• Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro

    Pros
    Sizzling hot throughput speedsExcellent 4K write speedWill be available in capacities up to 4TB

    Cons
    Lackluster PCMark 10 Overall Storage scoreLowest score on 3DMark Storage gaming benchmark of all the Gen 5 drives we've reviewed

    Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro PCIe 5.0 SSD Specs

    Bus Type
    PCI Express 5.0

    Capacity4

    Controller Maker
    Silicon Motion

    InterfacePCI Express

    Internal Form Factor
    M.2 Type-2280

    Internal or External
    Internal

    NAND Type
    TLC

    NVMe Support

    Rated Maximum Sequential Read
    14000

    Rated Maximum Sequential Write
    13000

    Terabytes WrittenRating
    2800

    Warranty Length
    5

    All Specs

    The Lexar Professional NM1090 Proeasily beats its rated sequential throughput speeds, according to our extensive tests, and it has the second-highest throughput scores we have seen from an SSD. But the NM1090 Pro's other test results are largely unimpressive; this PCI Express 5.0 internal SSD's sheer raw speed does not translate into great overall performance. So while it doesn't unseat the Editors' Choice-winning WD Black SN8100, it's an acceptable alternative. Design and Specs: Up to 4TB of Storage SpaceThe NM1090 is a four-lane solid-state drive running the NVMe 2.0 protocol over a PCIe 5.0 bus. This internal SSD comes in the standard M.2 Type-2280 "gumstick" format. This drive uses Micron 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash and a Silicon MotionSM2508 controller. Lexar cites this controller's 6nm architecture for helping to control the heat that Gen 5 drives are wont to generate and to minimize thermal throttlng.Physically speaking, this drive is also flashier than many of its competitors. It's adorned with a gold stripe across the front, which contrasts nicely with the black accents. It's sure to complement a classy PC build. The NM1090 Pro comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The 4TB stick that I reviewed is expected to go on sale in the US in the near future.Pricewise, the NM1090 Pro is midrange, below some of the elite Gen 5 sticks but higher than the modest-performing DRAM-less models we've tested: the Crucial P510 and the soon-to-be-reviewed Addlink G55H.As for durability, expressed as lifetime write capacity in total terabytes written, the NM1090 Pro matches the Crucial P510, T700, and T705 in the capacities they share. Its durability rating is a notch below the Corsair MP700 Pro, the ADATA Legend 970, and the Aorus 10000, which are rated at 700TBW for 1TB and 1,400TBW for 2TB. The Seagate FireCuda 540 is the reigning Gen 5 durability champ, with ratings of 1,000TBW for the 1TB stick and 2,000TBW for 2TB.The terabytes-written spec is a manufacturer's estimate of how much data can be written to a drive before some cells begin to fail and get taken out of service. Lexar warranties the NM1090 Pro for five years or until you hit the rated TBW figure in data writes, whichever comes first. But the drive's durability rating is such that unless you're writing unusually large amounts of data to the SSD, it's a safe bet that this drive will last the full warranty period and well beyond.The NM1090 includes the Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool, which lets you perform firmware updates, manage drive data, securely erase private files, and monitor drive health.System Requirements: Recent Motherboard RequiredPCIe 5.0 SSDs promise a major speed boost over PCIe 4.0 drives, but you can take advantage of it only if you have recent hardware that supports the standard. Only recent enthusiast-grade desktops and a handful of laptops are likely to be PCIe 5.0 SSD-ready off the shelf, so you may have to build your own PC from the ground up or update an existing system to gain the connectivity required. You'll need an Intel 12th Gen or later Core CPU with a motherboard based on Intel's Z690/Z790 or a more recent chipset; or an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 processor with an AM5 motherboard built around an X670, X670E, B650E, or later chipset.Recommended by Our EditorsNow, an important point: Just because you have one of those chipsets doesn't guarantee that the motherboard maker actually implemented a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 SSD slot. That's up to the board maker, so check your system's or motherboard's specs and documentation to make sure you actually have such a slot before investing in one of these drives. Some boards have PCIe 5.0 expansion slots for graphics