The Crucial P510 Gen5 NVMe SSD represents Micron Technology’s latest entry into the high-speed PCIe 5.0 storage market, targeting gamers and content creators who want serious performance without breaking the bank. With promised read speeds up to 11,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 9,500 MB/s, this drive aims to deliver flagship performance at a more accessible price point.
The P510 comes in two storage capacities – 1TB and 2TB – with the option to purchase with or without a heatsink. For this review, I tested the 1TB model without heatsink.
Packaging
Design and Build Quality
The Crucial P510 follows the standard M.2 2280 form factor, making it compatible with most modern motherboards supporting PCIe Gen5. The drive features Micron’s G9 TLC NAND flash memory, which provides the endurance needed for heavy workloads. With a total endurance rating of 600TB written (TBW) for the 1TB model, this SSD should handle years of intensive use.
Micron has also managed to reduce power consumption by nearly 25% compared to previous Gen5 SSDs, which should help with thermal management and battery life in laptops.
Test System Setup
For this review, I tested the P510 in a compact but capable system:
- AMD RYZEN 5 7600X Processor
- ASROCK B650I mini itx motherboard
- NOCTUA NH-L9A-AM5 BLACK EDITION
- T-FORCE XTREEM ARGB DDR5 RAM 6000 MHz (check our review while you’re here)
- FLEX PSU ENHANCE 600W
- JONSBO NV10 mini itx PC case
Performance Testing
ATTO Disk Benchmark Results
This ATTO method is familiar among SSD testers, using I/O size and file size transfer for measurement. The Crucial P510 showed average write speed ranging between 8GB/s and read speed around 9GB/s. Both pictures showed identical results.
In this case, I think this is connected to the processor and RAM we use – the higher the processor and RAM, the higher the performance we get. With the 7600X, the read section of the SSD only reached 80% of the full release and around 89% on the write section.
CrystalDiskMark Analysis
The second method is using the popular CrystalDiskMark test, which is an excellent tool for testing the speed of any storage device or memory card. The program measures the read and write speeds for an accurate measure of performance, providing a clear picture of storage device capabilities.
For the sequential test, read and write speed data outperformed expectations, exceeding 6% from the actual performance with around 11,050 MB/s and 9,538 MB/s – but this is theoretical data. In the actual world, we should calculate it from the second row data, which shows that read averaged 6,900 MB/s and write average speed of 8,035 MB/s, which is not that bad.
Data shown in the third row proves this SSD is also good for random 4KB in 32 queues, also considered as maximum load. This SSD showed read speed of 790 MB/s and write around 540 MB/s.
AS SSD Benchmark Testing
AS SSD Benchmark is a simple utility tool that can help you test the performance of an SSD drive. The clean and simple interface lets you easily choose and check your SSD. The program begins to perform various tests, including SEQ, 4K, and Access Time, measuring read-and-write capability, finding random blocks, and measuring the speed at which the drive can read a file.
As usual, running almost identical to the first and second tests, in the sequential test read speed averaged 9,122 MB/s and write 8,027 MB/s. For 4K and 4K 64 threads also showing identical data. Access time of the Crucial P510 is also significantly fast – around 27 microseconds for write and 19 microseconds for read, which brings an average total score of 9,618.
HWMONITOR AND HD SENTINEL TEST
For idle condition, temperature of the Crucial P510 ranges between 32°C – 44°C, and for full load is around 50-52°C, which is very normal especially in ITX cases and with note that this model came without heatsink.
These temperatures are perfectly acceptable, especially considering this model lacks a heatsink and was tested in a compact Mini-ITX case with limited airflow. If you’re building in a larger case or your motherboard includes an M.2 heatsink, temperatures should be even more comfortable.
Real-World Usage
During several weeks of daily use, the P510 consistently delivered on its performance promises. Game loading times were noticeably faster compared to my previous PCIe 4.0 drive, particularly in AAA titles. File transfers, whether moving large video projects or installing games, get a significant boost as well.
The drive remained stable throughout testing, with no crashes or performance degradation even during sustained workloads.
Crucial P510 Review Conclusion
For the price, the Crucial P510 represents exceptional value in the Gen5 SSD market. Many competing drives cost 30-50% more for similar performance levels. The fact that you can save an additional $10 by choosing the non-heatsink version makes it even more attractive, especially since most modern motherboards include M.2 heatsinks.
The 5-year limited warranty and Micron’s 45 years of industry experience provide additional confidence in the purchase. This isn’t a bargain-basement drive from an unknown manufacturer – it’s a quality product from a memory industry leader.
The Crucial P510 Gen5 NVMe SSD successfully delivers flagship performance at a budget-friendly price point. Our testing confirmed that this drive can compete with much more expensive alternatives while offering better value for money.
The combination of consistent performance, reasonable thermal characteristics, and competitive pricing makes the P510 an easy recommendation for anyone building a new system or upgrading their storage. Whether you’re gaming, creating content, or just want a snappier system, this SSD delivers the goods without demanding a premium price.
Crucial P510 is available at retailers around Australia and also Amazon.com
Disclosure: Crucial P510 Gen5 NVMe SSD review unit was supplied for reviewing
