At CES, I took a trip to the LVCC to be briefed us on a pair of new Crucial SSD models:

The new MX200 is an evolution of the previous MX100 line, with the most notable addition being Dynamic Write Acceleration. DWA can flip dies between SLC and MLC mode on-the-fly, and is detailed in our previous write-up of the Crucial M600 SSD. While the performance was a bit inconsistent in our M600 review, there have likely been improvements if Crucial is putting this feature into their mainstream consumer line. Also interesting is how Crucial intends to package this product in mSATA and M.2 form factors – these have historically been reserved for their higher end M550 line and were not available in the MX100.

Another addition is the BX100. For this drive, Crucial has decided on the Silicon Motion 2246EN, which should be able to let them get the costs lower than what is possible with the Marvell controller. As a budget targeted model, this one will only be available in the 2.5" SATA form factor. Below are the briefed specs from these two products;




Another addition is a software solution dubbed 'Crucial Storage Executive'. This is basically their 'Toolbox' solution and handles reporting of S.M.A.R.T. data as well as firmware updates. Crucial has chosen to go the unique route of configuring this tool as a background service that is accessed through a web browser on the host system (most competing solutions are a standalone application).

The best part of this launch is the pricing. Crucial SSDs have always been highly cost competitive, but look at that launch pricing on the BX100:

That's $0.40/GB for what looks to be a very decent SSD. These two models are set to ship Q1 2015, so we'll likely see them within the next month or so.

The full press blast for these pair of SSD releases appears after the break.

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Las Vegas, NV, January 6, 2015 – Crucial, a leading global brand of memory and storage upgrades, today announced two new solid state drives (SSDs): the Crucial® MX200, built to deliver leading speeds and features, and the Crucial® BX100, designed to offer substantial yet affordable performance gains compared to a hard drive.

Crucial MX200 SSD

Available in 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacities with respective MSRPs of $139.99, $249.99, and $469.99, the new Crucial MX200 delivers sequential reads and write up to 555MB/s and

500MB/s, along with random reads and writes up to 100k and 87k IOPS on all file types. Additionally, with an endurance rating up to 320 TBW (total bytes written) on the 1TB model, the Crucial MX200 delivers up to five times more endurance than a typical client SSD.i

The Crucial MX200 is also the only consumer drive on the market with Dynamic Write Acceleration, a new and unique technology that enables faster saves and file transfers. Furthermore, the MX200 also offers a host of industry-leading features, including:

  • Best-in-class 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 Protectionii to preserve user data if power is lost

Each Crucial MX200 SSD includes Acronis® True Image™ HD data migration software that moves all files, operating systems, settings, and programs from an existing hard drive to a newly installed SSD.iii This patented disk-imaging technology powered by Acronis' AnyData Engine allows users to quickly, easily, and accurately utilize their new SSD as their system drive.

Crucial BX100 SSD

Available in 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacities with respective MSRPs of $69.99, $109.99, $199.99, and $399.99, the Crucial BX100 delivers sequential reads and writes up to 535MB/s and 450MB/s on all file types.iv More than fifteen times faster than a hard drive, the Crucial BX100 allows users to boot up almost instantly, load programs in seconds, and accelerate demanding applications. And with Extreme Energy Efficiency technology, the BX100 is two times more energy efficient than a typical hard drive, 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, vice president and general manager of Silicon Motion U.S.A., 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 leading-edge 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 worldwide 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 today, the Crucial Storage Executive is a software tool that helps users monitor, maintain, and optimize their Crucial SSD. Available for download at crucial.com/se, 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.

Availability

Both Crucial MX200 and BX100 2.5-inch drives will be available in Q1 2015 at Crucial.com and through select global partners. The Crucial 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. For more information about Crucial SSDs, please visit www.crucial.com/ssd.