Crucial M4 128GB SSD Review
Consistency
The image below is from the AIDA64 Buffered Write. However all of our testing showed similar consistency in both read and write testing. If it was any flatter we’d have to build Windmills and wear clogs.
Conclusion
When we reviewed the Kingston Hyper X earlier in the month we found it to be an absolutely blistering performer with a suitably enthusiast price-tag. The Crucial M4 is obviously cheaper in this 128GB guise, but also crucially (ahem) in the 256GB version it’s nearly £100 less expensive.
However this lower price-point doesn’t mean you’re losing a whole hill of performance.
Certainly at the absolute limit the SandForce controller is capable of producing gaudier numbers than the Micron-equipped M4, but this is damn close in most of our tests and in the important PC Mark Vantage benchmarks it’s neck and neck.
Thankfully unlike the C300 the write speeds haven’t been compromised to give such excellent performance for such a decent amount of money. The consistency in all of our tests was exemplary with no weak links at all. The uniformity of the graphs produced by all of our test applications mirror the AIDA64 one shown above, in both read and write formats.
Priced at around £150 this is on a par with decently priced SATA II SSDs, yet delivers comprehensive performance improvements. In fact the only real fly in the ointment is if you’re after truly extreme performance the Micron can’t keep up with a SandForce drive.
Even still, the consistency of the Crucial M4 coupled to the very attractive price make it a deserving winner of our OC3DÂ Silver Award.
   
Thanks to Crucial for supplying the M4 for review. Discuss in our forums.
