What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Kingston SSDNow A400 against the Crucial MX500 and examine their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
- Both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 offer solid endurance ratings, although the MX500 has a slight edge.
- The Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 come in a range of capacities, from 120GB to 2TB.
When it comes to upgrading your computer’s storage, two of the most popular options are the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500. Both drives offer solid performance and affordability, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Kingston SSDNow A400 against the Crucial MX500 and examine their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
The Crucial MX500 outperforms the Kingston SSDNow A400 in terms of speed. The MX500 uses TLC (triple-level cell) flash memory, which allows it to store more data in each cell and achieve higher speeds. In sequential read/write tests, the MX500 delivers speeds of up to 560/510 MB/s, while the A400 manages around 500/450 MB/s. This difference is noticeable in real-world usage, especially when loading large files or running demanding applications.
Endurance: Reliability and Longevity
Both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 offer solid endurance ratings, although the MX500 has a slight edge. The A400 is rated for 160 TBW (terabytes written), while the MX500 boasts a 360 TBW rating. This means that the MX500 can withstand more write cycles before its performance degrades. For most users, both drives will provide years of reliable service.
Capacity: Storage Options
The Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 come in a range of capacities, from 120GB to 2TB. The A400 is available in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, and 960GB capacities, while the MX500 offers 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options. This wide range of capacities allows you to choose the drive that best suits your storage needs and budget.
Form Factor: Compatibility and Installation
Both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 use the standard 2.5-inch form factor, making them compatible with most laptops and desktop computers. They both come with a 7mm height, which is the most common size for laptops. Installation is straightforward and can be done in minutes, even for beginners.
Price: Value for Money
When it comes to price, the Kingston SSDNow A400 is slightly cheaper than the Crucial MX500. The 120GB A400 typically costs around $20, while the 250GB MX500 costs around $30. The price difference becomes more significant as you move up to larger capacities. However, it’s worth noting that the MX500 offers better performance and endurance, so you may want to consider the extra cost if those factors are important to you.
Features: Additional Benefits
The Crucial MX500 offers several additional features that the Kingston SSDNow A400 does not. These features include:
- Dynamic Write Acceleration: This technology uses an SLC (single-level cell) cache to improve write performance, especially for small files.
- Power Loss Protection: The MX500 has a built-in capacitor that protects data in the event of a sudden power loss.
- Adaptive Thermal Protection: This feature monitors the drive’s temperature and adjusts performance to prevent overheating.
The Verdict
Both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 are excellent SSDs that offer great value for money. However, the Crucial MX500 is the clear winner due to its superior performance, endurance, and additional features. If you’re looking for the best possible SSD for your computer, the Crucial MX500 is the way to go.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not entirely convinced by either the Kingston SSDNow A400 or the Crucial MX500, here are a few alternative SSDs to consider:
- Samsung 860 EVO: Offers similar performance to the MX500 but with a higher endurance rating.
- WD Blue 3D NAND: A budget-friendly option that provides decent performance and reliability.
- SanDisk Ultra 3D: A mid-range SSD that strikes a good balance between price and performance.
Answers to Your Questions
1. What is the main difference between the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500?
The main difference is that the Crucial MX500 uses TLC flash memory, which provides faster speeds and higher endurance than the A400’s MLC flash memory.
2. Which drive is better for gaming?
The Crucial MX500 is the better choice for gaming due to its faster speeds and higher endurance.
3. Can I use either drive in a laptop?
Yes, both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 are compatible with laptops that have a 2.5-inch drive bay.
4. Which drive is more affordable?
The Kingston SSDNow A400 is slightly more affordable than the Crucial MX500, especially at lower capacities.
5. Do both drives come with a warranty?
Yes, both the Kingston SSDNow A400 and the Crucial MX500 come with a 5-year warranty.
