The Crucial P3 PCIe 3.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) represents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking high-capacity storage with respectable performance. Launched in May 2022, the Crucial P3 is designed as a value-driven successor to the Crucial P2, offering improved speeds, larger capacities, and a competitive price point. With Micron’s 176-layer QLC NAND flash and a DRAM-less Phison PS5021-E21T controller, the P3 targets users upgrading older PCs or building cost-effective systems that lack PCIe 4.0 support. Available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB, it promises near-top-tier PCIe 3.0 performance at a fraction of the cost of premium SSDs. This 2000-word review dives deep into the Crucial P3’s design, performance, features, and value proposition, assessing its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Overview and Specifications
The Crucial P3 is an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD that operates over a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, making it compatible with a wide range of desktops and laptops, particularly those without PCIe 4.0 support. It is positioned as a budget-friendly drive, leveraging Micron’s expertise as one of the world’s leading NAND manufacturers to deliver high-capacity storage at low cost. The P3 is available in four capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, with the higher capacities being particularly attractive for users needing ample storage for games, media, or large datasets.
The P3’s use of QLC NAND allows for higher storage densities, enabling larger capacities at lower costs compared to TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND-based drives. However, QLC typically comes with trade-offs in performance and endurance, which we’ll explore in detail. The DRAM-less design, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, further reduces costs while maintaining decent performance for most consumer workloads.
Design and Build
The Crucial P3 adheres to the standard M.2 2280 form factor, measuring 22mm wide and 80mm long, ensuring compatibility with most modern motherboards and laptops. Its single-sided design, with all components on one side of the PCB, makes it ideal for slim devices like ultrabooks. The drive lacks a pre-installed heatsink, which is typical for budget SSDs, but its low power consumption and efficient thermal performance mean it doesn’t require one for most use cases.
Visually, the P3 is unremarkable, featuring a simple black PCB with a small sticker displaying the model name, capacity, and serial number. The absence of flashy LEDs or elaborate branding aligns with its budget focus—no frills, just function. The drive includes a mounting screw in the packaging, a thoughtful touch for users installing it in systems where such screws are missing.P3 – images: Crucial
Internally, the P3 pairs Micron’s 176-layer QLC NAND with the Phison E21T controller. The QLC NAND, labeled as NY161, consists of four 1Tb dies per package in a 4DP/QDP configuration, optimized for high-density storage.
The DRAM-less controller uses HMB, leveraging a portion of the system’s RAM for caching, which reduces manufacturing costs without severely impacting performance. A pseudo-SLC cache (250GB for the 1TB model) enhances write performance by temporarily storing data in a faster single-level cell mode before folding it into QLC, though performance drops once the cache is exhausted.
The Crucial P3 is marketed as a high-value SSD with performance that approaches the limits of the PCIe 3.0 interface. Its rated sequential read and write speeds of up to 3500 MB/s and 3000 MB/s (for 1TB–4TB models) are impressive for a budget drive, rivaling older high-end PCIe 3.0 SSDs. To evaluate its real-world performance, we’ll examine synthetic benchmarks, real-world tests, and its behavior under various workloads, drawing on data from trusted sources like PCMag, Tom’s Hardware, and PCWorld.
Synthetic Benchmarks
In synthetic tests like CrystalDiskMark 8.0, the P3 delivers strong sequential performance:
1TB Model: Sequential read speeds of ~3677 MB/s and write speeds of ~3230 MB/s, slightly exceeding Crucial’s rated specs.
2TB Model: Sequential read speeds of ~3506 MB/s and write speeds of ~3246 MB/s, with consistent results across multiple runs.
4K Random Performance: The P3’s random read and write speeds are less impressive due to its DRAM-less design and QLC NAND. It achieves respectable but not class-leading 4K random read/write IOPS, trailing TLC-based drives with onboard DRAM.
The P3’s performance which simulates everyday tasks like app launches and file transfers, is solid but not exceptional. It scores around 2500–2600 points, placing it in the top third of PCIe 3.0 drives but behind TLC-based competitors like the Intel SSD 670p. Its 3DMark Storage gaming benchmark score of 2581 is nearly identical to the PCIe 4.0 P3 Plus, indicating that gaming performance is more than adequate for PCIe 3.0 systems.
