Crucial (Micron) MX200 and BX100 SSDs

Crucial, a brand of Micron Technology, Inc., announced two SSDs: the MX200, built to deliver speeds and features, and the BX100, designed to offer substantial yet affordable performance gains compared to a HDD.

MX200 SSD
Available in 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacities with respective MSRPs of $139.99, $249.99, and $469.99, the MX200 delivers sequential reads and write up to 555MB/s and 500MB/s, along with random reads and writes up to 100k and 87k IO/s on all file types. Additionally, with an endurance rating up to 320 TBW (total bytes written) on the 1TB model, the MX200 delivers up to five times more endurance than a typical client SSD. [The published endurance rating (TBW) of the 1TB MX200 SSD is up to five times greater than the average published endurance rating of three high-capacity mainstream client SSDs (September 2014): 1TB Samsung 840 EVO, 480GB SanDisk Extreme Pro II, and 480GB Intel 530 SSD]

The MX200 is also the only consumer drive on the market with Dynamic Write Acceleration, a technology that enables faster saves and file transfers.

Furthermore, MX200 also offers features, including:

AES 256-bit encryption to protect data at the highest possible level
Exclusive Data Defense to guard against corrupt files
Adaptive Thermal Protection to keep systems cool
Power Loss Protection to preserve user data if power is lost

Each MX200 SSD includes Acronis True Image HD data migration software that moves all files, OSs, settings, and programs from an existing HDD to a newly installed SSD [Available on 2.5-inch form factor only.] This patented disk-imaging technology powered by Acronis’ AnyData Engine allows users to utilize their new SSD as their system drive.

BX100 SSD
Available in 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacities with respective MSRPs of $69.99, $109.99, $199.99, and $399.99, the BX100 delivers sequential reads and writes up to 535MB/s and 450MB/s on all file types. More than fifteen times faster than a HDD, it allows users to boot up almost instantly, load programs ins, and accelerate demanding applications. And with Extreme Energy Efficiency technology, it is two times more energy efficient than a typical HDD, allowing users to run their systems longer, using less power.

The BX100 is the first Crucial drive to include the Silicon Motion SM2246EN controller.

Robert Fan, VP and GM, Silicon Motion USAwww.siliconmotion.com, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Crucial on the new BX100 SSD. Our high-performance and low power consumption SM2246EN controller combined with Micron NAND helps make the BX100 fast, energy efficient, and affordable.”

“We designed the MX200 and BX100 to meet the varied needs of the market, making it easier for anyone to move to an SSD, whether they are a seasoned computer enthusiast or an absolute beginner, all while keeping value top of mind,” said Jonathan Weech, senior WW product manager, Crucial. “These drives leverage Micron’s years of heritage in storage technology to deliver advanced features and performance, resulting in an unparalleled SSD experience for our consumers.”

Crucial Storage Executive
Available, the Crucial Storage Executive is a software tool that helps users monitor, maintain, and optimize their SSDs.

Available for download, the new tool allows users to:

Update to the latest firmware version
Reset the drive’s encryption password
Report on drive status, model, capacity, firmware version, temperature, and overall health

The tool works with the new BX100 and MX200 SSDs, as well as existing M500, M550, and MX100 SSDs.

Both MX200 and BX100 2.5-inch drives will be available in Q1 2015 on the company’s web site and through select partners.

The MX200 will also be available in mSATA and M.2 form factors during Q1 2015.

Both drives are backed by a limited three-year warranty.