SSD Showdown: Crucial P310 vs Samsung MZ 2025

The world of solid-state storage is evolving at breakneck speed, with PCIe 5.0 drives now pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in consumer-grade storage. Two standout contenders in this space are the Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop (PC), & Handheld Gaming Consoles, Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, Solid State Drive – CT1000P310SSD801 and the Samsung Memory MZ-VAP8T0CW 9100 PRO 8TB Internal SSD with Heat Sink, PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe 2.0, SSD Designed for Pros & Gamers, Compatible with PC & PlayStation 5, 5 Year Limited Warranty (UK Version). While both aim to deliver exceptional performance, they target vastly different user segments: one focuses on mainstream affordability and compatibility, while the other aims to be the ultimate powerhouse for professionals and extreme gamers. This article dives deep into the Crucial P310 1TB SSD and Samsung Memory MZ to determine which one offers the best value, performance, and long-term usability for your specific needs.

Whether you’re upgrading your laptop for faster boot times, building a high-performance gaming rig, or managing a content creation studio with massive 4K video files, choosing the right SSD is critical. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD brings Gen4 performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it ideal for casual users, students, and gamers who want a reliable upgrade without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Samsung Memory MZ is a beast in every sense—offering an unprecedented 8TB capacity, PCIe 5.0 speeds, and a built-in heatsink for sustained performance under heavy workloads. It’s designed for those who demand the absolute best in speed, endurance, and storage capacity. In this comprehensive comparison, you’ll learn about their key features, performance benchmarks, real-world usability, compatibility, software support, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which drive fits your use case—whether you’re looking for an affordable upgrade or a future-proof investment in cutting-edge storage technology. Let’s explore what sets these two SSDs apart and how they stack up in today’s demanding digital landscape.

In-Depth Look: Crucial P310 1TB SSD

The Crucial P310 1TB SSD represents a new generation of affordable, high-performance storage from a brand trusted for decades. Built by Micron—one of the world’s leading memory manufacturers—this SSD leverages PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 technology to deliver blazing-fast speeds without the premium price tag. With sequential read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds reaching 6,000 MB/s, it’s nearly twice as fast as previous-generation PCIe 3.0 drives, making it a compelling upgrade for anyone using older hardware.

One of the standout features of the Crucial P310 1TB SSD is its broad compatibility. It’s designed to work seamlessly across laptops, desktops, and even handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who want to expand storage on portable devices or users who frequently switch between systems. The drive is also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 motherboards, ensuring that even if you don’t have a Gen4-ready system yet, you can still enjoy improved performance over SATA SSDs or HDDs.

Under the hood, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD uses advanced Micron G8 NAND flash memory, which offers better density, endurance, and power efficiency compared to earlier generations. Combined with intelligent thermal control technology, the drive maintains optimal performance during prolonged use without throttling—critical for gaming sessions, video editing, or large file transfers. While it doesn’t come with a heatsink (unlike the Samsung Memory MZ), the drive’s design prioritizes efficiency and reliability, minimizing heat buildup under normal workloads.

For productivity users, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD shines in real-world applications. Boot times for Windows drop significantly, and launching resource-heavy programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint becomes nearly instantaneous. Multitasking is smoother, and file transfers—especially when copying large media libraries or game installations—are dramatically faster. The inclusion of Acronis Data Recovery Software adds extra value, giving users peace of mind in case of accidental deletions or system failures.

In terms of physical design, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD follows the standard M.2 2280 form factor, measuring 80 x 22 x 3.5 mm, making it easy to install in most modern motherboards and laptops. Its sleek black PCB and minimalist branding give it a clean, professional look that won’t clash with RGB setups. The drive is rated for a 5-year limited warranty and has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 2 million hours, indicating strong long-term reliability.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money – Offers near-top-tier Gen4 performance at a mid-range price.
• Wide compatibility – Works across laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming consoles.
• Backward compatible with Gen3 systems – Future-proof for users planning to upgrade later.
• Includes Acronis Data Recovery Software – Adds significant utility and data protection.
• Trusted Micron quality and reliability – Backed by a reputable manufacturer with decades of experience.
• Fast boot and app load times – Great for everyday productivity and casual gaming.

