Introduction

Crucial, a subsidiary of Micron, a world leader in memory and flash production, brought us such wonderful SSDs as the C300 and m4. Their latest new release is the Crucial MX100 reviewed today. It aims to be cost effective yet well-performing, making it an SSD for the mainstream user. It builds on the same architecture as the Crucial M500 and M550, using the same Marvell 88SS9189 controller, but 16 nanometer flash chips instead of the 19 nm chips found on the older models.

The MX100 is available in capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB, so you'd have to opt for the M550, for example, if you want more than that.

Packaging

The Drive

The drive conforms to the dimensions set forth by the 2.5" form factor. It is made of metal to improve its durability and is only 7 mm thick, which makes it compatible with Intel's Ultrabook specification.


Like most recent SSDs, the Crucial MX100 uses the SATA 6 Gbps interface. It is compatible with any older SATA standard, but will, in such a case, work at reduced performance.


You will find the SSD controller and 16 flash chips on the PCB. A DRAM chip is also present. It provides the SSD controller with RAM.


Crucial is using the same Marvell 88SS9189 controller as on the M550, which is a slightly upgraded version of the controller used on the M500.


The 16 MLC flash chips are produced by Micron and are built on a 16 nanometer process.