Unleashing High-Speed Performance: A Comprehensive Review of the Corsair MP600 Elite SSD for PS5 and PC Users

The Corsair MP600 Elite SSD is a fascinating addition to the market, especially within the realm of Gen 4 drives. With the new Gen 5 drives creating a significant buzz, it's compelling how this Corsair offering manages to capture our attention. Even though Gen 5 compatibility remains sparse, the MP600 Elite offers robust performance metrics that still make Gen 4 highly relevant, particularly for PS5 owners. Here, we'll delve into its design, performance, and comparisons, making you well-informed on whether it deserves a place in your gaming setup.

Design & Features

The Corsair MP600 Elite SSD impresses through its meticulous design and expansive features, setting itself apart from the competition. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, it fits easily into the PS5 and PCs alike, thanks to its 2280 format and PCIe Gen 4.0 interface. The backward compatibility with PCIe Gen 3 systems adds an extra layer of versatility, ensuring it will run in various setups without a hitch.

The aesthetic design of the MP600 Elite also deserves commendation. The version reviewed for PS5 features a sleek white heatsink, while the PC variant boasts a black one. Nevertheless, both models are essentially identical aside from their exterior finishes. The heatsink itself is a visual delight—featuring subtle curves and individual vent panels that create a look reminiscent of armor. It's innovative as well as functional, providing ample airflow to keep the drive cool even during intense gaming sessions.

One of the standout features is the 3D TLC NAND cache, touted as "high density" by Corsair. The SSD also promises an endurance of 1,200TBW (total bytes written). Plus, it includes a 5-year warranty, adding a layer of reliability for long-term use. The advertised read and write speeds are 7,000MB/s and 6,500MB/s, respectively, although your actual experience may vary depending on the system architecture and workload.

Performance

PS5 Performance

The MP600 Elite performs well in the PS5 environment, although it's worth noting that the console's architecture can limit peak performance. Testing showed that the SSD managed a sequential read speed of 6,486MB/s in the PS5's benchmark. This result places it slightly below the Nextorage NEM-PA SSD, which hit 6,539MB/s, but significantly above older models like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which clocked in at 5,581MB/s.

When it comes to real-world applications like game data transfers, the MP600 Elite showcases its prowess. God of War 2018, a game used for testing purposes, transferred 48GB of data from the console storage to the drive in just 16 seconds. This speed is impressive, especially compared to the now-discontinued Crucial P5 Plus, which took 26 seconds for the same task. The benefit of its speed extends to game loading times, offering a tangible improvement even if the numbers aren't record-breaking.

PC Performance

For more rigorous performance evaluations, the MP600 Elite was tested on a PC using CrystalDiskMark. The SSD exceeded expectations, surpassing its quoted maximum read speed of 7,000MB/s by averaging 7,038MB/s across three tests. Similarly, the quoted write speed of 6,500MB/s was outdone by an average of 6,587MB/s, rivaling the top performers in the market like the Seagate FireCuda 530.

In a comparative note, the FireCuda 530 achieved sequential read/write speeds of 7,034MB/s / 6,739MB/s respectively. The MP600 Elite manages to compete closely, barely edging out the read speeds of the FireCuda 530 but falling slightly short in write speeds. Considering the competitive pricing and the availability issues surrounding the FireCuda 530, the Corsair MP600 Elite emerges as a strong contender in the Gen 4 SSD arena.

Should You Buy the Corsair MP600 Elite?

The Corsair MP600 Elite SSD is a compelling choice for those seeking top-tier storage solutions without breaking the bank. Its pricing, set at $99/£99 for 1TB and ~$150/£150 for 2TB, makes it competitive against other well-regarded names in the Gen 4 SSD market. Although the drives do not introduce groundbreaking new speeds, they hold their own against top options like the Seagate FireCuda 530 and WD Black SN850X.

However, buyers should also consider Corsair's older sibling, the MP600 Pro LPX, which still offers competitive speeds and is available in a broader range of sizes, including 8TB and 500GB. For those seeking future-proofing, emerging hybrid Gen 5 SSDs that are backwards compatible with Gen 4 systems might be worth the extra investment.

Nonetheless, the MP600 Elite excels in aspects like its distinctive heatsink design, commendable performance metrics, and reasonable price tag, making it a solid choice for both PS5 and PC users. Anyone looking for a reliable SSD that delivers excellent value for money will find the MP600 Elite a worthy addition to their setup.

How We Tested the Corsair MP600 Elite

Testing the Corsair MP600 Elite involved using both a PS5 and a PC equipped with CrystalDiskMark software. Sequential read and write metrics were gathered, while the PS5 also provided internal benchmarking. Real-world tests involved game file transfers, loading times, and everyday use to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.