cards and other PCI Express cards, but no PCIe 5.0 slots for SSDs. You need a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 slot, specifically.Performance: Raw Speed Isn't EverythingIn benchmarking the NM1090 Pro, we used our latest testbed PC, designed specifically for benchmarking PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs. It is built around an ASRock X670E Taichi motherboard with an AMD X670 chipset, 32GB of DDR5 memory, one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot, and three PCIe 4.0 slots. The system has an AMD Ryzen 9 7900 CPU using an AMD stock cooler; a GeForce RTX 2070 Super graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 SDRAM; and a Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 Snow 750-watt power supply. The boot drive is an ADATA Legend 850 PCIe 4.0 SSD.We put the Lexar drive through our usual slate of internal solid-state drive benchmarks: Crystal DiskMark 6.0, UL's PCMark 10 Storage, and UL's 3DMark Storage benchmark. The last measures a drive's performance in a number of gaming-related load and launch tasks.Crystal DiskMark's sequential speed tests provide a traditional measure of drive throughput, simulating best-case, straight-line transfers of large files. We use this test largely to see if our tested speeds are in line with the manufacturer's rated speeds.The NM1090 Pro put up some scorching Crystal DiskMark numbers, easily beating its sequential read and write speed ratings while turning in the second-highest throughput results we've recorded, after the WD SN8100. And while its 4K read was middling for a Gen 5 drive and far behind the SN8100's prodigious score, the NM1090 Pro eked out a high score in 4K write, edging out the SN8100. Good 4K write performance is especially important for an SSD used as a boot drive, though we test them as secondary drives.The PCMark 10 Overall Storage test measures a drive's speed in performing a variety of routine tasks such as launching Windows, loading games and creative apps, and copying both small and large files.The NM1090 Pro's PCMark 10 Overall score was toward the low end of our comparison group, ahead of the two DRAM-less PCI Express 5.0 SSDs, as well as the two Gen 4 drives we included in the chart above. As for the individual traces that make up the PCMark 10 Overall score, the NM1090 Pro's scores were below average, generally similar to the DRAM-less PCIe 5.0 SSDs and ahead of the Gen 4 sticks. A bright spot was the NM1090 Pro's second-place finish in Adobe Premiere Pro loading, though it was brought down to earth with a last-place finish in Photoshop loading, behind even the two PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The NM1090 Pro also had a last-place finish in the Windows loading trace.In 3DMark Storage, which aggregates a drive's performance at a variety of gaming-related tasks, the NM1090 Pro's score was at the bottom of the pack, with its nearest rival, the Crucial P510, besting it by 18%.
    #lexar #professional #nm1090 #pro
    Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro
    Pros Sizzling hot throughput speedsExcellent 4K write speedWill be available in capacities up to 4TB Cons Lackluster PCMark 10 Overall Storage scoreLowest score on 3DMark Storage gaming benchmark of all the Gen 5 drives we've reviewed Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro PCIe 5.0 SSD Specs Bus Type PCI Express 5.0 Capacity4 Controller Maker Silicon Motion InterfacePCI Express Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 14000 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 13000 Terabytes WrittenRating 2800 Warranty Length 5 All Specs The Lexar Professional NM1090 Proeasily beats its rated sequential throughput speeds, according to our extensive tests, and it has the second-highest throughput scores we have seen from an SSD. But the NM1090 Pro's other test results are largely unimpressive; this PCI Express 5.0 internal SSD's sheer raw speed does not translate into great overall performance. So while it doesn't unseat the Editors' Choice-winning WD Black SN8100, it's an acceptable alternative. Design and Specs: Up to 4TB of Storage SpaceThe NM1090 is a four-lane solid-state drive running the NVMe 2.0 protocol over a PCIe 5.0 bus. This internal SSD comes in the standard M.2 Type-2280 "gumstick" format. This drive uses Micron 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash and a Silicon MotionSM2508 controller. Lexar cites this controller's 6nm architecture for helping to control the heat that Gen 5 drives are wont to generate and to minimize thermal throttlng.Physically speaking, this