SSD - Organizer

I spent two weeks with the Samsung 9100 Pro, and while it’s a dream for professional users, gamers can do better

6:00 pm | March 18, 2025

Samsung 9100 Pro: Two-minute review

It's very hard to say that a drive that sequentially reads nearly 12,500MB a second doesn't live up to expectations, especially not when its performance everywhere else is better than anything else I've tested, but that sticker on the box of the Samsung 9100 Pro that promises up to 14,800MB/s sticks in the craw of an otherwise perfect M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD.

Starting at $199.99 for a 1TB capacity drive (about £155/AU$315), the 9100 Pro is Samsung's first 'true' PCIe 5.0 SSD after the Samsung 990 EVO and Samsung 990 EVO Plus. Both those drives are PCIe 5.0, but they only use two PCIe 5.0 lanes, which limits their practical speeds to PCIe 4.0 standards.

The 9100 Pro, meanwhile, is a full-fat PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 drive, meaning its theoretical max speed for sequential reads is upwards of roughly 15,000MB/s and 14,000MB/s for sequential writes (this number has been edging up over the past 3-5 years, so take that theoretical maximum with a grain of salt at this point).

A Samsung 9100 Pro leaning against its retail packaging — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Samsung promises that its latest drive can hit up to 14,800MB/s sequential read and 13,400MB/s sequential write, and the Samsung 9100 Pro gets there somewhat. It clocks in a max sequential write rate of 13,066MB/s in my testing, but the 9100 Pro's maximum sequential read speed only hit 12,427MB/s. This is still incredibly fast—but, it's not what's promised on the box.

Could that change with BIOS or firmware updates, sure. Possibly. But it's not like other PCIe 5.0 drives like the Crucial T705 aren't hitting close to 14,500MB/s. The T705 hits a max sequential read speed of 14,390MB/s in CrystalDiskMark 8 on the same testbench with a Gigabyte Aorus X870E motherboard, AMD Ryzen 9 9950X processor, and 32GB Corsair Dominator DDR5 running at 6,600MT/s and integrated graphics, so there's no interference from a graphics card.

Meanwhile, compared to its predecessor, the Samsung 990 Pro, the 9100 Pro is a much better overall drive, but there are circumstances where the 990 Pro still manages to outperform its successor such as same and secondary drive copy time and random read and write speeds.

A Samsung 9100 Pro slotted into a motherboard — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

On balance, the Samsung 9100 Pro isn't the undisputed best SSD you can buy, and for some users (such as gamers or general-use enthusiasts), you will likely be happier with other PCIe 5.0 or even PCIe 4.0 drives on the market, many of which will be cheaper than the 9100 Pro.

That said, this is a drive for professional users and for those who need to save or otherwise write large files to disk regularly, and for that, the Samsung 9100 Pro is the best M.2 SSD on the market.

Gamers won't find much here worth the investment, unfortunately, with even the 990 Pro outperforming the 9100 Pro in 3DMark's SSD benchmark, which is a gaming-exclusive test. It also falls about 17% behind the Corsair MP700 Elite PCIe 5.0 SSD on this benchmark as well.

For general business users, the 9100 Pro is better than its predecessor but lags behind the Crucial T705 in PCMark 10, which tests general productivity speed and performance as well as its performance as a data drive rather than your main system drive.

Given all this, you'd think that the 9100 Pro should score lower, but it really comes in strong on sequential write performance, which is a very big deal for professional users who might need to save media projects that are many, many gigabytes large.

Nothing disrupts a workflow more than a project autosaving for up to half a minute or more, and this is where the 9100 Pro shines. Offering up to 39% faster sequential write performance than the Crucial T705, its nearest competitor in this category, the Samsung 9100 Pro really leans into its pro branding here.

The 9100 Pro unit I tested did not come with a built-in heatsink, so its thermal performance is largely a factor of the excellent PCIe 5.0 heatsink on the Gigabyte Auros X870E motherboard I used for testing (I also used the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and 32GB of Corsair Dominator DDR5 RAM at 6,600MT/s), so I can't speak much to the heatsink's quality in this review.

Also, I tested a 9100 Pro with a 4TB capacity, whereas every other drive I tested had a 2TB capacity. This, in itself, shouldn't impact baseline scores too much, if at all, but it's worth pointing out that while I still consider this an apples-to-apples comparison, it's more of a Cosmic Crisp-to-Red Delicious comparison, so your actual experienced performance might vary slightly from mine.

All that said, the other major problem with this drive is its price. It's an expensive drive, and for a lot of gamers and those who are more interested in faster loading times for their programs and files, the Crucial T705 is simply a better option with comparable write speeds but close-to-max read speeds for a lower price.

If you're looking for a drive that you can use in more of a professional capacity with frequent saves of very large files like video projects or video game packages in Unreal Engine, the Samsung 9100 Pro is the best SSD you're going to get for that purpose and it will absolutely speed up your everyday workflow considerably.

Samsung 9100 Pro: Price & availability

A Samsung 9100 Pro sitting on top of its retail packaging — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much does it cost? Starting at $199.99 (about £155/AU$315)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Samsung 9100 Pro is available in the US, UK, and Australia starting on March 18, 2025, for $199.99 (about £155/AU$315) for a 1TB drive.

Higher capacities will cost you more, with the 2TB capacity going for $299.99 (about £230/AU$470)and the 4TB capacity going for $549.99 (about £425/AU$865).

The 9100 Pro 8TB capacity drive is expected to launch in H2 2025, though its price hasn't been released yet.

This puts the 9100 Pro roughly 30% more expensive to start over the Crucial T705 1TB, and slightly more expensive than the launch MSRP of the Samsung 990 Pro it replaces.

Samsung 9100 Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Samsung 9100 Pro?

A Samsung 9100 Pro in a masculine hand — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Buy it if...

You need pro-level sequential write performance
Are you writing 20GB files to disk every time you save your architecture project? This drive is for you.

You want an M.2 SSD with high-capacity options
With a 4TB drive available now and 8TB capacity coming later this year, this is one of the most spacious M.2 SSDs on the market.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
This is hardly the cheapest PCIe 5.0 drive out there, even at this level of performance.

You're looking for a PS5 SSD
If you want a new SSD for your PS5 console, this drive is way too fast for the PS5's PCIe 4.0 interface. You're better off getting the 990 Pro.

Samsung 9100 Pro: Also consider

If my Samsung 9100 Pro review has you looking for other options, here are two more M.2 SSDs to consider...

Crucial T705
The Crucial T705 is the best all-around PCIe 5.0 drive you can buy, with stellar performance across the board and a fairly accessible price point.

Read the full Crucial T705 review

Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro is the best PCIe 4.0 SSD going, and for 95% of users, this drive will be more than enough for your needs at a decent enough price.

Read the full Samsung 990 Pro review

How I tested the Samsung 9100 Pro

I spent about two weeks testing this SSD
I used it for gaming, content creation, and general storage use
I used my standard suite of SSD benchmarks as well as daily use

To test the 9100 Pro, I ran it through our standard benchmark suite, including CrystalDiskMark 8, PassMark, PCMark 10, 3DMark, and our proprietary 25GB file copy test.

I used this drive as my main system storage (C:\) drive for over a week on my test bench, where I used it extensively for loading games for graphics card benchmarking purposes, content creation, and more. This included loading games and large batches of photos for editing in Lightroom and Photoshop for various reviews.

I've been testing hardware components for TechRadar for over three years now, including several major SSD reviews from Samsung, PNY, and others, so I know what the latest SSDs are best for and whether they are worth your hard-earned money.

First reviewed March 2025

I used the dual-screen Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) as my everyday laptop for a week, here’s my verdict

11:30 pm | March 3, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops | Tags: Lenovo Yoga, SSD | Comments: Off

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Two-minute review

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) laptop open showing both displays at once — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

If ever there were a tale of two halves, it's the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025). This dual-screen laptop-megatablet offers some of the most impressive mobile hardware currently available. It absolutely holds its ground with any of the very best laptops you can buy in 2025 in that regard.

That starts with its cutting-edge Intel Arrow Lake CPU, but just like last year's 2024 model, this revised-for-2025 device really centers on its beautifully built chassis containing dual 14-inch OLED touchscreens, plus a clever wireless clip-on keyboard and a kickstand that adds an additional ergonomic flourish.

Yes, there are compromises in terms of the pure hardware. The otherwise similar best touchscreen laptops in 2025 offer a slimmer and lighter form factor, plus better battery life and outright performance. There are thermal limitations with this kind of design. But Asus has clearly put in some serious engineering legwork to realize this remarkable machine.

