Corsair MP600 Micro 2TB SSD Review: Fast but Niche
Bold claims of “blazing fast storage” are common in the SSD market, but the Corsair MP600 Micro 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD appears to deliver on much of that hype, earning an aggregated score of 8.6/10 across multiple platforms. Rated at up to 7,000 MB/s read and 6,200 MB/s write speeds, this compact 2242 form factor is pitched as the ideal upgrade for handheld gaming PCs and thin laptops — a claim that resonates strongly with Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and lightweight notebook owners.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent if you need high-speed storage in the rare 2242 size; less compelling for standard desktop builds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-tier Gen4 speeds for 2242 form factor | Premium price compared to larger form factors |
| Wide compatibility with thin PCs & consoles | Limited benefit for PCIe Gen3 systems |
| Reliable TLC NAND with 1200 TBW endurance | Confusing model naming with Mini/Micro variants |
| Easy installation & immediate recognition | Potential throttling in tight thermal spaces |
| 5-year warranty & strong build protection | Some reports of drive failure after short time |
Claims vs Reality
Corsair markets the MP600 Micro as "blazing fast storage" — specifically up to 7,000 MB/s reads. Digging into user reports, real-world performance often approaches those headline numbers on modern Gen4 systems. A verified buyer on Trustpilot was “pleased — this drive was super easy to plug in and the laptop recognized it right away,” noting faster game load times compared to an SD card.
Another consistent marketing point is “ideal for handheld gaming PCs.” Reddit user feedback supports this for devices like Legion Go, with one contributor commenting, “the Corsair 2 TB is a good SSD. I had it in my Ally before upgrading… can attest to them being a little faster than my Samsung 980 Pro, depending on the game.”
However, the endurance rating of 1200 TBW is praised, but less relevant for casual gamers. Heavy data writers and those running dual-boot setups find it reassuring — one Fakespot reviewer mentioned happily running “Windows 10 and Linux Mint with more free space than I’ll ever need.”
Marketing also leans into "wide compatibility." While form factor support is indeed broad, the 2242 size poses challenges in sourcing — as Redditors point out, “naming is very confusing with the Micro being 2242 and the Mini the 2230.” This confusion risks buyers choosing the wrong model.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One standout feature is the MP600 Micro’s ability to bring serious speed to a small slot. For Legion Go owners, this means eliminating adapter setups and thermal compromises. Reddit user feedback warns that using larger M.2 2280 with adapters leads to “throttling badly or total shutdown,” reinforcing the Micro’s direct-fit value.
Installation is also frequently celebrated. On Trustpilot, buyers recount how the drive was “super easy to plug in” and recognized without driver hassle — crucial for non-technical laptop owners. Fakespot reviewers shared similarly smooth setups with Linux Mint detecting the drive “without issue.”
The endurance figure earns trust across PCPartPicker and Reddit circles. A Legion Go user noted Corsair drives are “rated for up to 1400 terabytes writes,” comparing them favorably over competing brands. This positions the Micro as a long-term upgrade, not a short-term storage bump.
Gaming-focused praise is widespread. Users report shorter load times and snappier system response, even on PCIe Gen3 systems — though speeds plateau below the Gen4 max. A Trustpilot buyer noticed “games loaded way faster than an SD card,” which for handheld console owners can be a night-and-day difference.
Common Complaints
Price is a recurring sore point. Several users on Reddit and eBay discussions comment on the premium over standard 2280 SSDs of similar capacity. For desktop builders, paying extra for compact size makes little sense. A Newegg reviewer also warned that M.2 SSDs “aren’t really a budget-friendly option for the average PC gamer.”
Thermal concerns surface when the Micro is used in tightly packed enclosures. One Reddit user warned of “temps going past 80 °C” in small formats, risking throttling. While the drive runs cool in laptops with better airflow, handhelds under sustained load can trigger thermal limits.
There are isolated but serious failure reports. A Newegg critic described their Corsair SSD as “fast… until it wasn’t,” noting the drive failed a SMART test after a month. While rare compared to the volume of satisfied reviews, such incidents weigh heavily for mission-critical storage.