The P3 is notably efficient, running cool even under load. In testing, it peaked at ~56°C during sustained writes, well within safe operating temperatures. Its DRAM-less design and 12nm Phison controller contribute to low power consumption, making it an excellent choice for laptops or energy-conscious builds. The drive supports adaptive thermal protection, throttling performance if temperatures exceed safe limits, though this is unlikely in typical use.
Crucial P3
The P3’s QLC NAND results in lower endurance compared to TLC-based SSDs. Its Terabytes Written (TBW) ratings are:
500GB: 110TBW
1TB: 220TBW
2TB: 440TBW
4TB: 800TBW
These figures are significantly lower than competitors like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus (600TBW for 1TB) or even the Intel 670p. For context, the 1TB P3’s 220TBW equates to ~120GB of writes per day over its 5-year warranty, sufficient for most consumer workloads but potentially limiting for write-intensive tasks like video editing or server use. Despite the conservative TBW, real-world SSD longevity often exceeds rated endurance, and Crucial’s 5-year warranty provides peace of mind.
The Crucial P3 includes several features that enhance its value:
– NVMe 1.4 Protocol: Ensures compatibility with modern systems and supports advanced features like TRIM, ECC, and dynamic write acceleration.
– Crucial Storage Executive: A free utility for monitoring drive health, updating firmware, and optimizing performance. It’s user-friendly and provides essential tools for maintaining the SSD.
– Acronis True Image for Crucial: Free cloning software simplifies migrating data from an existing drive, making the P3 an easy upgrade choice.
– Redundant Array of Independent NAND (RAIN): Improves data reliability by distributing data across NAND chips, reducing the risk of data loss.
One notable omission is 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption, a feature found on some competing drives like the Intel 670p. For users prioritizing security, this may be a drawback, though software-based encryption can suffice for most.
The Crucial P3’s standout feature is its cost-per-gigabyte, particularly at higher capacities. At launch, the 4TB model retailed for $350 ($0.0875/GB), significantly cheaper than most NVMe SSDs of similar capacity. The 1TB and 2TB models, priced at ~$90 and ~$175, respectively, offer excellent value for budget builds or secondary storage.
Compared to competitors:
Samsung 970 EVO Plus (1TB): Faster random performance and higher endurance but costs ~$120–$150.
Intel SSD 670p (1TB): Similar QLC-based design with slightly better PCMark 10 scores and encryption, priced at ~$90–$100.
WD Blue SN570 (1TB): A TLC-based PCIe 3.0 drive with better endurance but lower capacities (max 1TB), priced at ~$80–$100.
The P3’s closest competitor is its sibling, the Crucial P3 Plus, a PCIe 4.0 drive with similar specs but higher speeds (up to 5000 MB/s read). The P3 Plus is only $10–$15 more expensive, making it a better choice for systems with PCIe 4.0 support. However, for older PCs or budget builds, the P3’s performance is more than sufficient.
Crucial P3: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional value, especially at 2TB and 4TB capacities.
Strong sequential performance for a PCIe 3.0 drive.
Efficient and cool-running, ideal for laptops.
5-year warranty and reliable Micron NAND.
Free software for cloning and drive management.
Cons:
Low TBW ratings compared to TLC-based SSDs.
No hardware-based encryption.
Performance drops after SLC cache is exhausted.
Random read/write speeds lag behind premium drives.
The Crucial P3 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD is a standout in the budget storage market, offering a compelling blend of capacity, performance, and affordability. Its use of Micron’s 176-layer QLC NAND enables high-capacity options up to 4TB at prices that undercut most competitors, while its sequential read/write speeds of up to 3500/3000 MB/s deliver snappy performance for everyday tasks. The DRAM-less design and pseudo-SLC cache ensure cost efficiency without sacrificing usability for most consumers, and its low power consumption makes it versatile for desktops and laptops alike.
However, the P3’s QLC NAND and low TBW ratings make it less suitable for write-heavy workloads, and its lack of hardware encryption may deter security-conscious users. For those with PCIe 4.0 systems, the marginally more expensive P3 Plus is a better investment. Nevertheless, the P3 earns its place as a top choice for upgrading older PCs, building budget systems, or adding high-capacity secondary storage.
