write performance. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use this SSD in a PS5? A: Yes, physically it fits the M.2 2280 slot with the integrated heatsink. However, you should run a speed test on the PS5 to confirm it meets the 5,500 MB/s recommendation. Crucial rates it at 7,000 MB/s, but real-world results can differ. Q: Is the DRAM-less design a problem for gaming? A: Not for most gamers. Game loading times are primarily limited by sequential read speeds, which are excellent on this drive. You might notice slightly slower installation or update speeds compared to DRAM-equipped SSDs, but in-game performance is unaffected. Q: What is the warranty a

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Crucial(クルーシャル)
  • Seller: KooShop
  • Fulfilled by: KooShop
  • ASIN: B0DV32WGWM
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.