Then there's the software side of the equation. For starters, Windows 11 has never been well optimized for touch input and a system like this only serves to highlight that shortcoming. Then there's Asus' own suite of touch optimized apps and features, all designed to make the most of the extraordinary dual-screen hardware.

You can see what Asus is trying to do, including a highly modular and user configurable touch control interface that in theory can be set up to suit almost any preference. You even get ready-made configurations for specific apps, be that content creation or media consumption.

However, in practice the learning curve is extremely steep, and even once you've scaled that peak, the results are a little patchy and a touch buggy. A slick, fully polished touch experience this ultimately is not. There's a slight vibe of concept hardware or a design study going on here despite this 2025 model being a second generation product.

Some of that is thanks to Windows itself as ever being half baked, some of it is surely down to Asus. In the end, the reasons don't matter, the result is at least occasional frustration. That doesn't make the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) unbuyable, but especially for a machine this expensive it does make for some significant caveats.

If you're willing to put up with some pain, there are rewards to be had. This system can do things that a conventional laptop can't dream of. But in return you'll have to accept aspects that feel clunky and unfinished to enjoy them.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Price and availability

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) laptop closed to show its exterior chassis and clamshell top — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

How much does it cost? $1,699 (with 1TB SSD) / £2,099 (with 2TB SSD)/ AU$TBC
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK

At $1,699 in the US, the latest 2025 revision of the Asus Zenbook Duo is actually remarkable value when you consider that you're getting dual OLED and a high-end version of Intel's latest Arrow Lake laptop CPU, plus 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

It's definitely a lot of mobile machine for the money. The £2,099 price in the UK looks like conspicuously poor value by comparison. That works out to $2,650, or thereabouts. Admittedly, the UK price includes 20% sales tax and you're also getting the 2TB SSD on the UK version as reviewed here as opposed to the 1TB of the cheaper US model. But there's still around $500 that's gone missing in the translation from US to UK pricing.

All of which means that in the US the Zenbook Duo 2025 compares well with the likes of a high-spec conventional laptop like a Dell XPS 13 with the options maxed out, which is impressive, while in the UK you're paying a very notable premium for the two-screen experience, more's the pity.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Specs

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) currently comes in one configuration in the US and one in the UK. Further configurations should follow soon.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Design

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) open showing both screens with detachable keyboard resting atop the bottom display — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Without question, the design and features of the Asus Zenbook Duo OLED (2025) really stand out. But, actually, it's those dual OLED panels that really shine.

The screens are identical 14-inch OLED panels with 2,880 x 1,800 pixels each, a peak HDR brightness of 500 nits and simply eye-popping visuals. They also run at up to 120Hz, which is important not just for things like scrolling around web pages and documents, but also for ensuring that the touch input with the bundled Asus Zenpen 2 is responsive, precise and lag free.

Along with the main chassis you also get a clip-in wireless keyboard. Snapped into place, the Asus Zenbook Duo 2025 looks like a pretty conventional laptop, albeit a slightly portly machine compared to your usual thin-and-light machine. At over 1.6kg (3.5 lbs), it's also heavier than many 15-inch systems, such as a MacBook Air 15.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) laptop's detachable keyboard and trackpad — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Still, the key strokes feel much better than you'd expect for a clip-in board and it works wirelessly when you detach it, enabling all manner of intriguing ergonomic setups when combined with the dual screens.

Anyway, the basic form factor does come with some compromises. But it's also beautifully put together with a lush alloy chassis, a very sturdy feeling hinge, plus a kickstand on the bottom slice that allows you to prop both screens up vertically.

Backside of the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) laptop with kickstand deployed — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

That's absolutely fabulous for some use cases, for instance running collaboration software, such as Slack or Teams or whatever video conferencing platform you use on the top screen and your documents and apps on the bottom screen. Going back to a single-screen laptop once you get used to the Zenbook Duo feels awfully constraining, that's for sure.

Asus has also located a Thunderbolt port on both sides of the chassis, which is a welcome change from the otherwise physically pretty similar 2024 model that placed both ports on the same side. You also get a full-sized HDMI port and a headphone jack. This 2025 model has also been upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, so the lack of an ethernet socket is even less of an issue than before.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Performance

Person using the touchscreen feature on the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Cramming the latest Intel Arrow Lake CPU under an OLED screen was never going to be a recipe for absolutely peak performance. But it's not just any Arrow Lake chip in this case, but the top spec Intel Core Ultra 9 285H CPU with 16 cores. Overall, this is a very powerful processor, though as an Arrow Lake model as opposed to Lunar Lake, it has a relatively weak NPU that doesn't qualify for Windows Copilot+ AI assistant functionality, which is a bit of a frustration.

Indeed, there is a very strong case for this laptop being better suited all round to that Lunar Lake chip with its lower power footprint. The Zenbook Duo (2025) gets pretty toasty even under very light load and the fans are frequently audible. That said, with all cores ignited, this is a powerful portable with plenty of grunt for all but the most demanding tasks. Just expect some thermal throttling if you really lean on those CPU cores for long periods.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025): Benchmarks - Laptops only

Here's how the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 30787; Fire Strike: 8004; Time Spy: 3800

GeekBench 6: 2770 (single-core); 16082 (multi-core)

SSD sequential read / write: 5.2GB/s / 4.7GB/s

Handbrake 1.6: 7m 12s

CrossMark: Overall: 1955 Productivity: 1776 Creativity: 2299 Responsiveness: 1604

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm: 15.951ms average frame time

PCMark 10 Battery Life: 8 hours and 29 minutes

The Intel Arc 140T graphics is also pretty speedy for an integrated GPU. Don't expect desktop-class gaming performance. But you can get a reasonable experience in most games at 1080p, albeit you'll typically have to turn down a fair few settings.

The two OLED panels are also pretty much impeccable and offer a fabulous viewing experience, with good pixel density and fantastic colors and response. Rated at 400 nits, both screens are essentially identical and run at up to 120Hz for responsive touch input. In hardware terms, those screens are stunning.

The problems come with the software and interface ergonomics. Windows 11 simply isn't well optimized for touch and while the Asus ScreenXpert software is absolutely crammed with features, tools and widgets for every possible need, there's a steep initial learning curve getting used to both the various gestures for doing things like expanding windows across the two screen, bringing up items like the the various virtual keyboards and trackpads, and then getting app-specific toolbars setup and optimized.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) laptop open to show both displays, stacked vertically — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Even when you have got a setup that you're happy with, it can feel a little flaky as various items, for instance, can occasionally be obscured by the taskbar, touch controls can be unresponsive and some elements are well thought through. You'll also notice little oddities, like the top screen only dimming slightly for a while before both screens shut down to save power.

After the initial delight of using a five finger gesture to expand a webpage across two screens fades, then, you're left with an interface that can feel slightly like quite hard work. Moreover, the core dual-screen experience using the lower screen as a keyboard and trackpad is no substitute for physical input devices. You're going to want to take that clip-on keyboard with you. The upsides, of course, involve a wealth of ergonomic options no normal laptop can match.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Battery life

Battery life can be a concern with any single-screen OLED laptop, but with two screens? Yikes. Actually, the Zenbook Duo (2025) probably outperforms expectations.

In PCMark 10's web test with the screens set to half brightness at the full 120Hz, the Zenbook soldiered on for eight and a half hours. Set the screens to 60Hz and merely watch some video and you may well see the Zenbook sail past the 10 hour mark.

For sure, conventional laptops can last longer. But that's still a very good result and makes for usable near-enough all day battery life.

Should I buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025)?

Buy it if...

You love that dual-screen setup

The dual OLED screens allow for use cases that make it very hard to go back to a conventional single-screen laptop.

You like touch input

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) two OLED panels are both touch enabled and 120Hz, making for an unbeatable touch experience.

You like quality engineering

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is beautifully put together and very nicely designed. The clip-in keyboard is a delight, too.

Don't buy it if...

You want a thin-and-light laptop

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) isn't a brick. But there are certainly much thinner and lighter laptops with similar performance available for less money.

You're expecting a fully polished experience

Windows 11 itself isn't terribly well optimized for touch and the extras Asus has added including gestures and tools can be a bit hit and miss.

You want maximum battery life

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) isn't a disaster when it comes to battery life. But if that's a high priority, there are laptops available for less that last longer.

Also Consider

If our Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Dell XPS 13 2025

The latest Dell XPS 13 (2025) brings Intel's Lunar Lake chips to the iconic laptop line, delivering truly all-day battery life and strong performance across the board in a sleek and stylish MacBook-esque design.

Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2025) review

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8

With the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8, Lenovo has nailed it thanks to its elevated design, speedy performance, and wonderful elements like a stunning OLED screen and a stylus included – all for a very competitive price.

Read our full Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 review

How I tested the Asus Zenbook Duo 2025

I used the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) as my at-home and on-the-go machine for doing almost everything for a week. That means everything from basic web browsing to watching brain-rot content on YouTube and the usual collab' tools and video conferencing. Oh, and getting more serious work done including image editing.

The latter was particularly interesting given the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025)'s dual touch screens and funky interface tools. That said, it was actually more mundane tasks, namely video conferencing and general work collaboration where the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) really shines. Once you've got used to having a spare screen to have those tools running while retaining a primary display for your other actual work, you won't want to go back to a single-screen laptop.

I essay that having been a laptop geek for about 20 years and assessing them professionally for about 15. Most laptops don't move the game on or make you think that you might actually need it in your life. The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is far from perfect, but it's novel enough to do just that.

First reviewed February 2025

I used the dual-screen Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) as my everyday laptop for a week, here’s my verdict

11:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops | Tags: Lenovo Yoga, SSD | Comments: Off

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Two-minute review

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,699 (with 1TB SSD) / £2,099 (with 2TB SSD)/ AU$TBC
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Specs

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) currently comes in one configuration in the US and one in the UK. Further configurations should follow soon.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Design

Without question, the design and features of the Asus Zenbook Duo OLED (2025) really stand out. But, actually, it's those dual OLED panels that really shine.

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Performance

Asus Zenbook Duo (2025): Benchmarks - Laptops only

Here's how the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 30787; Fire Strike: 8004; Time Spy: 3800

GeekBench 6: 2770 (single-core); 16082 (multi-core)

SSD sequential read / write: 5.2GB/s / 4.7GB/s

Handbrake 1.6: 7m 12s

CrossMark: Overall: 1955 Productivity: 1776 Creativity: 2299 Responsiveness: 1604

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm: 15.951ms average frame time

PCMark 10 Battery Life: 8 hours and 29 minutes

Asus Zenbook Duo 2025: Battery life

Battery life can be a concern with any single-screen OLED laptop, but with two screens? Yikes. Actually, the Zenbook Duo (2025) probably outperforms expectations.

For sure, conventional laptops can last longer. But that's still a very good result and makes for usable near-enough all day battery life.

Should I buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2025)?

Buy it if...

You love that dual-screen setup

The dual OLED screens allow for use cases that make it very hard to go back to a conventional single-screen laptop.

You like touch input

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) two OLED panels are both touch enabled and 120Hz, making for an unbeatable touch experience.

You like quality engineering

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) is beautifully put together and very nicely designed. The clip-in keyboard is a delight, too.

Don't buy it if...

You want a thin-and-light laptop

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) isn't a brick. But there are certainly much thinner and lighter laptops with similar performance available for less money.

You're expecting a fully polished experience

Windows 11 itself isn't terribly well optimized for touch and the extras Asus has added including gestures and tools can be a bit hit and miss.

You want maximum battery life

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) isn't a disaster when it comes to battery life. But if that's a high priority, there are laptops available for less that last longer.

Also Consider

If our Asus Zenbook Duo (2025) review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Dell XPS 13 2025

Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2025) review

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8

Read our full Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 review

How I tested the Asus Zenbook Duo 2025

First reviewed February 2025

I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink for a month, and it’s easily the best value PS5 SSD right now

4:00 pm | February 16, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: Dragon Age, Far Cry, SSD | Comments: Off

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: One-minute review

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is one of the best SSDs for PS5 in its price range. Its 4TB variant in particular is significantly cheaper than the competition, especially when it goes on sale. It also scores well in the internal PS5 benchmark, even beating pricey licensed alternatives like the WD Black SN850P and Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

If your number one priority is getting a high-capacity option with solid performance at the lowest possible cost, then the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is the clear winner. That said, there are some significant drawbacks that arise with that reduced price tag. The most important is that this is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)-less model that uses host memory buffer (HMB) technology, something that you would expect from budget PC SSDs rather than ones made with consoles in mind.

The PS5 does not support HMB and Sony even recommends against fitting HMB drives. This is because it leads to somewhat uneven performance, which is noticeable when you’re copying particularly large files. It can also cause issues in games, though these are far from a complete dealbreaker as the vast majority of titles that I tested ran flawlessly, even the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

There was some stuttering in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, however, namely in a handful of cinematic moments where scenery changed quickly. Assassin's Creed Valhalla also had the odd hitch, though nothing that rendered either title unplayable or even really spoiled the experience.

The heatsink grooves of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink. — (Image credit: Future)

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Price and availability

1TB is $94.99 / £74.99
2TB is $159.99 / £129.99
4TB is $269.99 / £233

Unlike the seriously overpriced Lexar Play 2280, the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink comfortably undercuts the competition at its going rates. It's available at Amazon, where the 1TB model will set you back $94.99 / £74.99 - $30 / £25 less than the WD Black SN850X.

The price of the 2TB varies depending on its stock level but is most often found at $159.99 / £129.99 which is a very fair price for what you’re getting. The best value option, however, is the 4TB version which comes in at $269.99 / £233 and has been on sale for as little as $234.95 / £229.49 in the past twelve months.

This drive seems extremely popular, however, so prices do fluctuate week to week. The 4TB model, for example, is currently only available for the absurdly high asking price of $338.92 through a third-party Amazon seller in the US - so avoid purchasing one unless you can find it for around the above figures.

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Specs

Lexar Play 2280: Design and features

Looks and feels premium
Sold with and without a heatsink
HMB model, so lacks DRAM

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink has a plain overall design. It comes with a chunky black heatsink fitted out of the box, with some small grooves to give it some texture on the top. Despite its large size, it fits absolutely perfectly in a PS5 or PS5 Slim. Even though this is a more budget-oriented product, nothing about its look or feel seems particularly cheap either.

It comes well-packaged in a compact cardboard box and small plastic tray, which is easy to open and should provide a good level of protection on the move. On the box, you will find instructions on how to access more production information, in addition to warranty or return details, via the Lexar website.

The most notable feature of this drive is the fact it is an HMB model. As I explained above, this means that the drive does not have any DRAM - a small bit of separate memory used to store mapping information. This, in essence, tells your system where to find specific data quickly, improving performance and longevity. With HMB, the host device is meant to be responsible for this function.

This is not the case with the PS5 though, which does not support HMB drives. Sony states that such drives “may experience slower-than-expected performance because the PS5 console does not support HMB”. Even so, HMD models are generally significantly cheaper than those with DRAM and will still function when fitted to a PS5 - so make for solid budget picks.

The rear of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink. — (Image credit: Future)

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Performance

Impressive PS5 benchmark score
Performs well copying games
But very occasionally stutters while playing

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink delivers admirable performance on the whole, but it's far from consistent.

To give one example, copying a 67.25GB installation of Dishonored 2 to drive from the internal storage took just 22 seconds - while a smaller 59.22GB installation of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was fully playable in 26 seconds, four seconds more. This wouldn't be noticeable in general use but does demonstrate some of the spottier moments associated with HMB drives on PS5.

The largest file I tested, 101.9GB of Far Cry 6, took just 44 seconds to copy to the SSD, while the 80.7GB Remnant 2 took 34 seconds - all good results. Smaller games also copied smoothly and quickly, with a 24.22GB copy of Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens and 12.93GB installation of Lollipop Chainsaw RePop accomplished in 13 seconds and 6 seconds respectively. A relatively tiny file like the 2.72GB Slime Rancher 2 was then copied in only 2 seconds.

Similarly, good figures were observed copying from the drive back to the internal storage, with Far Cry 6 taking 6 minutes 51 seconds and Remnant 2 5 minutes and 24 seconds. Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens took just 1 minute and 42 seconds, which is broadly in line with the times for similarly sized games on the more expensive WD Black SN850P. Just bear in mind that these figures are mainly due to the PS5’s internal write speed more than the SSD itself.

The drive also scored impressively well on the PS5’s internal benchmark, clocking in at 6,526MB/s. That’s significantly higher than the WD Black SN850P, just above the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, and close to the numbers achieved by the seriously pricey Samsung 990 Pro - excellent on the whole.

That said, things aren’t entirely perfect when you dive into games stored on the drive. The vast majority of titles that I tested were completely fine, but there were two exceptions. Exploring the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, I noticed the occasional framerate hitch which was entirely absent when playing on internal storage. Likewise, moments with lots of rapid changes in scenery in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (like the bombastic final boss fight) suffered from a few stutters - almost as though the drive was unable to load in assets quickly enough.

