Crucial
m4 SSD (256GB)
Best reliable storage for everyday computer upgrades.
The Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD1 is a 256 GB solid state drive designed for laptops, offering faster boot and application load times. It boasts an external data transfer rate of 600 Mbps, an internal read rate of 500 Mbps, and a write rate of 260 Mbps. This 2.5-inch drive features low power consumption and quiet operation due to its lack of moving parts. Connectivity is via SATA 6 Gbps, with backward compatibility to 3 Gbps. The drive has a mean time between failures of approximately 1,200,000 hours.
$316.11
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
404
/ 4074
#404 in Hard Drives
Price vs Category Average
-40%
Below average
Capacity
256
/ GB
Who it's for
- Users prioritizing data safety and long-term system stability.
- Everyday users upgrading from a sluggish mechanical hard drive.
- Budget-conscious builders seeking reliable, affordable solid-state storage.
Who should skip it
- Performance enthusiasts expecting cutting-edge data transfer speeds.
- Gamers or content creators with extensive software and media libraries.
- Power users requiring the fastest possible system responsiveness.
Performance breakdown
Sequential Read Speed
Rapid data access ensures snappy system responsiveness and quick application launches.
Write Performance
Solid for daily tasks, though heavy file transfers may feel slightly paced.
Reliability Rating
The impressive MTBF rating promises long-term stability for your critical data.
Power Efficiency
Low energy draw helps extend battery life for mobile laptop users.
Random Read Throughput
High IOPS performance makes multitasking feel fluid and remarkably responsive.
Build Durability
Robust solid-state construction handles the physical rigors of portable computing well.
Key Specs
Capacity
256GB
Form Factor
2.5 inch
Interface
SATA III
Read Speed
500 MB/s
Write Speed
260 MB/s
MTBF
1,200,000 hours
Weight
2.6 oz
Dimensions
2.8 x 4 x 0.4 inches
Features
- Faster boot and application load times
- Low power consumption
- Quiet operation
- Durable storage for laptops
- High data transfer rates
What customers say
Customers consistently lauded this SSD for its exceptional reliability and strong value. Many users highlighted the significant performance boost it provided, transforming older systems with faster boot times and application loading. The drive was praised for its consistent operation and durability over time, making it a highly recommended upgrade. Its competitive pricing further solidified its position as a smart investment for enhancing computer responsiveness and overall user experience.
Know before you buy
The Crucial M4 features a standard 2.5-inch form factor, which is compatible with the vast majority of laptops that use traditional hard drives or SSDs. As long as your laptop has a SATA interface and space for a 2.5-inch drive, it should fit.
Yes, the drive is fully backward compatible with SATA 3 Gbps interfaces. While you may not reach the maximum potential speeds of the SATA 6 Gbps connection, you will still experience a significant performance boost over a standard mechanical hard drive.
By replacing a mechanical hard drive with this SSD, you eliminate the latency caused by moving parts. This results in noticeably faster boot times, quicker application launches, and a more responsive overall system.
Absolutely. Because this SSD lacks moving parts, it consumes significantly less power than a traditional spinning hard drive, which can help extend your laptop's battery life.
This drive has a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1,200,000 hours. This rating indicates a high level of reliability for long-term daily use in a laptop environment.
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