drive is also flashier than many of its competitors. It's adorned with a gold stripe across the front, which contrasts nicely with the black accents. It's sure to complement a classy PC build. The NM1090 Pro comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The 4TB stick that I reviewed is expected to go on sale in the US in the near future.Pricewise, the NM1090 Pro is midrange, below some of the elite Gen 5 sticks but higher than the modest-performing DRAM-less models we've tested: the Crucial P510 and the soon-to-be-reviewed Addlink G55H.As for durability, expressed as lifetime write capacity in total terabytes written, the NM1090 Pro matches the Crucial P510, T700, and T705 in the capacities they share. Its durability rating is a notch below the Corsair MP700 Pro, the ADATA Legend 970, and the Aorus 10000, which are rated at 700TBW for 1TB and 1,400TBW for 2TB. The Seagate FireCuda 540 is the reigning Gen 5 durability champ, with ratings of 1,000TBW for the 1TB stick and 2,000TBW for 2TB.The terabytes-written spec is a manufacturer's estimate of how much data can be written to a drive before some cells begin to fail and get taken out of service. Lexar warranties the NM1090 Pro for five years or until you hit the rated TBW figure in data writes, whichever comes first. But the drive's durability rating is such that unless you're writing unusually large amounts of data to the SSD, it's a safe bet that this drive will last the full warranty period and well beyond.The NM1090 includes the Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool, which lets you perform firmware updates, manage drive data, securely erase private files, and monitor drive health.System Requirements: Recent Motherboard RequiredPCIe 5.0 SSDs promise a major speed boost over PCIe 4.0 drives, but you can take advantage of it only if you have recent hardware that supports the standard. Only recent enthusiast-grade desktops and a handful of laptops are likely to be PCIe 5.0 SSD-ready off the shelf, so you may have to build your own PC from the ground up or update an existing system to gain the connectivity required. You'll need an Intel 12th Gen or later Core CPU with a motherboard based on Intel's Z690/Z790 or a more recent chipset; or an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 processor with an AM5 motherboard built around an X670, X670E, B650E, or later chipset.Recommended by Our EditorsNow, an important point: Just because you have one of those chipsets doesn't guarantee that the motherboard maker actually implemented a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 SSD slot. That's up to the board maker, so check your system's or motherboard's specs and documentation to make sure you actually have such a slot before investing in one of these drives. Some boards have PCIe 5.0 expansion slots for graphics cards and other PCI Express cards, but no PCIe 5.0 slots for SSDs. You need a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 slot, specifically.Performance: Raw Speed Isn't EverythingIn benchmarking the NM1090 Pro, we used our latest testbed PC, designed specifically for benchmarking PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs. It is built around an ASRock X670E Taichi motherboard with an AMD X670 chipset, 32GB of DDR5 memory, one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot, and three PCIe 4.0 slots. The system has an AMD Ryzen 9 7900 CPU using an AMD stock cooler; a GeForce RTX 2070 Super graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 SDRAM; and a Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 Snow 750-watt power supply. The boot drive is an ADATA Legend 850 PCIe 4.0 SSD.We put the Lexar drive through our usual slate of internal solid-state drive benchmarks: Crystal DiskMark 6.0, UL's PCMark 10 Storage, and UL's 3DMark Storage benchmark. The last measures a drive's performance in a number of gaming-related load and launch tasks.Crystal DiskMark's sequential speed tests provide a traditional measure of drive throughput, simulating best-case, straight-line transfers of large files. We use this test largely to see if our tested speeds are in line with the manufacturer's rated speeds.The NM1090 Pro put up some scorching Crystal DiskMark numbers, easily beating its sequential read and write speed ratings while turning in the second-highest throughput results we've recorded, after the WD SN8100. And while its 4K read was middling for a Gen 5 drive and far behind the SN8100's prodigious score, the NM1090 Pro eked out a high score in 4K write, edging out the SN8100. Good 4K write performance is especially important