Confusion in Corsair's naming scheme also frustrates buyers. The distinction between 2230 “Mini” and 2242 “Micro” models isn’t clear from product pages alone, leading to mistaken purchases for incompatible slots.
Divisive Features
High sequential speeds are divisive depending on platform. For Gen4 gaming rigs, 7 GB/s reads shine, but users on Gen3 hardware — like the i9‑9900K/Z390 combo — hit interface bottlenecks, capping closer to 3.5 GB/s. As one Newegg user admitted, “this drive is undoubtedly maxing out the bandwidth of my PCIe 3.0 interface… but still destroys my old SSD.”
The value of the endurance rating splits opinion. Gamers installing a handful of large titles may never approach 1200 TBW; meanwhile, creators and dual‑boot system owners treat it as an investment metric.
Heat spreader absence is another split — in the Micro it’s not included, relying on host cooling. While suiting handheld devices, desktop modders accustomed to large heatsinks see it as a downside.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows over 80% of reviews are high quality, with minimal deception. This suggests authentic user sentiment rather than inflated marketing. Several long-term users on Reddit cite multiple Corsair SSD purchases after positive results, implying brand loyalty based on sustained performance.
Durability stories emphasize the controller and TLC NAND longevity. One Redditor with both Samsung and Corsair drives noted they only buy “Samsung or Corsair” for reliability, citing MP600 units in towers and laptops performing consistently over time.
Still, the occasional early-life failure reminds potential buyers to maintain backups. The Newegg SMART-test failure case underscores even reputable SSDs can have bad batches.
Alternatives
The Kingspec 2242 SSD surfaces in Reddit discussions as a faster budget alternative, but is hampered by double-sided design issues — “it hit and bent the wifi antenna underneath,” one user warned. Samsung’s 980 Pro 2280 remains a gold standard for speed, but requires adapters for handhelds, leading to heat and throttling problems.
Corsair’s own 2230 MP600 Mini aims at smaller slots like Steam Deck but trades some performance for size. For PS5, the MP600 Pro LPX with heatsink is a better fit, meeting all Sony requirements and hitting 7,100 MB/s reads.
Price & Value
Currently listed at $174.99 on eBay and Corsair’s store, the Micro commands a premium in the niche 2242 form factor. This pricing traces back to production scale — far fewer drives are made in this size, increasing cost per unit compared to standard 2280 models.
Resale values stay relatively strong due to rarity; used models on eBay trend only 10–20% below new pricing. Community buying tips include waiting for seasonal sales or bundling with larger PC upgrades to offset shipping costs. For handheld owners, the cost is easier to justify given the limited competition and functional gains over microSD storage.
FAQ
Q: Is the MP600 Micro compatible with the Lenovo Legion Go?
A: Yes. Multiple Reddit users confirm the 2242 form factor fits directly without adapter issues, avoiding the overheating and throttling common with 2280 + adapter configurations.
Q: How does it perform in a PCIe Gen3 system?
A: Speeds cap around 3.2–3.5 GB/s, but users still report noticeable gains in responsiveness and load times compared to older NVMe or SATA drives.
Q: Does it require a heatsink?
A: Not for most handheld devices or laptops with adequate cooling. Desktop users can pair it with motherboard heat spreaders if available.
Q: Can it dual‑boot operating systems smoothly?
A: Yes — Trustpilot reviewers have used it for Windows/Linux Mint dual boot without detection or installation issues.
Q: How does it compare to Kingspec 2242 drives?
A: Similar performance potential, but users caution Kingspec’s double‑sided PCB can physically interfere with components in some devices.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a handheld gaming PC, thin laptop, or other device needing high-speed 2242 storage with strong endurance. Avoid if you’re on a desktop with ample space for larger, cheaper 2280 SSDs. Pro tip from community: Confirm physical clearance and cooling in your device before purchase to prevent thermal throttling.