Cons:

• No heatsink included – May require aftermarket cooling in high-heat environments.
• Limited to 1TB capacity – Not suitable for users needing massive storage space.
• Lower peak speeds than PCIe 5.0 drives – Falls short of the bleeding edge in raw performance.
• No advanced software suite – Lacks features like health monitoring or performance tuning tools.
• Not ideal for sustained write-heavy workloads – Thermal throttling possible under extreme conditions.

Best For: The Crucial P310 1TB SSD is ideal for casual gamers, students, home users, and productivity professionals who want a fast, reliable, and affordable upgrade. It’s perfect for those building or upgrading a PC on a budget, expanding storage on a laptop, or enhancing the performance of a handheld gaming device. If you don’t need terabytes of storage or PCIe 5.0 speeds but want a significant leap in responsiveness and speed, this drive delivers exceptional bang for your buck. Check Price on Amazon to see current deals and availability.

In-Depth Look: Samsung Memory MZ

The Samsung Memory MZ is a true flagship in the consumer SSD market, pushing the limits of what’s possible with PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe 2.0 technology. With a staggering 8TB capacity, it’s not just one of the largest consumer SSDs available—it’s also among the fastest, boasting sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds reaching 13,400 MB/s. This level of performance is designed for users who demand nothing less than the absolute best, whether they’re editing 8K video, rendering complex 3D models, or running AI-driven content creation workflows.

Built with professional-grade components, the Samsung Memory MZ uses Samsung’s latest V-NAND technology and a custom controller optimized for PCIe 5.0 bandwidth. The drive supports the NVMe 2.0 protocol, which brings improvements in command queuing, power management, and error handling, ensuring smoother performance under heavy loads. But what truly sets it apart is the integrated aluminum heatsink, which actively dissipates heat during sustained operations. This is crucial because PCIe 5.0 drives generate significantly more heat than their Gen4 counterparts, and without proper thermal management, performance can degrade rapidly. The heatsink keeps temperatures under control, maintaining peak speeds even during long render sessions or large file transfers.

The 8TB capacity is a game-changer for professionals. Imagine storing entire 4K video libraries, high-resolution photo archives, game development assets, or multiple virtual machines—all on a single M.2 drive. This eliminates the need for RAID configurations or external storage arrays, simplifying workflows and reducing clutter. The drive is compatible with PCs, laptops (with M.2 2280 support), and even the PlayStation 5, making it a versatile option for gamers and creators alike. The heatsink is slim enough to fit in most motherboard M.2 slots, and Samsung has designed it to avoid interference with GPU backplates or other components.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Samsung Memory MZ is its software ecosystem. It comes bundled with Samsung Magician, a powerful tool that allows users to monitor drive health, optimize performance, update firmware, and even enable over-provisioning for improved endurance. Magician also provides real-time temperature and wear-leveling data, helping users prevent issues before they arise. For data security, the drive supports AES 256-bit encryption and has built-in error correction, ensuring your files remain safe and intact.

Durability and longevity are also top priorities. The Samsung Memory MZ is rated for a 5-year limited warranty and has an impressive endurance rating of 2,400 TBW (Terabytes Written), meaning it can handle years of heavy use without degradation. The drive also features advanced power loss protection and thermal throttling algorithms, which prevent data corruption during unexpected shutdowns and maintain stable performance during thermal stress.

In terms of physical dimensions, the Samsung Memory MZ measures 80.15 x 25 x 8.88 mm, slightly thicker than standard M.2 drives due to the heatsink. This means it may not fit in ultra-thin laptops or certain compact motherboards, so users should verify clearance before purchase. The black finish and subtle branding give it a sleek, premium appearance that complements high-end gaming and workstation builds.

Pros:

• Unmatched 8TB capacity – Ideal for professionals and content creators with massive storage needs.
• Blistering PCIe 5.0 speeds – Delivers up to 14,800 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write.
• Integrated heatsink for sustained performance – Prevents thermal throttling during heavy workloads.
• Comprehensive Samsung Magician software suite – Offers health monitoring, optimization, and firmware updates.
• Excellent endurance (2,400 TBW) – Built for long-term reliability and heavy usage.
• PlayStation 5 compatibility – Great for gamers wanting to expand console storage with top-tier performance.
• NVMe 2.0 support with advanced features – Improved efficiency and error handling.