for an SSD used as a boot drive, though we test them as secondary drives.The PCMark 10 Overall Storage test measures a drive's speed in performing a variety of routine tasks such as launching Windows, loading games and creative apps, and copying both small and large files.The NM1090 Pro's PCMark 10 Overall score was toward the low end of our comparison group, ahead of the two DRAM-less PCI Express 5.0 SSDs, as well as the two Gen 4 drives we included in the chart above. As for the individual traces that make up the PCMark 10 Overall score, the NM1090 Pro's scores were below average, generally similar to the DRAM-less PCIe 5.0 SSDs and ahead of the Gen 4 sticks. A bright spot was the NM1090 Pro's second-place finish in Adobe Premiere Pro loading, though it was brought down to earth with a last-place finish in Photoshop loading, behind even the two PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The NM1090 Pro also had a last-place finish in the Windows loading trace.In 3DMark Storage, which aggregates a drive's performance at a variety of gaming-related tasks, the NM1090 Pro's score was at the bottom of the pack, with its nearest rival, the Crucial P510, besting it by 18%. #lexar #professional #nm1090 #pro
    ME.PCMAG.COM
    Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro
    Pros Sizzling hot throughput speedsExcellent 4K write speedWill be available in capacities up to 4TB Cons Lackluster PCMark 10 Overall Storage scoreLowest score on 3DMark Storage gaming benchmark of all the Gen 5 drives we've reviewed Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro PCIe 5.0 SSD Specs Bus Type PCI Express 5.0 Capacity (Tested) 4 Controller Maker Silicon Motion Interface (Computer Side) PCI Express Internal Form Factor M.2 Type-2280 Internal or External Internal NAND Type TLC NVMe Support Rated Maximum Sequential Read 14000 Rated Maximum Sequential Write 13000 Terabytes Written (TBW) Rating 2800 Warranty Length 5 All Specs The Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro (starts at $179.99 for 1TB; $494.99 for 4TB as tested) easily beats its rated sequential throughput speeds, according to our extensive tests, and it has the second-highest throughput scores we have seen from an SSD. But the NM1090 Pro's other test results are largely unimpressive; this PCI Express 5.0 internal SSD's sheer raw speed does not translate into great overall performance. So while it doesn't unseat the Editors' Choice-winning WD Black SN8100, it's an acceptable alternative. Design and Specs: Up to 4TB of Storage SpaceThe NM1090 is a four-lane solid-state drive running the NVMe 2.0 protocol over a PCIe 5.0 bus. This internal SSD comes in the standard M.2 Type-2280 "gumstick" format. This drive uses Micron 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash and a Silicon Motion (SMI) SM2508 controller. Lexar cites this controller's 6nm architecture for helping to control the heat that Gen 5 drives are wont to generate and to minimize thermal throttlng. (Baffled by some of this lingo? Check out our handy guide to SSD jargon.)Physically speaking, this drive is also flashier than many of its competitors. It's adorned with a gold stripe across the front, which contrasts nicely with the black accents. It's sure to complement a classy PC build. The NM1090 Pro comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The 4TB stick that I reviewed is expected to go on sale in the US in the near future.Pricewise, the NM1090 Pro is midrange, below some of the elite Gen 5 sticks but higher than the modest-performing DRAM-less models we've tested: the Crucial P510 and the soon-to-be-reviewed Addlink G55H.As for durability, expressed as lifetime write capacity in total terabytes written (TBW), the NM1090 Pro matches the Crucial P510, T700, and T705 in the capacities they share. Its durability rating is a notch below the Corsair MP700 Pro, the ADATA Legend 970, and the Aorus 10000, which are rated at 700TBW for 1TB and 1,400TBW for 2TB. The Seagate FireCuda 540 is the reigning Gen 5 durability champ, with ratings of 1,000TBW for the 1TB stick and 2,000TBW for 2TB.The terabytes-written spec is a manufacturer's estimate of how much data can be written to a drive before some cells begin to fail and get taken out of service. Lexar warranties the NM1090 Pro for five years or until you hit the rated TBW figure in data writes, whichever comes first. But the drive's durability rating is such that unless you're writing unusually large amounts of data to the SSD, it's a safe bet that this drive will last the full warranty period and well beyond.The NM1090 includes the Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool, which lets you perform firmware updates, manage drive data, securely erase private files, and monitor drive health.System Requirements: Recent Motherboard RequiredPCIe 5.0 SSDs promise a major speed boost over PCIe 4.0 drives, but you can take advantage of it only if you have recent hardware that supports the standard. Only recent enthusiast-grade desktops and a handful of laptops are likely to be PCIe 5.0 SSD-ready off the shelf, so you may have to build your own PC from the ground up or update an existing system to gain the connectivity required. You'll need an Intel 12th Gen or later Core CPU with a motherboard based on Intel's Z690/Z790 or a more recent chipset; or an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 processor with an AM5 motherboard built around an X670, X670E, B650E, or later chipset.Recommended by Our Editors(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Now, an important point: Just because you have one of those chipsets doesn't guarantee that the motherboard maker actually implemented a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 SSD slot. That's up to the board maker, so check your system's or motherboard's specs and documentation to make sure you actually have such a slot before investing in one of these drives. Some boards have PCIe 5.0 expansion slots for graphics cards and other PCI Express cards, but no PCIe 5.0 slots for SSDs. You need a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 slot, specifically.Performance: Raw Speed Isn't EverythingIn benchmarking the NM1090 Pro, we used our latest testbed PC, designed specifically for benchmarking PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs. It is built around an ASRock X670E Taichi motherboard with an AMD X670 chipset, 32GB of DDR5 memory, one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot (with lanes that have direct access to the CPU), and three PCIe 4.0 slots. The system has an AMD Ryzen 9 7900 CPU using an AMD stock cooler; a GeForce RTX 2070 Super graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 SDRAM; and a Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 Snow 750-watt power supply. The boot drive is an ADATA Legend 850 PCIe 4.0 SSD. (The reviewed SSD is tested as a secondary data drive.)We put the Lexar drive through our usual slate of internal solid-state drive benchmarks: Crystal DiskMark 6.0, UL's PCMark 10 Storage, and UL's 3DMark Storage benchmark. The last measures a drive's performance in a number of gaming-related load and launch tasks.Crystal DiskMark's sequential speed tests provide a traditional measure of drive throughput, simulating best-case, straight-line transfers of large files. We use this test largely to see if our tested speeds are in line with the manufacturer's rated speeds.The NM1090 Pro put up some scorching Crystal DiskMark numbers, easily beating its sequential read and write speed ratings while turning in the second-highest throughput results we've recorded, after the WD SN8100. And while its 4K read was middling for a Gen 5 drive and far behind the SN8100's prodigious score, the NM1090 Pro eked out a high score in 4K write, edging out the SN8100. Good 4K write performance is especially important for an SSD used as a boot drive, though we test them as secondary drives.The PCMark 10 Overall Storage test measures a drive's speed in performing a variety of routine tasks such as launching Windows, loading games and creative apps, and copying both small and large files.The NM1090 Pro's PCMark 10 Overall score was toward the low end of our comparison group, ahead of the two DRAM-less PCI Express 5.0 SSDs (the Addlink G55H and Crucial P510), as well as the two Gen 4 drives we included in the chart above. As for the individual traces that make up the PCMark 10 Overall score, the NM1090 Pro's scores were below average, generally similar to the DRAM-less PCIe 5.0 SSDs and ahead of the Gen 4 sticks. A bright spot was the NM1090 Pro's second-place finish in Adobe Premiere Pro loading (after the WD SN8100), though it was brought down to earth with a last-place finish in Photoshop loading, behind even the two PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The NM1090 Pro also had a last-place finish in the Windows loading trace.In 3DMark Storage, which aggregates a drive's performance at a variety of gaming-related tasks, the NM1090 Pro's score was at the bottom of the pack, with its nearest rival, the Crucial P510, besting it by 18%.
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  • Seven tech accessories I keep coming back to [Video]

