The Crucial T700 vs Seagate Firecuda 540 Gen5 SSD – Which Should You Buy?

After a wait, Gen 5 m.2 NVMe SSDs are increasingly accessible and affordable, with key players in the SSD market now introducing them. The delayed introduction of Gen 5 in the realm of solid-state drives is partly due to the repercussions of the 2020 pandemic on its production. The shift and assimilation of these drives into motherboards, especially from Gen 4 to Gen 5, has been gradual. With Gen 5, there’s an anticipation of superior performance, backed by upgraded controllers from top-tier manufacturers. Yet, there has been a slight delay in its full adoption at both motherboard and system levels. While it’s possible to acquire a Gen 5 SSD now, the extent of its optimal performance utilization remains a topic of debate. However, for those considering a purchase meant to last the next half-decade, it’s prudent to think ahead and select a future-compatible drive. As Gen 5’s affordability and prowess grow, it’s set to outshine and phase out Gen 4. So, for anyone seeking a top-tier SSD for upcoming years, a Gen 5 SSD is a wise long-term investment. In this piece, we’ll be exploring two prominent Gen 5 SSD contenders: the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Crucial T700. At a cursory look, their similarities due to the early stage of Gen 5 might be evident, but they offer distinct advantages. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two models.

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Crucial T700 NVMe SSD
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Comparing Seagate Firecuda 540 and Crucial T700 Hardware Specifications

As the world of Solid State Drives (SSDs) continually evolves, top-tier manufacturers are in a race to produce drives that offer the best balance of speed, durability, and affordability. The Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Crucial T700 are no exceptions to this trend. Both SSDs belong to the latest PCIe Gen 5×4 category and seem poised to elevate your computing experience. But which one should be your next purchase? Let’s dive deep into their specifications to help you decide. From the perspective of the average consumer, Gen 5 has been in the market for roughly 2 years, but more precisely about 18 months when considering its actual online purchase availability. Meanwhile, in the spheres of data centers and enterprise operations, Gen 5 made its debut almost 3 years ago. This extended timeline has paved the way for continuous research, refinement, and breakthroughs. As is often the case in the SSD industry, Phison was quick off the mark, revealing a Gen 5 controller in the form of the E26. This was succeeded by a couple of models aimed at enterprise needs and efficiency, including the DRAMless E31. Other industry players like Integrate and Silicon Motion weren’t far behind. This evolutionary trajectory saw many SSD manufacturers determining their Gen 5 strategies quite early, not to mention the in-house productions from giants like Samsung and WD. Alongside these developments, advancements in storage efficacy and flash technology emerged, facilitating higher layer counts and offering denser storage capacities without compromising Gen 5’s lofty performance, durability, and endurance benchmarks. Given that the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Crucial T700 are part of the initial batch of Gen 5 SSDs in the market, their performance metrics are understandably similar. Yet, when analyzing I/O measurements and robustness, certain nuances might give one an edge over the other in a direct comparison. Here’s a closer look at how the two SSDs compare in terms of hardware:

General Specifications

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Crucial T700
Manufacturer	Seagate	Crucial
Name/Series	Seagate Firecuda 540	Crucial T700
Capacities	1-2-4TB	1-2-4TB
PCIe Gen	PCIe Gen 5×4	PCIe Gen 5×4
Controller	Phison E26	Phison E26
NVMe Rev.	NVMe 2.0	NVMe 2.0
NAND Type	3D TLC Micron B58R	3D TLC Micron B58R
NAND Layer	232L	232L
Inclusive Heatsink?	No (inc Heatshield)	Optional
Price Per TB	$148/TB (2TB)	$157 per TB (4TB)
DWPD	0.55DWPD	0.329DWPD
MTBF	2 Million Hours	1.6 Million Hours
Warranty	5yrs + 3yrs Data Rec	5yrs

1TB Model Comparison

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Crucial T700
Model ID	ZP1000GM3A004	CT1000T700SSD5
Price	$189	$179.99
Seq Read Speed	9.5GB/s	11.7GB/s
Seq Write Speed	8.5GB/s	9.5GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.3 Million	1.35 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.4 Million
TBW	1000TBW	600TBW

2TB Model Comparison

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Crucial T700
Model ID	ZP2000GM3A004	CT2000T700SSD5
Price	$299	$339.99
Seq Read Speed	10GB/s	12.4GB/s
Seq Write Speed	10GB/s	11.8GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
TBW	2000TBW	1200TBW

4TB Model Comparison

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Crucial T700
Model #	N/A	CT4000T700SSD5
Price	N/A	$599.99
Seq Read Speed	N/A	12.4GB/s
Seq Write Speed	N/A	11.8GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	N/A	1.5 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	N/A	1.5 Million
TBW	N/A	2400TBW

If terms like DWPD, IOPS, and TBW sound foreign to you, the video below will be invaluable. It provides a clear breakdown of common SSD terminologies, helping you better understand the subtle contrasts between the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Crucial T700.

