MP700 ELITE vs MP700 PRO vs MP700 PRO SE

The MP700 ELITE is the latest SSD to emerge from CORSAIR stables, but unlike it’s more recent brethren, it doesn’t set out to be the fastest. The march of technological progress isn’t always about making things ever faster. Sometimes it’s about taking a step back and seeing what other improvements can be brought to the table. Things like better value for money, improved efficiency, or reduced power consumption. That’s where we are with the MP700 ELITE which doesn’t set out to topple what has come before it in terms of raw performance, but rather offers up a drive that is more affordable, draws less power, and produces less heat.

Here we’re going to compare the whole proposition of the MP700 ELITE with respect to the other PCIe 5.0 drives that share the MP700 moniker (MP700 PRO and MP700 PRO SE), along with the MP600 ELITE, which is out most recent PCIe 4.0 drive as shows the performance uplift that PCIe 5.0 offers. The best way of doing this is with a table. If you don’t like such things, we suggest looking away now:

An often overlooked yet critical aspect of SSD performance is power consumption. This is where the MP700 ELITE truly shines. As can be seen from the grid of numbers and features above, a major plus for the MP700 ELITE compared to the faster drives is the reduced power consumption. You’re looking at 5.9W on average, which is significantly less than the 11.5W you’ll see with our fastest drive, the MP700 PRO SE. While around 5 watts isn’t going to drastically impact your electricity bill, it does have a significant impact on the amount of heat that the drive produces.

The knock-on effect here is that it means you won’t need any elaborate cooling to keep this drive running optimally – the heatspreader that comes with your motherboard should be sufficient. If you have any doubts though, the MP700 ELITE is also available with a (we have to say rather attractive) heatsink. This reduction in heat production also means that this is the first PCIe 5.0 drive that is viable for laptops. You will, of course, need a laptop that supports PCIe 5.0 to get the most from it, but such machines are going to become more popular as time moves on.

The improved efficiency of the MP700 ELITE does not come at a substantial compromise in performance for most everyday tasks. The trade-off in sequential read speeds might be noticeable in benchmark tests, but for regular use, including operating system performance, gaming, and moderate content creation, the MP700 ELITE provides a balanced experience with the added benefit of lower power consumption.

In terms of those benchmarks, this reduced power consumption does mean that top throughput speeds are lower than the MP700 PRO and MP700 PRO SE. You’re looking at maximum sequential reads of 10,000MB/s, whereas the MP700 PRO hits 12,000MB/s and the MP700 PRO SE tops out at 14,000MB/s. If you’re looking for the absolute best performance around, then this isn’t the drive for you.

The MP700 ELITE is significantly faster than even the best PCIe 4.0 drives, though. Such drives top out at just over 7,000MB/s, where here you’re looking at over 40% faster potential throughput of 10,000MB/s. The fact that this is a next-gen drive, it makes for a better investment for long-term use as well.

Value for money is a critical for many of us. The MP700 ELITE is priced to offer better value for money, making it an attractive option for more budget-conscious buyers looking to get their hands on a next-generation SSD. While pricing may vary by region and retailer, it typically offers a notable saving compared to the MP700 PRO and MP700 PRO SE.

This price difference reflects the slightly lower performance metrics, but for many, it represents a more practical investment. The added efficiency and reduced power consumption further enhance its value proposition, particularly for those who do not require the absolute top-tier performance that the PRO models offer.

The choice between the MP700 ELITE, MP700 PRO, and MP700 PRO SE ultimately depends on your specific needs.

MP700 ELITE

The MP700 ELITE is ideal for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective SSD. It suits everyday computing needs, including general productivity, gaming, and content consumption. Its lower power draw makes it a great fit for capable laptops too.

MP700 PRO

The MP700 PRO strikes a balance between performance and cost, making it well-suited for demanding tasks such as advanced gaming, video editing, and software development. It provides a noticeable performance boost over the MP700 ELITE without reaching the premium price point of the PRO SE.

MP700 PRO SE

The MP700 PRO SE is our fastest SSD and targeted at enthusiasts and professionals who require the highest possible performance. It is designed for intensive tasks such as 4K/8K video editing, large-scale data processing, and high-end gaming. Its increased power consumption reflects the focus on delivering unmatched performance for the most intensive tasks.

The MP700 ELITE broadens our PCIe 5.0 offerings, providing a drive that prioritizes efficiency and value for money over sheer speed.

The MP700 PRO and MP700 PRO SE remain the go-to options for anyone needing the absolute best in terms of speed and are willing to invest accordingly. In contrast, the MP700 ELITE offers a compelling alternative for those who value efficiency, lower power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.