    I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years, from laptops to smart rings to the kind of random tech accessories that get buried in drawers. But out of all of it, there are just a few items I keep reaching for over and over again. There is no method to the madness in terms of the type of accessories, but just know that they work. These are non-Apple tech products I rely on every day.

    Be sure to check out our hands-on video below!
    Logitech Anywhere 3S/2S
    This is my longest-tenured product and the product that sparked this idea. I have tried so many different mice for my Mac and iPad, and I continue to come back to Logitech’s Anywhere mouse. The one I have is the 2S version that I purchased back in 2018. So, I have used this mouse every day for over seven years, and it is still going strong. Since 2018, they have released the 3S version, but the main difference is that the new version charges via USB-C, and it has double the DPI, going from 4000 to 8000 for better accuracy. But I have never been in a situation where my 2S is inaccurate.
    The Anywhere 2S is still on sale for just under and the 3S is just under Both great options that will last you a decade. Both can connect to three different devices at once and a charge last up to 6 months.

    ShiftCam accessories
    I use my iPhone for video and photography. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max video is great in its own right, I wanted to upgrade the camera a bit without actually getting a new camera. So I got myself a 60mm telephoto lens to help with the natural blur, and man, was I impressed. Go ahead and watch some of our recent videos, and you can see how much better the background is blurred versus me as the subject.
    They don’t just make lenses; they also make many other videography equipment for your iPhone, from MagSafe light attachments to camera grips to mounting gear and so much more. If you need to level up your iPhone photography, these are the way to go.

    Nomad is known for making some fantastic high-quality accessories: from their slim charging series, to their Horween leather, to their beloved Apple Watch bands. Earlier this year, they released their universal cable with built-in Apple Watch charging. I’ll be honest, I thought at first it was a bit over the top. But now its something that I never leave the house without when it comes to charging on the go. You get:

    100W USB-C PD cable
    Apple Watch Fast Charger
    Kevlar reinforcement
    Electroplated metal connectors
    1.5m length
    Integrated cable tie
    USB 2.0 data transfer speeds

    It’s high quality, simple, to the point, and smart charges. So it knows which direction to charge depending on what device needs power from the post.

    UltraHuman Smart Ring
    This product deserves its own full review, but I wanted to mention it here briefly. I love gamifying my health and tracking my wellness data. I had always been intrigued by the ring form factor versus a watch, especially for sleep tracking. I love my Apple Watch Ultra, but it is a tad bulky for sleeping. So the UltraHuman ring has really stepped in as my overall wellness tracker. I use it for daily wellness tracking, for sleep, and also for my runs. The best part is that there is no subscription plan. So, a one-time purchase of and you are good to go. The app also has all the data and metrics you would ever want from a sleep score to caffeine intake windows and so much more.
    Let me know if you would like a more in-depth review of this ring because I cant recommend it enough!

    Kuxiu X41Q
    One of my favorite charging accessories brands released a 3 in 1 charger that seems to defy physics. On the surface it might seem like a typical Qi2 3 in 1 charger but this thing is insanely slim and compact. I measures under 4mm at its thinnest point!

    Qi2 wireless charging to charge at 15W
    5W AirPods charging pad
    Fast charging Apple Watch charger
    45W charging brick in the box

    I just love how thin this charger is and, for the price, it belongs in your everyday carry!

    SSD storage
    When it comes to storage, I always seem to go back to two different options. I have a Lexar SL500 and a Samsung T9. Both are fantastic storage options that are relatively the same price, depending on storage sizes. They both go up to 4 TBs and have read and write speeds of 2000 Mbps. I have used these daily for over a year, and they have been the most reliable options for SSD I have ever used. I have lost data by using cheap SSDs in the past, and having that peace of mind is key when using a storage solution.
    You can get the Samsung T9 for less for the 1TB version and the Lexar SL500 for under for 1TB!

