Specifications and Closer Look
The refreshed BX500 960GB SSD is equipped with 96-layer NAND while previous version (which was also not available in so high capacity) was using 64-layer NAND. For end-users, it shouldn’t make a big difference but it’s a good chance to compare performance.
Whole BX500 SSD series is covered by a three-year warranty and probably the best support on the storage devices market.
Below are a couple of screenshots from Crucial Storage Executive software which is really handy.
One of the features is an easy firmware update. Since our drive is a fresh product then new firmware is not available yet. The one which comes with the drive is stable and works without issues so we don’t have to worry about it.
Below is about the same data in a probably the most popular third-party software – CrystalDiskInfo.
The BX500 is reaching about 57°C during work while the typical temperature is about 30-35°C. That info you can also read in S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics.
Product Photos
The BX500 960GB has the same package and its contents as previously reviewed 480GB version. The drive is in a typical SATA form factor and comes in a small box which also contains a user’s manual. It’s about all we need for installation.
The drive is a budget series designed for all who wish to replace their old HDD with a new but not necessarily expensive SSD. The drive is 7mm thick so fits into all new and old laptops. The external cover is made of plastic what is more popular recently also in competitive SSD series.
On the back of the SSD, there is a label with a general specification of the BX500 drive. There is capacity, serial and product numbers, firmware version and used voltage. Let’s say there is everything that most SSD have and most users never check.
What counts for end-users is the performance or performance to price ratio. Regardless of what matters more for you, let’s move to the next page of this review to take a look at the test results.