Choosing between the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Crucial T700 is no easy task. Both SSDs manifest themselves as the embodiment of cutting-edge technology, exhibiting attributes that cater to diverse preferences and purposes. Let’s break it down further to give you a clearer picture:

1. Performance: The Crucial T700 takes the lead here. Boasting faster sequential read and write speeds across the 1TB and 2TB models, users might witness marginally quicker load times, faster data transfers, and an overall enhanced performance. Especially for those involved in data-heavy tasks like video editing or large-scale simulations, those extra speeds could translate to noticeable improvements.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: For the budget-conscious consumer, the Firecuda 540 shines brighter. The attractive price per TB, particularly for the 2TB model, offers great value, allowing users to get a high-performing SSD without breaking the bank. Over time, this price difference can become significant, especially for those looking to upgrade multiple systems.

3. Durability & Reliability: Delving deeper into longevity, the Firecuda 540 edges out its competitor. A higher TBW suggests it can handle more data writes over its lifespan. Furthermore, the longer MTBF and the unique addition of a 3-year data recovery warranty underline Seagate’s confidence in its product’s durability. For users whose primary concern is a lasting investment, this might tilt the scales in Seagate’s favor.

4. Cooling Solutions: Thermal management is vital in ensuring consistent performance and prolonging the SSD’s life. While the Firecuda 540 incorporates a heat shield, the Crucial T700 offers an optional heatsink. For enthusiasts or professionals who might push their SSDs to the limit, having a dedicated cooling solution, as in the T700, could be beneficial.

5. Future Expansion: Both SSDs provide a range of capacities up to 4TB. However, it’s worth noting that, as of the data provided, Seagate hasn’t released the specifications for a 4TB model. This could be a limitation for users seeking maximum storage from the Firecuda series.

In sum, the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Crucial T700 represent the pinnacle of current SSD technology, each with its strengths. The Firecuda seems tailored for those who value durability and cost-effectiveness, while the T700 might appeal more to performance enthusiasts and those keen on optimal cooling solutions. Your final choice should align with what you prioritize most in an SSD, whether that’s speed, longevity, cooling efficiency, or cost.

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Crucial T700 NVMe SSD
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Review of the Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD – New King Crowned?

The Phison E26 Controller equipped Max14um SSD is currently on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, where it’s a part of Phison’s exhibit showcasing their latest advancements in solid-state drive technology. Prior to its demonstration at CES, a unit of the Max14um SSD was provided in advance for the purpose of an in-depth review and benchmarking analysis. This review will delve into the hardware specifications of the Max14um SSD, examining the components and design choices that underpin its performance. A key focus will be on the SSD’s unique heatsink, an essential feature given the drive’s high-speed capabilities and the thermal challenges associated with such performance levels. Benchmarking results from a suite of tests, including ATTO, AS SSD, CrystalDiskMark, and AJA, will be presented to quantify the drive’s performance across various scenarios. These tests are designed to push the SSD to its limits and provide a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities in both sequential and random data handling tasks. The findings aim to offer a detailed perspective on how the Max14um SSD stands in the current market, particularly in comparison to its contemporaries.

Note – Video Review of the Phison Max14um SSD on YouTube HERE (Live Later today)