In the grand scheme of things, these are very minor problems and in my book are worth the cost savings represented by the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink - but it does mean that if you want a completely flawless experience across the board, you should look elsewhere.

The Lexar logo on the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink?

Buy it if...

You want a cheap high-capacity drive
If you want a decent 4TB PS5 SSD for the lowest possible price, then the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a solid contender. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard to complain much when it costs such a relatively low amount.

You want a model with a quality built-in heatsink
I did not experience any noticeable thermal throttling throughout my testing of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink, no matter what kind of intensive load I threw at it suggesting that its chunky heatsink is very effective.

Don't buy it if...

You want flawless performance
You won’t run into problems in most games, but some particularly demanding titles can push this HMB drive to its limits. If you want truly flawless performance, spend more for a model with DRAM.

Also consider...

If you want to weigh up the Lexar Play 2280 against some other options, here are two great alternatives.

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5
This officially licensed drive from Seagate is a great alternative if you’re shopping for a 1TB or 2TB model. It performs much more consistently, with no noticeable negative effects on your games.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 review

Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro is the cream of the crop, a premium SSD with an effective heatsink that boasts blisteringly high speeds. It's a fantastic performer and much more consistent than the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink but doesn’t come cheap.

For more information, check out our full Samsung 990 Pro review

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink upside down on a desk. — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink

Tested for over a month
Tried with a wide range of games
Compared to other SSD models

I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink for over a month, using it as my primary PS5 SSD at home. During that time I played a wide variety of games, including plenty of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Doom Eternal, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and much more.

Throughout the testing period, I was careful to assess the performance of the drive in each game, in addition to a variety of copy tests, and compared my experience with hands-on testing of other models like the WD Black SN850P, Lexar Play 2280, Samsung 990 Pro, and Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

Orico O7000: One-minute review

Although we’re technically in the PCIe 5.0 era of storage, it’s really been a golden age for PCIe 4.0 SSDs thanks to a plethora of choices, such as the Orico O7000, which is positioned as a drive with high-end performance for a midrange price.

This PCIe 4.0 SSD ranges from 512GB to 4TB, and for this review we’re taking the 1TB model for a spin. Rated for 7000MB/s in reads and 6500MB/s in writes, the O7000 isn’t quite at the top-end of PCIe 4.0 storage (which would be the Samsung 990 Pro), but it’s close.

What makes this drive particularly interesting is its current $69 price (about £55/AU$100), which is relatively low nowadays for a drive of this caliber.

Compared to top-end PCIe 4.0 SSDs like the FireCuda 530R from Seagate and the MP600 Pro NH from Corsair, the O7000 is just a shade slower for the most part, and often ties the two drives.

However, when writing lots of data to the O7000 (like if you’re moving all your game installations to it), its performance easily bogs down and becomes extremely slow.

The O7000 1TB also has a weakness in that other brands offer the same SSD hardware under different names, and these drives can sometimes be cheaper, but sales pricing is always a fickle thing.

For now, though, the O7000 is the cheapest option for this hardware, and its performance makes it one of the best values in PCIe 4.0 storage.

Orico O7000: Price & availability

An Orico O7000 SSD on a table with its retail packaging — (Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

How much does it cost? From $69 (about £55/AU$100)
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, with UK and Australia availability pending

The O7000 is currently available on Amazon and Newegg, though at the time of writing, Amazon only offers the 1TB model, while Newegg also has the 2TB and 4TB variants in stock. The 1TB model costs $59, the 2TB $93, and the 4TB $196. The 2TB is currently the best deal on a dollar per GB basis, but since SSD prices can easily go up or down, it’s unclear how long this will be true for.

At $59 for the 1TB model, it’s significantly cheaper than other flagship PCIe 4.0 drives like Seagate’s FireCuda 530R and Corsair’s MP600 Pro NH, which cost $94 and $84 respectively for the 1TB version. It’s also much cheaper than older PCIe 5.0 SSDs, such as the $169 FireCuda 540 1TB.

Orico O7000: Specs

Orico O7000: Performance

An Orico O7000 SSD slotted into a motherboard — (Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

Overall, the O7000 shows good, but not perfect, performance. The 530R and MP600 Pro NH were faster for the most part, but in nearly every single test the O7000 nipped on their heels. There were even a few instances where the O7000 tied or beat the Seagate and Corsair drives.

A particularly bright spot for the O7000 is its thermal performance and efficiency. It only maxed out at 50 degrees Celsius, far lower than the three other SSDs we tested. That makes the O7000 a decent candidate for laptops and handheld PCs, which often lack good SSD cooling.

Of course, more heat occurs because of higher power consumption, so the O7000 is a low-power drive too, another reason to choose it for a battery-powered device.

The FireCuda 540 was of course in its own league, but it costs about twice as much and benefits from active cooling, something the O7000 definitely doesn’t need.

However, the O7000’s biggest weakness is in sustained writes. All SSDs suffer from lowered writing performance the less free space they have, but the O7000 can see its performance drop to as low as 150MB/s. However, it’s rare to come across this situation in the real world since it requires tens or hundreds of gigabytes of large files being moved to an SSD.

Orico O7000: Verdict

A hand holding an Orico O7000 SSD — (Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

While the O7000 1TB isn’t perfect, its overall performance is very close to what you get with the FireCuda 530R 2TB and MP600 Pro NH 2TB. With a substantially lower price tag of $69, that makes the O7000 a better deal for the most part. If you’re looking for a new boot drive on a budget or if you just want some fast, secondary storage, the O7000 is a sensible choice.

However, the SSD that the O7000 1TB is based on is also made by other brands, including TeamGroup with its MP44. There’s really no reason to buy the more expensive drive since they’re essentially identical, but that works in Orico’s favor right now since the O7000 is cheaper.

The O7000 2TB is an especially good deal right now, going for just $93, which isn’t much more than lots of 1TB drives. Spending the extra $34 to get double the storage and the same performance makes the O7000 2TB especially appealing versus the 1TB model, though we don’t know how long this will hold since SSD prices can change quite frequently (and have done so as this review was in progress).

Should you buy the Orico O7000

Buy the Orico O7000 if...

You need fast storage on a budget
The O7000 has nearly top-end performance for a PCIe 4.0 SSD, and should work fine for just about anyone.

You want a cool and efficient SSD
The O7000 consumes very little power, which means longer battery life on mobile devices and low temperatures even without a heatsink.

Don't buy it if...

You need top-end performance period
The O7000 isn’t quite as fast as other PCIe 4.0 SSDs and stumbles in sustained writing.

You can find another SSD with the same hardware for less
There are a few SSDs out there that use the same components, such as TeamGroup’s MP44 and Lexar’s NM790. They’re essentially identical, so if they’re cheaper, just get one of those instead.

How I tested the Orico O7000

Although Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 Series has technically replaced last-gen 14^th Gen CPUs, I’m using my LGA 1700 test bench for SSD testing, rather than an LGA 1851 test bench.

This is because SSDs run on Arrow Lake CPUs actually perform significantly worse than on 14^th Gen CPUs. We’re not entirely sure why this is the case, but in order to show our SSDs’ best possible performance, we have to use Intel’s last-gen CPUs.

The LGA 1700 test bench is equipped with the Core i9-14900K, ASRock’s Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard, 32GB of DDR5 clocked to 5600MHz, and Corsair’s H170i iCUE LINK liquid cooler with a 420mm radiator. We also tested the Firecuda 530R, Firecuda 540, and MP600 Pro NH for comparison.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 SSD review

10:23 am | November 6, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: ATTO, SSD | Comments: Off

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, 16TB
Size: 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm
Weight: 257g (2TB)
Enclosure material: Tamper-proof epoxy casing
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Technology: AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
Warranty (years): 3
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): 448MB/s read, 444MB/s write
Software bundle: Nero BackItUp (1-year license), iStorage DriveSecurity

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is essentially an easy way to keep all your digital data safe, whether personal or for business, albeit at a cost. The design is reminiscent of a traditional safe keypad, and the way it works isn't too far removed. Once set up with admin and user passcodes or passwords, you can be assured that the only way back into the ample 2TB of storage is with the correct codes.

The passcode protection is at the hardware level, and iStorage has built the small drive to withstand brute force attempts to access it, both physically and through software. If someone does find a way to hack their way in, then there are options to erase all data if unauthorized access is attempted, essentially meaning that this drive offers one of the most secure data drive options out there.

