Corsair Neutron NX500 400GB & 800GB NVMe PCIe SSD Review

Corsair Neutron NX500 AIC PCIe NVMe SSD

Both the 400GB and 800GB models are physically identical and have identical performance specifications, so we are only showing the 400GB model in detail.

As is common for Corsair, the packaging is a work of art. The pictures and some of the text are raised and embossed. The packaging is black and yellow themed. This side of the packaging features a picture of the enclosed SSD, advertises the drive's capacity, interface and lists various factory performance specifications.

The back of the packaging lists a bit of pertinent information about the physical size of the enclosed SSD and the effectiveness of its heat sink. The included optional low-profile bracket is also advertised here.

Inside of the colorful outer packaging is a heavy-duty black flip-top cardboard box that is also handsomely decorated.

The heat sink side of the SSD is accented by an attractive carbon-fiber pattern. The drive's solid aluminum heat sink is finned for maximum thermal dissipation.

The back half of the drive's full-length PCB is covered by a sturdy metal back-plate that attaches to the heat sink on the opposite side with six screws; one of which is covered with a tamper resistant label. Removing the label will void the warranty.

Removing the heat sink and back-plate reveals the drive's dark blue full-length PCB.

This side of the PCB houses the drive's Phison E7 controller, four Toshiba 15nm MLC flash packages and a 512MB Nanya DDR3 1600MHz DRAM cache package.

This side of the PCB houses an additional four Toshiba 15nm MLC flash packages and another 512MB Nanya DDR3 1600MHz DRAM cache package.

A close-in view of the drive's Phison E7 controller.