The Corsair MP600 Micro NVMe SSD is Corsair’s solution for devices with 2242 M.2 slots, a form factor popularized by Lenovo. This compact drive offers good performance and a competitive price, making it a compelling option for those needing a storage upgrade.
Lenovo’s adoption of the 2242 (22mm wide, 42mm long) M.2 slot has created a demand for compatible SSDs. While the 2242 form factor doesn’t offer a significant capacity advantage over the smaller 2230 (30mm long) size, it does simplify installation by eliminating the need for adapters. Corsair’s naming convention (Mini for the 2230 MP600 and Micro for the larger 2242) might seem counterintuitive, but the MP600 Micro delivers a noticeable performance boost over its smaller sibling.
Corsair MP600 Micro Features and Price
The MP600 Micro is a PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe SSD using a DRAM-less, host memory buffer (HMB) design. It utilizes a Phison PS5012-E21 controller and multi-layer TLC NAND. Currently, the MP600 Micro is primarily available in a 1TB capacity for around $100, a competitive price point in the current market. While the 2TB MP600 Core Mini exists, the MP600 Micro currently lacks a 2TB option, limiting choices for users requiring larger capacities. Alternatives like the Sabrent Rocket 2230, Sabrent Rocket 2242, and WD Black SN770M offer a wider range of capacities for those seeking different storage options.
alt text: Close-up view of the Corsair MP600 Micro SSD with its label removed, revealing the underlying components and circuitry.
Corsair MP600 Micro Performance
The MP600 Micro’s performance is surprisingly strong, outperforming the MP600 Mini in CrystalDiskMark 8 tests. While initially expected to be the same drive in a different form factor, the Micro demonstrates significant improvements, especially in sequential read and write speeds. The exception is the 450GB write test, where the 2TB capacity of the Mini allows for extended caching compared to the 1TB Micro.
alt text: CrystalDiskMark 8 benchmark results for sequential read and write performance, showcasing the MP600 Micro's speed advantage.
In random performance tests using CrystalDiskMark 8, the MP600 Micro again edges out the MP600 Mini, though the difference is less pronounced.
alt text: CrystalDiskMark 8 benchmark results for random read and write performance, comparing the MP600 Micro against other SSD models.
Real-world 48GB transfer tests reveal competitive performance, although the MP600 Micro doesn’t quite reach the speeds of top-tier PCIe 4.0 drives.
alt text: Benchmark results for 48GB transfer speeds, illustrating the MP600 Micro's performance relative to competing SSDs.
In the 450GB write test, the MP600 Micro’s smaller 1TB capacity becomes a limiting factor, resulting in slower performance compared to the 2TB MP600 Mini and other higher-capacity drives.
alt text: Benchmark results for 450GB sustained write performance, highlighting the impact of capacity on speed.
While the MP600 Micro reaches its native write speed (without caching) relatively quickly, it maintains a respectable rate of nearly 1.3GB per second.
alt text: Graph depicting the write speed of the Corsair MP600 Micro SSD over time, showing its sustained performance after the initial caching period.
Should You Buy the Corsair MP600 Micro?
The Corsair MP600 Micro is a good choice for users needing a 1TB 2242 NVMe SSD at a competitive price. Its performance is solid, making it a worthwhile upgrade for compatible systems. However, those requiring 2TB or more will need to explore alternative options.