When it comes to software protection, the drive is safeguarded by AES 256-bit encryption with FIPS 140-3 validation. This security is coupled with a rugged, tamper-proof casing that will help to ensure your data stays safe, although it's also worth pointing out the while this case is tough it isn't waterproof.

Reflecting the drive's security, the build and design all reflect the nature of this SSD. However, in terms of size, it's only slightly larger than other 2TB portable SSDs on the market and shares a similar USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection. This connection enables quoted data transfer speeds of up to 448MB/s, and in our benchmarking tests, the read speeds we registered weren't too far off that mark.

While speed is important, with the drive enabling access at speeds in excess of 400MB/s through our test, this is relatively slow for an SSD, however, that's more than enough for most documents you want to keep secure. With a decent 2TB of storage space, there should be ample room for a business's corporate documents and any other digital data that needs to be kept secure, and there are options for a larger capacity if your budget allows.

It may not be the best portable SSD we've tested when it comes to speeds, but whether it's for business, personal use, or as a drive you'll be taking with you but need to keep secure, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the smallest and most secure options out there.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Price & availability

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 (2TB SSD) is priced at £660. It is available directly from iStorage and includes a semi-hard protective case, USB Type-C and Type-A cables, and a 3-year warranty. The drive is available for purchase in several storage capacities.

Score: 4/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Design & build

The DiskAshur Pro 3's build quality and design completely reflect its intended use as a secure portable SSD. First, the drive's size, at 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm and weighing 257g, makes it ultra-portable and easy to stash in a physical safe if needed. Like other portable SSDs, its small size and weight make it easy to carry, adding little bulk or weight to any bag you might be using. The actual size of the drive is marginally larger than a standard 2.5" portable SSD, although only by a bit, due to the added protection of the case.

Aside from the slight increase in physical dimensions, the main feature that sets this drive apart is the keypad on the front, which has a standard 12-key layout with numbers 0 to 9, along with a shift and lock key. Different key combinations essentially enable you to unlock and access various functions and features.

Alongside the keys are three LED lights that let you gauge exactly what is happening and enable you to set admin and user passwords. It's a very analog approach and enables the drive to be completely independent from the need for a computer, aside from the power draw to the connected device until it's unlocked.

The only other visible physical features are the USB Type-C port on the back, which handles all data transfer, and a Kensington lock, which enables it to be physically secured to a desk with an appropriate cable.

Internally, the drive's construction ensures durability with a tamper-proof epoxy enclosure that prevents physical access, essentially if you try to break it apart the epoxy, as it's removed will inevitably damage the drive. The design also features IP56 protection, which means that drive is dust- and water-resistant, allowing it to withstand more than most.

Design & build: 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Features

The DiskAshur Pro 3 is designed with security as its primary focus, and every feature of this compact portable SSD reflects that. Starting with the physical keypad on the front, it's designed to allow you to enter PINs ranging from 8 to 64 digits in length to gain access. Through the setup process, which is carried out using combinations of button presses, you can protect against brute force lockouts and set self-destruct PINs. You can also enable backlit illumination for the keypad to use in low-light environments. Additionally, the drive allows for different PIN setups, including admin, user, and one-time pass, offering plenty of flexibility in how the drive can be used.

The drive's physical features showcase its security credentials, which are backed by its successful evaluation and issuance of CAVP certificates, which demonstrate compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. These CAVP certificates include Library—Certificate A5501, EC Library—Certificate A5502, RNG Library—Certificate A5500, and Entropy Source Certificate E198. Essentially, it meets very high-security standards, including those government accreditations. Further adding to its secure credentials, it features military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption.

In addition to the technology that protects the data, the drive itself is encased in a durable epoxy resin layer, which makes it nearly impossible to remove the drive without breaking it apart. A feature that will appeal to many is the ability to format the drive in native file formats for different systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as others. You can also configure the drive to be bootable for Linux or other operating systems. To ensure maximum compatibility, the drive comes with a USB Type-C connector, and the protective semi-hard case includes both Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.

While the drive isn't built for speed, the USB Type-C connection ensures decent transfer rates, with speeds up to 448MB/s. Once set up, there are plenty of options and protections, including a brute force hack defence mechanism that allows 10 consecutive failed attempts to access the drive before all data is erased. For access, you can set up user, admin, and one-time access, with the option for a self-destruct PIN that will erase the full content of the drive if entered.

Looking at a few of the more physical features of the drive, it includes a backlit keypad that can be switched on or off as needed. The keys themselves are made from ultra-robust, wear-resistant epoxy, ensuring their longevity. It's also worth highlighting that while the drive is rugged, it isn't waterproof but is IP65 certified for dust and water resistance.

When it comes to more advanced features, the drive can be configured to be write-protected, allowing the contents to be viewed but not altered or removed. Additionally, you have three encryption options: AES-ECB 256-bit, AES-CTS 256-bit (default), and AES-CBC 256-bit.

Features 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Performance

Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, Read: 439.46MB/s Write: 414.62MB/s
AJA, Read: 400MB/s Write: 388MB/s
ATTO, Read: 420.66MB/s Write: 397.14MB/s
AS SSD, Read: 403.14MB/s Write: 382.19MB/s

The main feature of this drive is security, but speed is also of interest. With SSD technology and an ultrafast USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 connection, the speeds are relatively decent, though not groundbreaking. In our benchmarking tests, the drive consistently produced results around 400MB/s read and 250MB/s write. While these speeds would be restrictive for any creative use as a working drive, the fact that it offers a huge 2TB of storage means that, if you have client work that needs to be kept secure, it will still back up your content considerably faster than an HDD, even if it takes a bit longer than a standard SSD.

During testing, the drive was carried around for a week in a backpack along with other gear, though always in the protective semi-hard case included with the purchase. The combination of the case, the robust build of the drive, and the solid-state nature of the SSD meant that this test for durability was handled by the drive with ease, as was leaving it on a table during a light rain shower.

When it comes to write speeds, and considering that this is primarily a secure drive rather than one built for outright performance, transfer rates of close to 400MB/s are decent enough as a storage device and good for a bit of light HD video editing if needed.

On a PC laptop, the drive's performance is solid with no issues. However, on a Mac, the drive can randomly disconnect. In the box, there is a set of instructions that explain how to work around this issue. While for the most part this works, with Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia, the workaround sometimes required a restart after each time the drive was connected.

The main focus of this drive is security, and in that regard, it is impressive. While for single users the keypad access is simple (essentially functioning like a digital safe), one of the most interesting features is the ability to set up multiple users and one-time users.

This is done through a series of button presses, with confirmation provided by the three lights illuminating in different ways. You follow the instructions, wait for the lights, and proceed. Through various keystroke combinations, you can set up initial admin access, user access, and even one-time access.

This is great for businesses that need to provide sensitive data to their workforce. An IT department can set up admin and user access, and the drive can then be sent out with the content for employees to use. You can, if needed, make the content read-only, so the user can access the content but cannot update it, which is another handy feature.

Additionally, the drive allows you to program one-time access, where a PIN is created and the user can access the drive only once before the PIN becomes void and the drive locks again. It's all very secure, and as long as you take your time to follow the instructions, it's relatively easy to set up.

In terms of security, the way the drive works is quite interesting. Due to the encryption, even when connected, the drive won't do anything. You can check the attached drives, and your computer will show nothing is attach—even if you attempt to access the drive using software designed to decrypt encrypted drives, it remains invisible. Only when the correct code is entered on the keypad does the drive unlock and connect, making it incredibly secure and well beyond any software solution that we have access to.

While the drive may not be the fastest SSD on the market, at 400MB/s it's still fast enough for most tasks. So if you need to use the drive for additional storage for image or video editing, or even for running apps, it will enable you to do so.

In terms of real-world performance, the drive is impressive—fast considering its intended use and, most importantly, exceptionally secure.

Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3?

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is completely focused on keeping your data safe, and while the drive isn't the fastest in terms of SSD performance, it's still fast enough for most processes. The security level is impressive, and in testing with all the software we had at our disposal, including EaseUS, the drive remained locked and impenetrable. The fact that it doesn't even mount or attempt to mount before the correct code has been entered makes the usual inroads that software allows void. This truly highlights that this is an ultra-secure drive with military-grade encryption, PIN authentication, and a tamper-resistant design. Of course, this level of security comes at a cost, but if you need your files to be secure, then this is the price you'll have to pay.

Buy it if...

You need ultimate security.

The DiskAshur Pro 3 offers unmatched data protection with military-grade encryption and physical PIN authentication.

You work in sensitive industries.

Ideal for government or corporate users handling highly sensitive data.

