Seagate Firecuda 540 vs Corsair MP700 SSD

The Corsair MP700 vs Seagate Firecuda 540 Gen5 SSD – Which Should You Buy?

It has taken some time, but Gen 5 m.2 NVMe SSDs are becoming more available, seeing a decrease in price, and are now being launched by major players in the SSD market. The slow rollout of Gen 5 in the solid-state drive world can be attributed in part to the 2020 pandemic and its subsequent impact on the production of Gen 5. The integration into motherboards and adoption by SSDs transitioning from Gen 4 to Gen 5 has also taken its time. Gen 5 promises enhanced performance capabilities and is accompanied by improved controllers from industry leaders. However, adoption at the motherboard and system levels has lagged slightly. While you can purchase a Gen 5 SSD now, the degree to which you can harness its peak performance consistently is still under discussion. Yet, if you’re buying a drive today for use over the next 5 years, it’s wise to be forward-thinking and future-proof your choice. As Gen 5 becomes more affordable and advanced, it’s poised to surpass and replace Gen 4. Thus, if you’re eyeing a high-performance SSD for future use, investing in a Gen 5 SSD now is a long-term strategy. Today, we’re evaluating two early Gen 5 SSD releases: the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Corsair MP700. These two SSDs may seem similar at first glance due to Gen 5’s nascent stage, but their priorities for a Gen 5 SSD differ. Let’s dive into a comparison of these drives.

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Corsair MP700 NVMe SSD
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Comparing Seagate Firecuda 540 and Corsair MP700 Hardware Specifications

From a consumer standpoint, Gen 5 has been available for just under 2 years, or closer to 18 months when considering when one could actually make a purchase online. In contrast, at the data center and enterprise levels, Gen 5 has been on the scene for nearly 3 years. This timeline has allowed for ongoing research, development, and innovation. As expected in the SSD realm, Phison was among the first to unveil a Gen 5 controller with its E26 controller and followed this with a few alternatives targeting enterprise and efficiency, like the DRAMless E31. Companies like Integrate and Silicon Motion soon joined the fray. This progression led numerous SSD brands to decide early on their Gen 5 SSD direction (and that’s without discussing in-house component brands like Samsung and WD). Concurrently, there were strides in storage efficiency and flash technology, resulting in increased layer counts and the possibility of denser storage while still upholding the high Gen 5 performance standards and expectations of durability and endurance. Given that these two Gen 5 SSDs are among the first wave in the market, their performance profiles are quite comparable. However, subtle differences in I/O metrics and durability might make some distinctions more significant than others in their head-to-head comparison. Here’s how the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Corsair MP700 stack up at the hardware level:

The competition in the SSD market is fierce, with manufacturers constantly aiming to outperform each other in various specifications. Today, we dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Seagate Firecuda 540 Gen5 SSD and the Corsair MP700 Gen5 SSD. Let’s delve into the details. Both SSDs, the Firecuda 540 from Seagate and the MP700 from Corsair, come equipped with PCIe Gen 5×4, powered by the Phison E26 controller, and using 3D TLC Micron B58R NAND Type. They are both built for enthusiasts who require the best speed and reliability. However, there are slight differences in features and performances that might tip the balance for potential buyers. In the current landscape of SSDs, the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Corsair MP700 stand out as noteworthy contenders, each with its unique offerings. While the Firecuda 540 offers a competitive price per TB and an extended data recovery warranty, the Corsair MP700 boasts a higher sequential read speed in the 1TB model and an integrated, fan-assisted heatsink, ideal for those concerned about optimal temperature management. Your choice between these two depends on your specific needs and preferences. Do you prioritize budget or cooling mechanisms? Do you need that extra data recovery assurance, or is a slight edge in performance more crucial for your tasks? Consider these factors, alongside the specifications provided, to make an informed decision that suits your requirements best. No matter the choice, both options represent the cutting-edge in SSD technology, promising users efficient, fast, and reliable storage solutions.

General Specifications

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Corsair MP700
Manufacturer	Seagate	Corsair
Name/Series	Firecuda 540	MP700
Capacities	1-2-4TB	1-2-4TB
PCIe Gen	PCIe Gen 5×4	PCIe Gen 5×4
Controller	Phison E26	Phison E26
NVMe Rev.	NVMe 2.0	NVMe 2.0
NAND Type	3D TLC Micron B58R	3D TLC Micron B58R
NAND Layer	232L	232L
Inclusive Heatsink?	No (inc Heatshield)	Yes (vented + fan)
Price Per TB (2TB)	$148/TB	$289 / $144 per TB
DWPD	0.55DWPD	0.38DWPD
MTBF	2 Million Hours	1.6 Million Hours
Warranty	5yrs + 3yrs Data Rec	5yrs

1TB Model Specifications

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Corsair MP700
Model ID	ZP1000GM3A004	CSSD-F1000GBMP700R2
Price	$189	$175
Seq Read Speed	9.5GB/s	10GB/s
Seq Write Speed	8.5GB/s	8.5GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.3 Million	1.3 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
TBW	1000TBW	700TBW

2TB Model Specifications

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Corsair MP700
Model ID	ZP2000GM3A004	CSSD-F2000GBMP700R2
Price	$299	$289
Seq Read Speed	10GB/s	10GB/s
Seq Write Speed	10GB/s	10GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.7 Million
TBW	2000TBW	1400TBW

4TB Model Specifications

Specification	Seagate Firecuda 540	Corsair MP700
Model ID	N/A	CSSD-F4000GBMP700R2
Price	N/A	TBC
Seq Read Speed	N/A	10GB/s
Seq Write Speed	N/A	10GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	N/A	1.5 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	N/A	1.7 Million
TBW	N/A	3000TBW

For those unfamiliar with SSD jargon, like DWPD, IOPS, and TBW, please refer to the video below. It will acquaint you with prevalent solid-state drive terms, aiding in grasping the nuanced differences between these two drives.

In today’s rapidly advancing SSD market, both the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Corsair MP700 have made considerable strides to establish their dominance, with each showcasing unique features that set them apart.

Performance and Price: The Seagate Firecuda 540 offers an enticing balance between performance and affordability. Its price per TB, especially for the 2TB model, is notably competitive, making it a strong contender for those who are budget-conscious yet unwilling to compromise on speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Corsair MP700, while priced slightly higher, flaunts a marginally better sequential read speed in its 1TB variant, which may be the deciding factor for users seeking that extra boost in performance.

Cooling and Durability: The Corsair MP700 takes the lead in thermal management with its vented heatsink complemented by a fan, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy workloads. This advanced cooling solution can be particularly crucial for those who run intensive applications or have concerns about the longevity of their drives in warmer environments. Meanwhile, the Seagate Firecuda 540, although devoid of an inclusive heatsink, does come with a heatshield. The additional data recovery warranty offered by Seagate is also a standout feature, offering users peace of mind in the rare event of data loss or drive failure.

Future Considerations: As technology continues to evolve, so will user needs. Those looking to invest in an SSD for long-term use should also consider factors like future software updates, compatibility with evolving hardware, and the brands’ reputations for customer support and post-purchase service.

In conclusion, the choice between the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Corsair MP700 boils down to individual priorities and use cases. While both drives are top-tier in their category, prospective buyers should assess their specific needs—be it price, performance, cooling solutions, or additional warranty features—before making a decision. Both SSDs represent the pinnacle of current SSD technology, and regardless of your choice, you’re investing in a device that promises speed, durability, and a significant boost to your computing experience.

 

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Corsair MP700 NVMe SSD
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