Corsair Neutron NX500 400GB: A Detailed Review

The Rise of NVMe SSDs

• High-Speed Storage: NVMe SSDs, utilizing the PCI Express bus, are the top choice for high-performance desktop systems.
• Performance Disparity: Not all NVMe drives are equal, as seen with Intel's SSD 600p and Samsung's SSD 960 series.

Corsair's Attempt at the Crown

• Previous Attempts: Corsair’s earlier MP500 showed promise but was hindered by its pricing when compared to Samsung's 960 Pro.
• Pricing Update: The MP500’s pricing has become more competitive over time, now offering better value.

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Corsair Neutron NX500: More Than Just an MP500 on a PCIe Adapter

• Form Factor: The NX500 uses a half-height half-length PCI Express 3.0 x4 form factor, differing from the MP500’s M.2 form.
• Storage Capacities: Available in 400GB and 800GB, the NX500 targets a different segment than the MP500’s 120GB to 480GB range.

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• Windows 10 Boot Time: The NX500 boots Windows in 5.4 seconds, slightly slower than the MP500 but faster than the 960 Evo.
• Game Level Loading: In "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare," the NX500 loads levels faster than both the MP500 and the 960 Evo.

NX500 vs. MP500 and Samsung's 960 Series

• Competitive Positioning: The NX500 offers solid performance but struggles to outpace Samsung’s offerings in speed.
• User Experience: For most power users, the difference between the NX500 and competitors like the 960 Pro is negligible in typical workloads.

Conclusion

• Solid Performance: The Corsair Neutron NX500 is a strong performer in the NVMe SSD space, especially in prolonged use.
• Price Consideration: Despite its strengths, the NX500’s pricing brings it close to Samsung's slightly faster drives, making it a challenging choice.
• Final Verdict: The NX500 is a commendable SSD, offering reliability and speed, but it faces stiff competition in both performance and price.