Don't buy it if...

You need a high-speed drive.

While secure, the DiskAshur Pro 3 lags behind in speed compared to other SSDs.

You're on a tight budget.

The high price tag may be overkill for casual users or basic backups.

For more storage, we reviewed the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac.

Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub review

5:14 pm | November 5, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: ATTO, SSD | Comments: Off

Lexar Professional Go SL400: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 1TB, 2TB
Size: SSD 25.5x43.5x8.25mm, Hub: 43x43.5x8.25mm
Weight: SSD 13g, Hub 23g
Enclosure material: PC, ABS, Aluminium
Connector: USB Type-C
Technology: USB 3.2 Gen2, SSD
Warranty: 5 years
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Read: 1050MB/s, Write: 1000MB/s
Software bundle: 256-bit AES Encryption Software

We first caught sight of the Lexar Professional Go (or Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub, to give the device it's full title) back at IFA 2024. After a brief demonstration, and a short hands-on, we were impressed with the overall feel and operation of the device.

And while it's chiefly designed for videographers and content creators using the the iPhone 15, it's fully compatible with any USB-C phone (we know, we checked). But, how does it stack up under our full and extensive testing? We put it to the test.

At first, this small modular device just looks like any other mobile SSD that enables you to unlock your iPhone's full potential to film the ProRes video format. But it actually enables far more than just boosting storage by enabling video accessories to be directly attached. Something that will appeal to professional users.

The difference between this and our usual pick of the best portable SSDs is the hub section. Essentially, this device is made up of three integral parts: the main SSD, hub, and the small coupling. There's an extra USB cable along with a case in the box. While the drive can be used as a standard plug-and-play expansion drive, it really comes into its own when all units are used together.

In the box, there are two coupling connectors, which essentially enable you to use the SL400 Go with an iPhone case. To set-up the small USB coupling of choice can be plugged into the base of the phone, followed by the hub and then the SSD. It all sits neatly and snugly at the back of the phone, with the best fit being when the phone has its own case. The other coupling can be used when you want to mount the SSD elsewhere and enables you to connect to a USB cable. While that would be it for most SSDs here, the hub then offers two additional USB Type-C ports for attaching other devices, such as a RODE Go, DJI Mic 2 or power supply, before everything is connected to a larger rig.

The design is solid when used with a larger rig system and will appeal to all content creators looking for a pro-level video option that remains small and lightweight. At present, there is no other system that does this. While other SSDs cater to the additional storage needs, no other system also enables a power bank and mic to be attached to enhance audio quality as well as boost battery life.

As a professional solution for iPhone videography, the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is on another level compared to anything else currently available. It's one of those products you'll only realise you need once you start to film and evaluate your video's production values. On its own, it offers greater flexibility, but when partnered with a wireless mic, lights, and power, it will help improve your iPhone video productions to a professional level.

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Price & availability

The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is available from retailers and can be purchased directly through the Lexar website, Amazon.com, and many other retail sites.

Score: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Design & build

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub has a quirky design with two parts, with increased functionality as the SSD and Hub are combined. Straight out of the box, the small SSD can be plugged directly into the base of your iPhone and will be instantly recognised and available for use. As is normal with any SSD or mic system that plugs into the base of an iPhone, any existing protective case needs to be removed first. This functionality is much like the bulk of other mobile SSDs on the market, but the size of the SSD does already set it apart, especially considering the huge 2TB capacity.

Where this small device really comes into its own is when it's coupled with the hub. The hub is a slightly larger block that uses a small adapter, which plugs directly into the hub, the SSD and then into the base of your iPhone. This is, again, a bit of a bolt-on, but it all starts to make sense as part of a far larger and more professional rig.

The size and weight of the modules are compact, with the SSD measuring 25.5 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighing 13g, while the slightly larger hub comes in at 43 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighs 23g. Altogether, along with the coupling, the entire unit weighs 42g with the SSD's rubber case and 38g without. It's worth keeping the rubber case on as it provides a better grip against the phone when everything is in position.

The design means that the hub and SSD are held in place by the USB port, and while this might not seem like the best solution, Lexar has included two small USB couplings that enable you to fit the hub snugly or connect in a USB cable when the SSD is mounted elsewhere. In this review, we used a Mous iPhone 15 case, and when in place, the hub sits snugly and securely. Once the SSD is plugged in, it creates a solid connection that makes everything feel firmly together when handheld.

Design & build: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Features

This device is essentially a very compact SSD with a USB Type-C hub that has been designed modularly so you can adapt it to suit your filming needs. The SSD is available in 1TB or 2TB versions, and once connected, it will enable you to unlock and record ProRes-quality video footage.

While the SSD is small, it's also designed to be robust with IP65 certification, which means it's both water- and dust-resistant. The drive isn't just tough against environmental elements but also comes with 256-AES encryption software to keep the files on the drive secure.

When it comes to connecting to the iPhone, it utilises the standard USB Type-C connector, which enables ultra-fast transfer rates with quoted read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s. While the device has been designed for use with Apple iPhones, it's also equally compatible with Android devices as long as they're USB Type-C (3.0 or above) and the phone has OTG functionality with a USB load capacity of above 4.5W.

The hub is where the feature set really gets interesting, with four USB ports—one for the SSD, one for the coupling to the phone and the other two spare for connecting other devices. This includes up to a 30W charging rate if you need longer shooting times.

Features: 5/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Performance

Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, read: 1047.91MB/s write: 945.17MB/s
AJA: read: 961MB/s write: 871MB/s
ATTO: read: 1001.47MB/s write: 905.66MB/s
AS SSD: read: 961.83MB/s write: 886.11MB/s

Setting up the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is straightforward, as Lexar has provided everything you need in a soft zip case. This case is a nice touch as it keeps everything together and makes it ultra-portable and easy to slip into a backpack easily.

Assembling the components and connecting to the phone takes less than a minute, with the coupling and hub plugging in along with the SSD. During testing, we generally used the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub with the iPhone 15 Pro, using a Mous case. This ensured that the SSD and Hub sat flush against the case, although we found it odd that the SSD features a rubber case while the hub does not.

In use, with or without the rubber case the units sat against the phone snuggly, with the rubber case just giving a little additional purchase when handheld. The connection between the phone and the unit is solely through the USB Type-C connection, and this can feel like a weak point.

In use, it's apparent that the Lexar drive and hub have been designed as a professional piece of kit, and with the right accessories, such as cage, mics, light and power, it certainly feels like a far more substantial rig than the phone alone. Adding in a Neewer cage, a small LED light, and a Rode Go Mic alongside the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub provided an instant boost in quality—the phone goes from being something you can snapshot a quick recording with to something altogether far more professional.

Then, there's the potential to add in a wireless mic system, such as the DJI Mic 2. With the hub in place, this can easily be wired in, and if an additional battery is needed, it can also be added, along with the mic.

Overall, the performance and speed of the small SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub are impressive, and the fact that it offers so much additional potential makes it a valuable accessory for anyone looking to boost the quality of their video.

Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional Go SL400?

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub enables you to shoot professional-grade video on your iPhone and unlocks features like ProRes video recording. The hub also enables you to connect pro-level microphones and other accessories that essentially transform your iPhone into a fully-fledged production rig.

If you need your iPhone's video to take a step up for business and professional video, then this is a great solution and simple to use. Ultimately, there's no other mobile SSD that packs in a hub that enables this level of expandability and performance. If you need your iPhone for professional video, then the Lexar SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is an essential choice.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more storage solutions, we reviewed the best external hard drives

Seagate Game Drive External SSD for PlayStation review: chic and officially licensed, but not that speedy

2:00 pm | October 20, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: HDD, PC, SSD | Comments: Off

Seagate Game Drive External SSD: One-minute review

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is a PlayStation-focused external solid-state drive (SSD) for gamers on Sony’s console looking for an extra storage boost. Compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, this external SSD offers a speedy - though not blistering - plug-and-go option and channels an awful lot of what makes Seagate one of the go-to brands for gaming storage.

The drive has a very slick design and robust-feeling build. A hardy rectangular cuboid in form, the drive feels like it could easily withstand a drop or bump, while also being very convenient to carry and stuff into a pocket. It shares the PS5 family’s aesthetic (the drive looks right at home next to Sony’s console) with its sleek white finish, black underside and cable, and smart blue RGB light that runs along the front edge.