Cons:

• Premium price point – Significantly more expensive than Gen4 and lower-capacity drives.
• Heatsink may not fit all systems – Requires adequate clearance in laptops and motherboards.
• Overkill for casual users – Most consumers don’t need 8TB or PCIe 5.0 speeds.
• Higher power consumption under load – May impact battery life in laptops.
• UK version may have regional restrictions – Verify warranty and support availability in your country.
• No data recovery software included – Unlike the Crucial P310 1TB SSD, it lacks bundled recovery tools.

Best For: The Samsung Memory MZ is tailor-made for professional content creators, 3D artists, video editors, AI developers, and hardcore gamers who need maximum storage, speed, and reliability. It’s also an excellent choice for PlayStation 5 owners looking to expand their library with a high-performance drive. If you’re working with large datasets, editing in DaVinci Resolve, or running resource-intensive applications like Blender or Unreal Engine, this drive eliminates bottlenecks and future-proofs your setup. Check Price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget and requirements.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Performance: Raw Speed and Sustained Throughput

When it comes to raw performance, the Samsung Memory MZ decisively outpaces the Crucial P310 1TB SSD. The jump from PCIe 4.0 to PCIe 5.0 is not just incremental—it’s transformative. The Samsung Memory MZ delivers nearly twice the read speed (14,800 MB/s vs 7,100 MB/s) and over twice the write speed (13,400 MB/s vs 6,000 MB/s), making it the clear winner in benchmarks and real-world speed tests. For tasks like video editing, where large files are constantly read and written, this difference is palpable. A 4K video project that takes 10 seconds to load on the Crucial P310 1TB SSD might take just 4-5 seconds on the Samsung Memory MZ.

However, performance isn’t just about peak numbers—it’s also about sustained throughput. Here, the Samsung Memory MZ’s built-in heatsink gives it a significant edge. PCIe 5.0 drives generate more heat, and without proper cooling, they can throttle, dropping speeds to match or even fall below PCIe 4.0 levels. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD, while efficient, lacks a heatsink, which means under prolonged heavy workloads (e.g., rendering, file compression, or game streaming), it may experience slight throttling. In contrast, the Samsung Memory MZ maintains its peak speeds for much longer, thanks to active thermal dissipation.

That said, for everyday tasks—booting Windows, launching apps, browsing, and casual gaming—the Crucial P310 1TB SSD’s performance is more than sufficient. The difference in responsiveness between Gen4 and Gen5 is less noticeable outside of specialized workflows. For most users, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD offers a sweet spot between speed and cost, while the Samsung Memory MZ is for those who need every last drop of performance.

Capacity and Scalability

Capacity is where the two drives diverge most dramatically. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD offers a single 1TB option, which is adequate for most mainstream users but can quickly fill up with modern games (many of which exceed 100GB) or media libraries. In contrast, the Samsung Memory MZ’s 8TB capacity is a revelation. It can store over 70 AAA games, dozens of 4K movies, or years’ worth of high-resolution photos and videos—all on a single drive.

For professionals, this eliminates the need for external NAS drives or multiple internal SSDs. You can have your OS, applications, projects, and archives all in one place, streamlining workflow and reducing complexity. The Samsung Memory MZ also supports over-provisioning via Samsung Magician, which reserves space for wear leveling and garbage collection, further enhancing longevity and performance.

The Crucial P310 1TB SSD, while limited in capacity, is part of a broader product line that includes larger variants (2TB, 4TB), but they come at higher prices. If you’re on a budget and need more than 1TB, you might consider multiple Crucial drives, but this introduces complexity in RAID management or drive partitioning.

Compatibility and Use Cases

Both drives are highly compatible, but they excel in different areas. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD stands out for its handheld gaming console compatibility, including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. This makes it a top choice for portable gamers who want to expand storage without sacrificing performance. Its standard M.2 2280 form factor and lack of heatsink mean it fits easily in thin laptops and compact systems.

The Samsung Memory MZ, while compatible with PCs, laptops, and PlayStation 5, has a bulkier heatsink that may not fit in all systems. Laptops with tight M.2 clearances or motherboards with large GPU backplates may struggle to accommodate it. However, its PlayStation 5 compatibility is a major selling point—gamers can expand their console storage with a drive that outperforms Sony’s recommended specs.

In terms of backward compatibility, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD wins again. It works seamlessly with PCIe 3.0 systems, offering a smooth upgrade path. The Samsung Memory MZ is also backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 and 3.0, but you won’t get PCIe 5.0 speeds on older hardware, reducing its value proposition for users not yet ready for the latest platforms.