Specification	Phison E26 Max14um 2TB	Phison E26 Max14um 4TB
Form Factor	M.2 2280	M.2 2280
Interface/Protocol	PCIe 5.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0	PCIe 5.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0
Controller	Phison PS5026-E26	Phison PS5026-E26
DRAM	LPDDR4	LPDDR4
NV Memory	Micron 2400MT 232L TLC	Micron 2400MT 232L TLC
Sequential Read	Up to 14,600 MB/s	Up to 14,600 MB/s
Sequential Write	Up to 12,700 MB/s	Up to 12,700 MB/s
Random Read	Up to 1,500,000 IOPS	Up to 1,500,000 IOPS
Random Write	Up to 1,600,000 IOPS	Up to 1,600,000 IOPS
Controller Tech	Dual-CPU, Arm Cortex-R5, TSMC 12nm	Dual-CPU, Arm Cortex-R5, TSMC 12nm
Flash Channels	Up to 8 channels, 32 CE	Up to 8 channels, 32 CE
Max Flash Transfer Rate	Up to 2,400MT/s	Up to 2,400MT/s
Security	AES 256, SHA 512, RSA 4096, TCG Opal	AES 256, SHA 512, RSA 4096, TCG Opal
Temperature Range	Operating: 0–70°C, Storage: -40–85°C	Operating: 0–70°C, Storage: -40–85°C

Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

In summarizing the capabilities of the Max14um SSD, it’s clear that this drive is a formidable presence in the Gen5 market, setting a new standard for speed and performance. The inclusion of 2400MT/s B58R NAND allows the SSD to fully capitalize on its potential, with the sophisticated cooling solution ensuring that this performance is sustainable over time. The compact form factor of the Max14um SSD is notably impressive, given its proximity to the bandwidth ceiling of Gen 5×4. The support and backing by Phison add a layer of reliability and assurance for the end-user. Additionally, the prospect of a 4TB model caters to the growing demand for high-capacity, fast storage solutions. However, the excellence of the Max14um SSD comes at a price, which is expected to reflect its high-end specifications and performance. Durability ratings, while not yet specified, are projected to be on par with industry averages, potentially around 0.3-0.38 DWPD. It’s important to note the cooling system’s reliance on a 4-pin CPU fan connector, which may not suit all users’ configurations, as it cannot draw power from the M.2 slot or a standard SATA/molex connection. Moreover, the drive’s ability to maintain its peak performance consistently will depend heavily on the specific client system in which it is installed.

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Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – PCB Chip Layout and Design

The Max14um SSD, equipped with the Phison E26 controller, stands out in the realm of Gen 5 SSDs primarily due to its adoption of Micron’s B58R NAND flash, which operates at 2400MT/s. This specification is a significant step up from the 1600MT/s speeds that are prevalent among other Gen 5 drives currently on the market till now. The higher transfer rate of the NAND directly contributes to the increased performance of the SSD, allowing it to handle larger volumes of data more efficiently and resulting in the elevated sequential read and write speeds observed in this model.

The Phison E26 controller itself is a pivotal component, designed to leverage the full potential of the high-speed NAND. It employs a dual-CPU configuration with Arm Cortex-R5 cores and is fabricated using a 12nm process technology. This setup enables the controller to manage the data flow across up to 8 channels with 32 chip enables (CE), which is instrumental in achieving the SSD’s top-tier performance metrics.

Additionally, the Max14um SSD integrates LPDDR4 DRAM, enhancing the controller’s ability to handle the I/O operations effectively. This integration is vital for maintaining the drive’s swift response times and managing the NAND’s high-speed transfers without bottlenecking the system. As a consequence, this design choice facilitates the drive’s capability to reach and sustain its peak performance.

The operational parameters of the Max14um SSD, such as its operating temperature range and power management features, are aligned with the industry standards for high-performance drives. The SSD’s compliance with stringent security protocols, including AES 256 and TCG Opal, without affecting its throughput, reflects a well-rounded approach to design that considers not just performance but also reliability and data security.

The Max14um SSD’s thermal management is integral to its design, particularly notable given the drive’s performance during intensive benchmarking. Even when subjected to the rigorous demands of ATTO and CrystalDiskMark tests, the SSD maintained exceptionally low operating temperatures. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the included heatsink, which has been meticulously engineered to handle the thermal output of the drive under heavy loads.

The heatsink that accompanies the Max14um SSD is slightly taller than those found on alternative SSDs such as the ADATA 970 Legend or the Seagate FireCuda 540. However, this increase in height is marginal and carefully calculated, ensuring that while it provides superior cooling capabilities, it does not significantly impact the overall form factor or the ease of installation in space-constrained environments.

In comparison to other high-performance SSDs on the market, such as the Nextorage Gen 5 drive and the Gigabyte Gen5 Aorus SSD, the Max14um’s heatsink is significantly less obtrusive. These competing drives opt for much taller heatsinks to accommodate their thermal dissipation needs, which can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations or enclosures. The Max14um strikes a balance between efficient cooling and compactness, avoiding the potential pitfalls of larger cooling solutions.