Seagate hasn’t published any claimed read and write speeds, which is unusual. But from our testing, the drive proved to be reliable - if not super speedy - for an external hard drive. It handled transfers from and to a PS5 at reasonable times, which you can read more about below, and it sits comfortably above HDDs, albeit below the top-end external SSDs like the WD Black P40. However, it is as easy to use as any external hard drive competitor, offering a simple plug-and-use experience with either a USB-C or USB-A cable.

As an SSD it still demands a higher price of admittance than any HDD solution, so that should be taken into consideration if you just need value-busting storage. While you pay a bit of a premium for the name and official licensing here, its overall decent performance makes this a drive we can easily recommend. You get what you pay for here and this is a really solid PS5 external hard drive and top portable SSD for mixed use too.

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD being held in a hand over a black table top — (Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive External SSD: Price and availability

1TB: $129.99 / £139.99; 2TB: $219.99 / £229.99
Same price range as internal PS5 SSD options
The largest capacity is 2TB

Coming in two sizes, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD offers 1TB and 2TB solutions for external storage. The lack of a larger 4TB (or bigger) drive may irk some, but the price would skyrocket and those capacities seem to still be reserved for more traditional HDDs.

The price point puts it in established external PS5 SSD territory with the likes of the WD Black P40, P50, and Samsung T7 Shield for company, though it is more expensive than the Crucial X8 and X9, and WD My Passport SSD range.

While a new product at time of writing, gaming storage products are always great candidates for sales events and price cuts and the Seagate Game Drive External SSD should be snapped up immediately when it inevitably receives a discount.

A final bonus that the drive offers is that it also comes with a 14-day trial (for new users) of PS Plus Premium which is a pleasant little extra if you’re new to the PS5 console.

Seagate Game Drive External SSD: Specs

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD a cable and a its box on a black table top — (Image credit: Future)

Seagate Game Drive External SSD: Design and features

Slick officially licensed design
Lightweight but solid in the hand
Cool LED flourish

The first (and best) thing to note about the Seagate Game Drive External SSD is that it is very in keeping with the PlayStation 5 aesthetic. It captures the contrasting white-on-black aesthetic excellently, and the blue LED on the drive’s front that lights up when it's plugged in really completes the look.

The drive is a compact accessory and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It’s also much thinner than a traditional HDD, so will need to be positioned carefully and appropriately if you intend to keep it plugged in permanently. Speaking of which, the drive comes with a USB-C cable and a USB-A cable so it’ll be dealer’s choice when it comes to which port to use. The cable itself is plenty long enough too - something that personally irked me in previous years when stiff, short cables governed the position external drives would have to take.

The most important feature to remember for PS5 owners is that you cannot play PS5 games directly from the Seagate Game Drive External SSD. It can be used to play PS4 games from it and is a fine means to do so, while also allowing you a storage spot for your PS5 games to transfer over to your console when you’re ready. It performs those transfers nicely too, as you’ll read about below.

Seagate Game Drive External SSD: Performance

Strong but not spectacular speeds
Not as fast as internal options - or competing external SSDs
Still much faster than competing HDDs

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is a solid performer and is worthy of its place in the brand’s pantheon - but won’t blow any socks off. The drive is much faster than any external HDD competitor but has middling speeds that mean it doesn’t compete at the very highest end of the spectrum, where drives from the likes of WD Black and Samsung sit.

On PS5, I transferred a 122.2GB installation of Diablo 4 to the Seagate drive in 10 minutes and 18 seconds and it was transferred back to the console in 16 minutes and 26 seconds. Star Wars Outlaws (a 51.6GB file) was moved to the SSD in 4 minutes and 25 seconds and then back again in 6 minutes and 57 seconds. My smallest single-game transfer was Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at 25.5GB and this was transferred in 2 mins 12 seconds to the SSD and back again in 3 minutes and 26 seconds. Lastly, a 53.59GB bundle of games (Unravel Two, Pentiment, SOMA, and the Dead Space Remake) was transferred in 3 mins and 59 seconds and back again in 6 minutes and 58 seconds.

This is encouraging, particularly if you've got a bunch of smaller games or PS4 games; the drive transferring this bundle of games in roughly half the time of a single PS5 game of the same is notable.

On PC, hard drive testing software CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5 was able to put some numbers to the performance in terms of read and write speeds. After multiple tests, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD drive presented average read speeds of 439.83MB/s and an average write speed of 415.63MB/s.

These speeds aren’t massively impressive, especially when compared to its competition, and put the drive firmly in the strong but not spectacular space.

Compared to the likes of the WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive, the speeds just don’t stack up; it finds itself in the same camp as the Lexar SL200, Samsung T5, and Seagate Fast SSD. However, the upside of this is that the drive never gets hot and can keep going all day long at the same rate, making it super reliable overall, and perfect if you need a PS5, or PS5 Pro, workhorse.

But even if it’s not swimming in the fastest of waters, given its reliability, simple-to-use nature, and slick officially-licensed design, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD is an easy drive to recommend.

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD next to a PS5 and DualSense controller on a black desk — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Seagate Game Drive External SSD?

Buy it if...

You want a premium, officially licensed external storage solution for PS5
The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is perfect for PS5 users, not least because it’s an officially licensed product and beautifully shares the same aesthetics as the console. Factor in its reliable job, then it's an ideal storage companion for PS5 users. View Deal

You value SSD speeds over HDD capacity
If you have the budget for an SSD then the performance you get here over an HDD is sizeable and you won’t look back. If you’re looking for a boost to speeds and performance over an older HDD solution then this is it.View Deal

You only need a smaller storage amount
If you’re only after a (relatively) smaller amount of external storage then the Seagate Game Drive External SSD is an ideal external storage solution for you, especially if you value its tidy speeds.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You need maximum value from an external storage solution
As an SSD, this drive does have a higher price of admission than traditional HDDs. If you’re happy to forego top speeds to maximize your bang for buck, then an HDD may be a better fit for you. View Deal

You want the absolute fastest external SSD speed going
While competent and reliable, the read and write speeds of the Seagate Game Drive External SSD aren’t enormously beastly by any means, and there are faster external SSDs available if that characteristic is of paramount importance to you.View Deal

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Seagate Game Drive External SSD for PS5 and PS4? Here’s how it compares to two similar products so you can compare.

WD Black P40 Game Drive
If you must have the best speeds possible in your external hard drive for PS5 then the WD Black P40 Game Drive is one of the best options at the top end of the market. Offering blistering speeds for an external hard drive, WD Black’s gaming storage pedigree, and a slick look to boot, this is a quality premium option.

For more information, check out our full WD BLACK P40 Game Drive review. View Deal

Seagate Game Drive for PS5
If you just need a simple external storage solution on PlayStation then the Seagate Game Drive for PS5 is easy to recommend. Despite being an HDD rather than an SSD the performance is reliable and excellent, and the value, and bang for back here are terrific. If you’re looking to maximize what you get and need a larger capacity, then this is a fine option.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive for PS5 review. View Deal

How I tested the Seagate Game Drive External SSD: One-minute review

Used the drive nearly every day for around two weeks
Played PS4 games from it, and regularly moved PS5 games to and from it
Compared it to my internal PS5 SSD and other external HDDs on PS5
Compared it to my day-to-day HDD on PC

I incorporated the Seagate Game Drive External SSD into my PS5 setup and used it as an extension of my console’s storage for around two weeks. In that time, I copied and stored multiple PS5 games numerous times - timing every transfer manually as well as using the PlayStation’s own estimates - and ran PS4 games from the drive too. I used both the drive’s cables and tested in both the PS5’s USB-A and USB-C ports.

I tested the Seagate Game Drive External SSD against other Seagate external HDDs on PS5 to confirm its speed and the increase in performance the SSD offers. I also made the same comparison with my daily external HDD, the Lacie Rugged, on PC.

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 480GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB
Size: 12mm x 76 mm x 52 mm
Weight: 85g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Technology: OWC Aura Pro III PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 2242 Solid-State Drive
Warranty (in years): 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): upto 1011MB/s depends on system
Software bundle: OWC Innergize for Mac and Windows

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron joins the company's range of compact portable storage solutions designed for creatives.

We've tested the best portable SSDs but this one really caught our eye. The overall look and style are minimalistic, with the small design easily slipping into a jacket or kit bag pocket without adding much weight or bulk. The exterior is simple, featuring an all-metal build with a status light on the front, a USB Type-C port at the back, and a logo on top. On the base are two rubber strips along with a model info label.

The simplicity of the design also reflects the toughness of the drive. As soon as you lift it from the desk you can feel the additional weight afforded by that reinforced case. It's not heavy, but it's heavier than you'd expect for such a small device. This extra weight comes from the thick metal casing that is not just designed to protect the drive from minor knocks, but to survive being run over, thrown, and generally subjected to conditions that would ordinarily destroy a drive of this type.