Thermal Management and Durability

Thermal management is a critical factor, especially for high-performance drives. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD uses passive thermal control—Micron’s firmware monitors temperature and adjusts performance to prevent overheating. While effective for moderate workloads, it lacks active cooling, which can be a limitation in poorly ventilated systems or during extended gaming sessions.

The Samsung Memory MZ, with its integrated aluminum heatsink, takes a proactive approach. The heatsink not only keeps temperatures low but also improves power efficiency by reducing the need for aggressive throttling. In stress tests, the Samsung Memory MZ maintains performance up to 20°C cooler than comparable PCIe 5.0 drives without heatsinks. This is crucial for professionals who run their systems 24/7.

Both drives are rated for a 5-year warranty and high MTBF, but the Samsung Memory MZ’s 2,400 TBW endurance far exceeds the Crucial P310 1TB SSD’s (estimated around 600 TBW). For heavy write workloads—like database servers or content creation—the Samsung Memory MZ is the more durable choice.

Software and Ecosystem

Software support can make or break the user experience. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD includes Acronis Data Recovery Software, which is invaluable for recovering accidentally deleted files or system images. However, it lacks advanced tools for performance monitoring or firmware updates.

The Samsung Memory MZ, paired with Samsung Magician, offers a comprehensive suite: health monitoring, performance optimization, firmware updates, encryption, and even over-provisioning. Magician also provides detailed analytics and alerts, helping users maintain peak performance and prevent data loss. For professionals, this level of control is essential.

Value and Price-to-Performance

Price is where the Crucial P310 1TB SSD shines. It delivers excellent Gen4 performance at a price point that’s accessible to most consumers. For under $100, you get a reliable, fast, and versatile drive that can upgrade any system.

The Samsung Memory MZ, priced significantly higher, is a premium product. Its value lies in its unmatched capacity and speed, but it’s only cost-effective for users who need those features. For casual users, the performance gain may not justify the price jump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Crucial P310 1TB SSD compatible with the PlayStation 5?

A: While not officially listed as PS5-compatible like the Samsung Memory MZ, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD can work in the PlayStation 5 if it meets the minimum speed requirement (5,500 MB/s read). However, it lacks a heatsink, so ensure your PS5 has adequate ventilation. For guaranteed compatibility and optimal performance, consider the Samsung Memory MZ, which is PS5-certified and includes a heatsink.

Q: Does the Samsung Memory MZ require additional cooling beyond the built-in heatsink?

A: In most cases, no. The integrated heatsink is designed to handle the drive’s thermal output under heavy loads. However, if your PC has poor airflow or is in a hot environment, adding a case fan or improving case ventilation can further reduce temperatures. The Samsung Memory MZ’s heatsink is sufficient for 90% of use cases.

Q: Can I use the Crucial P310 1TB SSD in a PCIe 3.0 system?

A: Absolutely. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, offering speeds up to 3,500 MB/s—still significantly faster than SATA SSDs. This makes it an excellent upgrade for older systems. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD is a smart choice for users not ready to invest in a new Gen4 motherboard.

Q: Which drive is better for video editing: Crucial P310 1TB SSD or Samsung Memory MZ?

A: For professional 4K/8K video editing, the Samsung Memory MZ is the clear winner. Its 8TB capacity and PCIe 5.0 speeds reduce rendering times and handle large project files effortlessly. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD is suitable for hobbyists or 1080p editing but may struggle with high-bitrate 4K footage due to capacity and speed limits.

Q: Is the Samsung Magician software available for non-Samsung drives?

A: No, Samsung Magician is exclusive to Samsung SSDs. However, tools like CrystalDiskInfo or Samsung’s NVMe driver can provide basic monitoring for other drives. The Crucial P310 1TB SSD relies on Acronis for data recovery but lacks a dedicated optimization suite.

Q: How do I install the Crucial P310 1TB SSD in a laptop?

A: Most laptops have an accessible M.2 slot. Turn off the laptop, remove the back panel, locate the M.2 slot, insert the Crucial P310 1TB SSD at a 30-degree angle, and secure it with a screw. Boot from a USB drive to install your OS. Ensure your laptop supports NVMe drives. For detailed guidance, check your laptop’s manual or Crucial’s installation videos.

Q: Does the Samsung Memory MZ work with Linux?

A: Yes, the Samsung Memory MZ is fully compatible with Linux distributions. It uses standard NVMe drivers, so it’s plug-and-play in