Crucial T500 2TB SSD Review: Fast, PS5-Ready, Caveats
Digging into user reports, the Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD emerges with a strong performance reputation but also a few hidden caveats. Across platforms, its speed scores and PS5 compatibility earn high marks, yet some buyers have encountered sustained write slowdowns under heavy loads. Overall sentiment lands at 8.7/10, driven by ease of installation and gaming load time improvements, tempered by niche performance drops during massive file transfers.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for PS5 and general desktop use, caution for heavy sustained writes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy installation, even for first-time upgraders | Sustained write speeds can drop after large transfers (~700GB) |
| Integrated heatsink effective in PS5 | Possible reduced speeds with PS5 benchmark compared to PC |
| Noticeable faster game load times | Limited real-world improvement vs. stock PS5 SSD in some cases |
| High sequential read/write speeds (up to 7400/7000 MB/s) | Requires PCIe 4.0 for full speed |
| Solid build quality and design | Not ideal for older systems without Gen4 support |
| 2TB capacity significantly expands storage | Mixed reports on performance under DirectStorage |
| 5-year warranty and 1200 TBW endurance | Price higher than budget Gen4 options |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing pushes the T500’s “load games 16% faster” and “up to 7400MB/s read” performance. For PS5 owners, Best Buy reviewers confirm the load time advantage: one noted, “GT7 was almost instant screen for once, it blew me away”. However, others found the PS5’s reported speed closer to 5468MB/s, as one buyer explained, “It's the same for all the drives I have tested… I’m sure a PC would report 7k+.”
Micron’s claim of superior sustained speed meets friction in Reddit discussions. A Reddit user warned: “From around 700GB of data to be copied, the SLC mode is exhausted… speed drops to an average of just 250MB/s.” This aligns with reports of sustained write limitations under extreme workloads, suggesting firmware or cache configuration plays a role.
DirectStorage acceleration is touted for faster texture rendering, but user evidence is scarce in gaming contexts outside PC benchmarks. While some PC builders praise the potential, actual game performance boosts are less universally observed.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Amazon, installation ease stands out. A verified Best Buy buyer described, “Installation was a breeze… within minutes I had it running, ready to accommodate my growing game library.” This is especially valued by console users who may not be comfortable opening hardware. The integrated heatsink earns consistent praise for keeping temperatures stable; multiple PS5 users noted drives staying “a little warm but no complaints” after hours-long sessions.
Gamers benefit most from the capacity jump. One PS5 owner celebrated, “No longer am I limited to playing only the games that can fit on the PS5’s internal memory… I can now install a wide variety without constantly worrying about space.” For desktop creatives, the high sequential speeds translate to faster media imports and exports, with Quora experts framing it as “top-tier for gaming or creative applications.”
Common Complaints
The sustained write drop under heavy load is the most consistent technical complaint. Reddit threads dissect this behavior, with one user asking, “How can SLC be 'exhausted'? Makes no sense.” While casual gamers may never hit these limits, heavy data movers—like video editors exporting terabytes—could notice interruptions.
PS5-specific speed readings also cause confusion. Buyers expecting 7400MB/s often see ~5500MB/s in console benchmarks. As one explained, “It’s same for SN850X and Samsung 990… PS5 just averages benchmarks differently.” This isn’t a fault unique to the T500 but affects perception.
Divisive Features
DirectStorage support is divisive—PC builders see future-proofing, console gamers see little immediate gain. Similarly, the heatsink version is praised for PS5 use but questioned for PCs with good airflow. Some prefer the non-heatsink to fit custom cooling setups, while others appreciate the “full body heatsink” as a plug-and-play thermal solution.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and long-term Reddit feedback suggest solid reliability. Crucial’s brand history in memory and storage reassures buyers, with one noting, “I have always trusted Crucial… I wouldn’t hesitate to get another Crucial drive.” No widespread failure reports surfaced in the data, and the 1200 TBW endurance rating implies durability for typical use.
No scam concerns were detected—listings on eBay and Amazon match official models, with consistent part numbers (CT2000T500SSD5). However, compatibility caveats appear: older motherboards without PCIe 4.0 will bottleneck speeds, as noted by multiple PC users.
Alternatives
Community comparisons often mention Samsung’s 990 series and WD Black SN850X. Reddit users called the T500 “a good alternative to a Samsung 990 and decently cheaper too.” Best Buy reviewers measured it “as good as the SN850X” in PS5 use, with load times matching closely. Where sustained write speed under massive loads matters, some still prefer Samsung’s cache handling.
Price & Value
eBay listings range from £149.99 to £240.25, Amazon US prices hover around $202.99–$228.99. Italian marketplaces list it from €166.69. Buyers note value in bundling with RAM or catching sales, as one Reddit post highlighted a $101.99 deal. Resale value appears stable due to PS5 compatibility and brand reputation.
Buying tips from the community stress matching the version to your use: heatsink for PS5, non-heatsink for desktops with custom cooling. Watch for discounts; multiple users scored significant savings from flash sales.
FAQ
Q: Does the Crucial T500 work with PS5?
A: Yes, the heatsink version is specifically marketed for PS5 and installs easily. Users report plug-and-play recognition after formatting.
Q: Will I get the full 7400MB/s speed on PS5?
A: No, PS5 benchmarks typically show ~5500MB/s for all Gen4 drives. Full rated speeds are achievable on PCIe 4.0 PCs.
Q: Is the sustained write drop a concern for gamers?
A: Not usually—most games and updates don’t approach the ~700GB continuous write threshold that triggers slowdown.
Q: Can I use the non-heatsink version in a PS5?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to add a compatible heatsink to meet Sony’s requirements.
Q: How does it compare to Samsung 990 Pro?
A: Similar load times in PS5 use, slightly cheaper at retail. Samsung may handle sustained writes better under extreme loads.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a PS5 owner or desktop gamer seeking easy installation, solid thermals, and large capacity. Avoid if your workflow involves multi-terabyte continuous writes where cache exhaustion could slow you down. Pro tip from community: watch for sales—deep discounts have made this a top-value Gen4 drive.