The result is a cooling system that is both effective and unassuming, allowing the Max14um SSD to deliver its robust performance without the need for an overly bulky or cumbersome heatsink. This thoughtful approach to design ensures compatibility with a wide range of hardware setups, maintaining the Max14um’s position as a versatile and user-friendly option in the high-speed SSD market.

Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Performance & Benchmarks

Performance benchmarks for the Phison E26 Max14um SSD were conducted on a midrange PC rig, in a Windows environment, with the Phison E26 Max14um used as an additional drive. The OS drive was a simple SATA SSD. Depending on the test results, a 2nd round of testing will be conducted on a higher tier Gen4 SSD OS test machine, but for now this arguably more domestic test rig was used in order to better represent an average PC user. The full machine test setup was:

• Windows 10 Pro (SATA OS Drive, Seagate Firecuda 125)
• ASUS Intel Z690 ROG MAXIMUS HERO Motherboard
• 12th Gen Intel i5-12600K 3.7Ghz (4.9Ghz Burst) 10 Core (6P + 4E)
• 16GB DDR5 4800Mhz Memory (1x16GB)
• No GFX Card (though CPU has Intel UHD Graphics 770 iGPU)
• Intel® UHD Graphics 770
• Phison E26 Max14um 1TB SSD in PCIe 5×4 M.2 Slot

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Phison E26 Max14um SSD CrystalDiskMark Tests

The first tests were favoured towards Sequential (big, blocky and in-line) performance, using CrystalDiskMark on the Phison E26 Max14um, on 1GB, 4GB and 16GB Test Files. First up, the 1GB File:

Next up, the 4GB CrystalDiskMark Phison E26 Max14um Test:

Then, a much more dense 16GB File test

Finally, the largest 64GB CrystalDiskMark Phison E26 Max14um Test:

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Phison E26 Max14um SSD ATTO Disk Benchmark Tests

The next tests on the Phison E26 Max14um SSD were conducted with Atto Diskbenchmark, once again at three file size types (256MB, 1GB and 4GB). Atto Disk Benchmark has a slight difference in GB calculation to CrystalDiskMark, so do not be alarmed by the slight difference in stats. We looked at the Sequential Performance and the reported IOPS. First up is the 256MB Test File

Next up for the Phison E26 Max14um SSD was a larger round of 1GB tests:

Finally, the 4GB Test file. This was also the area when the SSD reached it’s highest temperature (mentioned earlier)

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Phison E26 Max14um SSD AS SSD Tests

Next up was an arguably more SSD-focused test, this time with AS SSD on the Phison E26 Max14um SSD. Again, much like the other test flows, AS SSD has it’s own metrics, so cannot be directly compared against ATTO and CrystalDisk directly. The first test was using the 1GB Test file:

Next Phison E26 Max14um AS SSD test was a 3GB test file:

Finally, there was the larger 5GB test file.

Tests for all three AS SSD benchmarks were pretty comparable.

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Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Conclusion and Verdict

In conclusion, the Max14um SSD sets a new benchmark for Gen5 SSDs with its exceptional performance and efficient thermal management. It stands out as the fastest drive currently available in its category, a testament to the synergy between its cutting-edge 2400MT/s B58R NAND and the Phison E26 controller. The heatsink design deserves special mention for its capability to maintain optimal temperatures without bulking up the device, ensuring that the high-speed components can operate without thermal throttling. Despite its impressive speeds and cooling system, the drive’s size remains surprisingly compact, particularly when considering its performance metrics that are close to saturating the Gen 5×4 bandwidth. Furthermore, the upcoming availability of a 4TB option adds to its appeal for users seeking high-capacity, high-performance storage solutions. The backing by Phison, not just in terms of the controller but the entire drive, provides a level of assurance in terms of quality and support.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the expected high cost of the drive, which could be a significant factor in purchase decisions. Additionally, while the exact durability ratings (DWPD/TBW) are yet to be disclosed, they are anticipated to be average for high-end SSDs. The requirement of a 4-pin CPU fan connector for cooling may pose a compatibility issue for certain setups, as the fan is not powered directly by the M.2 interface or through SATA/molex power. It’s also important to note that the sustained performance of 14/12GB is contingent upon the client’s environment and workload.