The Crucial BX500 1TB is a budget-friendly 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD using 3D NAND technology, designed as an affordable upgrade from traditional HDDs. It delivers solid sequential speeds for faster boot times, quicker app loading, and improved overall system responsiveness in everyday computing, making it a popular choice for laptops, desktops, or secondary storage.
4.6
130,177 global ratings
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Quick Summary
Best For
Budget-conscious users, students, home office workers, casual gamers, and anyone upgrading an older PC or laptop from an HDD for better performance without spending much.
Price Range
$50–$70 USD (often around $55–$65)
Availability
In Stock
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In-Depth Product Overview
The Crucial BX500 1TB is a DRAM-less SATA SSD that prioritizes low cost and high capacity over premium features. It uses Micron’s 3D TLC NAND with a controller that relies on SLC caching for burst performance, offering up to 540MB/s read and 500MB/s write speeds under ideal conditions. Real-world use excels for general tasks but can slow during sustained large writes once the cache fills. It’s compatible with most laptops and desktops via SATA ports, includes Acronis True Image cloning software for easy migration, and provides better energy efficiency and shock resistance than HDDs. Usable capacity is typically ~930–950GB after formatting.
Key Features & Benefits
Up to 540MB/s read speed
Fast loading of files, apps, and OS for snappier performance.
Up to 500MB/s write speed
Quick file transfers and backups in bursts.
1TB capacity
Plenty of space for OS, apps, games, photos, and videos.
3D NAND technology
Improves density, efficiency, and reliability over older NAND.
DRAM-less design
Keeps costs low while maintaining good everyday speeds.
SATA III 6Gb/s interface
Easy plug-and-play upgrade for most PCs/laptops.
Acronis True Image software
Free cloning tool for seamless HDD-to-SSD migration.
Low power consumptionesign
Better battery life in laptops compared to HDDs.
Shock and vibration resistant
No moving parts for durability during travel.
3-year limited warranty
Solid coverage from a reputable Micron-backed brand.
Pros & Cons
What We Love
- You want the cheapest 1TB SSD upgrade from an old HDD.
- Significantly faster than any HDD for boot times and app launches.
- Reliable for everyday use with strong burst performance.
- Easy installation and includes free cloning software.
- Energy-efficient and silent operation with no moving parts.
Room for Improvement
- DRAM-less design leads to performance drops during sustained large writes (can fall to ~100MB/s or lower).
- Lower endurance rating compared to premium SSDs like MX500.
- Not ideal for heavy workloads, OS drive in demanding setups, or constant large file transfers.
- Write speeds inconsistent after SLC cache exhaustion.
- No hardware encryption support.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's acceptable for basic use and much faster than HDDs, but many recommend the MX500 instead due to DRAM for better sustained/random performance and longevity.
Being DRAM-less, it relies on SLC cache; once filled during large/sustained transfers, speeds throttle significantly—common in budget SATA SSDs.
Generally reliable for typical consumer use with low failure reports, but endurance is lower than premium drives; always maintain backups.
Great as secondary storage or game library drive (fast loads vs HDD), but for primary OS/gaming, DRAM-equipped drives like MX500 or 870 EVO perform more consistently.
Runs cool and efficient; rare heat complaints, but sustained writes can cause minor throttling—fine for most laptop upgrades.
Final Verdict
4.6/5
In 2026, the Crucial BX500 1TB continues as a top budget SATA SSD for cost-effective upgrades, delivering great value for capacity and everyday speed improvements over HDDs. While it lacks premium features like DRAM, its massive review volume and low price make it a safe pick for non-intensive needs.
Who Should Buy It
- You want the cheapest 1TB SSD upgrade from an old HDD.
- Budget is tight but you need fast boot/app loading.
- It's for secondary storage, games, media, or backups.
- You prioritize capacity and value over peak sustained performance.
- Easy migration with included Acronis software appeals to you.
Who Should Skip It
- You need consistent performance for heavy file transfers or editing.
- It's your primary OS drive in a demanding setup.
- You want higher endurance, longer warranty, or DRAM cache.
- Sustained write throttling would frustrate your workflow.
- You're willing to spend a bit more for premium options like MX500 or 870 EVO.
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Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA
$116.99