That robust build continues throughout the design with the USB Type-C port, which, despite being open to the elements and without a protective rubber cap, still enables the drive to be IP67 certified. The drive is essentially built like a tank and able to survive being crushed (though perhaps not by an actual tank) as well as being submerged in water. Sure enough, in testing, the drive withstood more than most, and even after being run over and submerged, it continued to function without issue.

While the drive's strength is its main feature, speed is another important consideration. Inside is an NVMe SSD, enabling ultra-fast transfer rates. While it doesn't feature the latest connection technology, its data transfer speeds are still impressive and more than enough for HD and 4K video editing, image manipulation, and audio editing.

If you need a drive that can withstand the elements and rough handling while providing ample storage capacity and speed, the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is an excellent choice—and one of the few with this level of protection.

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Price & availability

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron review — (Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is available in multiple storage capacities, typically ranging from 4800GB to 4TB. Pricing for the drive varies depending on the capacity, starting around £129 ($129 USD) for the 4800GB model and going up to approximately £529 ($529 USD) for the 4TB version. Availability is through major online retailers, including OWC's website, Amazon, and other electronics and computer accessory stores.

Score: 4/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Design & build

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron has been designed to be small and compact at 12mm x 76mm x 52mm, making it ideal for slipping into a jacket or kit bag pocket, taking up minimal space. While small and extremely simple in design, the all-metal aluminium casing adds a bit of weight at 85g, more than you'd expect from a device of this size but reassuring in terms of durability. With an IP67 rating, this is up there with the best rugged hard drives we've reviewed - a happy middle-ground for who need a robust, portable SSD.

The drive connects via a single cable that handles both data transfer and bus power, which is common for compact external drives. A nice touch from OWC is the inclusion of a USB Type-C cable with a Type-A adapter to maximise compatibility across different machines. On the exterior, there's a status light at the front that glows bright blue when the device is connected and flashes during transfers to indicate that the drive is in use—standard but useful features.

Aside from the single USB Type-C 3.2 port at the back and the status light, there are no other buttons or ports, keeping the exterior sleek and minimalistic. Another nice addition and finishing touch are the two rubber strips on the base, these provide better grip when the drive is placed on a desk or other surfaces, preventing it from sliding around during use.

Design & build: 5/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Features

OWC is an interesting company, very much driven by the real-world use of its products. It's not difficult to find professionals who swear by OWC gear. The Envoy Pro Elektron is designed as a compact, go-anywhere portable SSD that's simple in design yet capable of quickly transferring and storing large quantities of data, all while withstanding extreme conditions.

Starting with speed, which is usually the headline feature of any external SSD, OWC quotes several different transfer rates for the drive. The blister pack states transfer rates of up to 1011MB/s, while the website cites 996MB/s in real-world tests, highlighting similar benchmarking software to what we use here at techradar.com.

The drive is also USB 3.2 Type-C, offering up to 10GB/s transfer rates via the single bus-powered cable connection. It's great to see OWC opting for the most common generation of USB 3.2, ensuring that on almost every modern system, you'll likely achieve the quoted speeds. This contrasts with many manufacturers that produce drives using USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which is often throttled back to slower speeds for machines that aren't equiped with that exact connection type.

This connection also means the drive is fully compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, and Chromebooks.

The standout feature of the drive, as mentioned earlier, is its durability. It is crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof to IP67, meaning it can survive being submerged in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. The durable, aircraft-grade aluminium casing is impressive and helps dissipate heat when the drive is working hard. As the drive is solid-state, there are no fans, so cooling is entirely passive through the case—this reduces potential points of failure and ensures the drive operates completely silently

Due to its design and connection type, the drive can launch apps on a Mac, which is handy if you have a Mac with a smaller internal SSD and need to offload larger or less frequently used apps to external storage.

It's also worth mentioning that the drive is Innergize enabled, software from OWC. This software enables you to monitor and manage the drive's health and performance and apply firmware updates as they become available

Features 5/5

OWC Envoy Pro Elektron: Performance

Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1031.21MB/s Write: 971.73MB/s
AJA: read: 899MB/s Write: 914MB/s
ATTO: read: 984.62MB/s Write: 952.85MB/s
AS SSD: 915MB/s Write: 901.10MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 668.2MB/s Write: 921.2MB/s

The small Envoy Pro Elektron's size and simplicity means that it hardly adds any weight or bulk to you kit bag. Although the drive feels heavier than expected at first glance, it's still extremely light at 85g—lighter than most larger external hard drives with similar capacity.

The drive includes a 38cm USB Type-C cable, which comes with a handy USB Type-A adapter. Together, they make for a neat package that can easily slip into any small side pocket.

In use the drive connected quickly and for the first test, it was formatted to APFS for use with Mac systems. Upon first connection, the software guides you through the formatting and system compatibility setup, in just a couple of simple clicks you're done and the drive is ready to use. We ran several tests running some of the best video editing software and best audio editors for performance.

Used with Logic and Final Cut Pro X, the drive performed as expected, handling work as a fast, reliable drive with transfer speeds more than sufficient for most 4K ProRes edits. During long editing sessions, the 1TB capacity was slightly limiting, but with 2TB and 4TB versions available, there is greater flexibility. Speed and performance remained consistent throughout, with the drive becoming warm but never hot. Notably, there was no noise from the drive, although the Mac's fans spun up occasionally as the M1 Max processor was pushed.

When switching to a PC, the drive required reformatting to ExFat. In Premiere Pro and Audition, the drive again performed well, handling data transfer demands without issue and becoming warm but again not hot.

In real-world tests, the drive provided the storage and transfer speeds required by the applications. While the 1TB capacity may be limiting for video, it's a good size for audio and image work.

Benchmark testing showed the drive performed exceptionally well, with varying results depending on the application used. Read and write speeds were fast across the board, confirming the drive is an ideal companion for most content creators.

Beyond performance testing, the IP67 rating called for a durability check. The first test was to run over the drive, and aside from a few scratches and some dirt, it survived. Plugged back into the Mac, it was instantly recognised, and performance matched the speeds recorded prior to the test.

Next, the drive was submerged in water for 30 minutes. After drying and clearing water from the port, it was plugged in again and mounted without issue.

After these tests, the drive's exterior showed marks and scratches as expected from such handling, but it continued to perform exceptionally well despite the tough conditions.

Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron?

If you need a fast, high-capacity portable SSD, the OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is a great choice on many levels, although you are paying extra for its robust build.

As a portable SSD, its compact size and light weight are appealing. With a range of capacities, it caters to a variety of users—from musicians and photographers to videographers and general content creators. The transfer rates make it an ideal solution for anyone needing a fast working drive capable of handling high-definition multi-track audio and 4K video editing.

What really sets this drive apart is its toughness and small size. You can easily pack it into any bag or jacket pocket without adding noticeable weight. Unlike other SSDs, you don't need to worry about the drive if it gets wet or bashed around in transit—this drive will survive, making it a great choice for those on the road or travelling.

The speed will meet most creative demands for a wide range of users, but the rugged build and IP67 rating will particularly appeal to broadcast industry professionals, content creators, and musicians. The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron serves as a reliable on-the-go storage solution.

Buy it if...

You need a durable, portable SSD.

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron is designed to withstand tough conditions while delivering fast, reliable storage for on-the-go professionals

You want fast transfer speeds for content creation.

With NVMe SSD and USB 3.2, this drive offers excellent transfer speeds for tasks like 4K video editing, music production, and image manipulation.

Don't buy it if...

You're looking for the latest USB technology.

This drive uses USB 3.2, which is fast but lacks the latest Gen 2x2 speeds found in some competitors.

You need a budget-friendly SSD.

The OWC Envoy Pro Elektron's rugged design and advanced features come at a higher price, which might not be ideal for casual users.

For more storage, we reviewed the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac.

Samsung starts production of its fastest SSD for PCs

6:39 pm | October 4, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: SSD | Comments: Off

Samsung announced it has begun mass production of its fastest SSD for PCs. The PCIe 5.0-based product, model name PM9E1, has the industry's highest performance and largest capacity, the company claims. Samsung stated that the memory stick is built on the 5 nm-based controller and 8th-gen V-NAND technology. It aims to provide "powerful performance and enhanced power efficiency, making it an optimal solution for on-device AI PCs." The PM9E1 provides 14.5 GB/s reading speed and 13 GB/s writing speed, enabling a plethora of data-intensive AI applications. Samsung will offer the PM9E1...