    Final thoughts
    None of these products are flashy; they’re just reliable, functional, and built to last. That’s why they’ve earned a spot in my everyday tech setup. Whether you are editing video, charging up on the go, or tracking sleep without subscriptions, these tech items will be perfect to add to anyone’s tech toolkit. If you have a tech essential of your own, I’d love to hear about it.

    Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. 

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
    #seven #tech #accessories #keep #coming
    Seven tech accessories I keep coming back to [Video]
    I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years, from laptops to smart rings to the kind of random tech accessories that get buried in drawers. But out of all of it, there are just a few items I keep reaching for over and over again. There is no method to the madness in terms of the type of accessories, but just know that they work. These are non-Apple tech products I rely on every day. Be sure to check out our hands-on video below! Logitech Anywhere 3S/2S This is my longest-tenured product and the product that sparked this idea. I have tried so many different mice for my Mac and iPad, and I continue to come back to Logitech’s Anywhere mouse. The one I have is the 2S version that I purchased back in 2018. So, I have used this mouse every day for over seven years, and it is still going strong. Since 2018, they have released the 3S version, but the main difference is that the new version charges via USB-C, and it has double the DPI, going from 4000 to 8000 for better accuracy. But I have never been in a situation where my 2S is inaccurate. The Anywhere 2S is still on sale for just under and the 3S is just under Both great options that will last you a decade. Both can connect to three different devices at once and a charge last up to 6 months. ShiftCam accessories I use my iPhone for video and photography. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max video is great in its own right, I wanted to upgrade the camera a bit without actually getting a new camera. So I got myself a 60mm telephoto lens to help with the natural blur, and man, was I impressed. Go ahead and watch some of our recent videos, and you can see how much better the background is blurred versus me as the subject. They don’t just make lenses; they also make many other videography equipment for your iPhone, from MagSafe light attachments to camera grips to mounting gear and so much more. If you need to level up your iPhone photography, these are the way to go. Nomad is known for making some fantastic high-quality accessories: from their slim charging series, to their Horween leather, to their beloved Apple Watch bands. Earlier this year, they released their universal cable with built-in Apple Watch charging. I’ll be honest, I thought at first it was a bit over the top. But now its something that I never leave the house without when it comes to charging on the go. You get: 100W USB-C PD cable Apple Watch Fast Charger Kevlar reinforcement Electroplated metal connectors 1.5m length Integrated cable tie USB 2.0 data transfer speeds It’s high quality, simple, to the point, and smart charges. So it knows which direction to charge depending on what device needs power from the post. UltraHuman Smart Ring This product deserves its own full review, but I wanted to mention it here briefly. I love gamifying my health and tracking my wellness data. I had always been intrigued by the ring form factor versus a watch, especially for sleep tracking. I love my Apple Watch Ultra, but it is a tad bulky for sleeping. So the UltraHuman ring has really stepped in as my overall wellness tracker. I use it for daily wellness tracking, for sleep, and also for my runs. The best part is that there is no subscription plan. So, a one-time purchase of and you are good to go. The app also has all the data and metrics you would ever want from a sleep score to caffeine intake windows and so much more. Let me know if you would like a more in-depth review of this ring because I cant recommend it enough! Kuxiu X41Q One of my favorite charging accessories brands released a 3 in 1 charger that seems to defy physics. On the surface it might seem like a typical Qi2 3 in 1 charger but this thing is insanely slim and compact. I measures under 4mm at its thinnest point! Qi2 wireless charging to charge at 15W 5W AirPods charging pad Fast charging Apple Watch charger 45W charging brick in the box I just love how thin this charger is and, for the price, it belongs in your everyday carry! SSD storage When it comes to storage, I always seem to go back to two different options. I have a Lexar SL500 and a Samsung T9. Both are fantastic storage options that are relatively the same price, depending on storage sizes. They both go up to 4 TBs and have read and write speeds of 2000 Mbps. I have used these daily for over a year, and they have been the most reliable options for SSD I have ever used. I have lost data by using cheap SSDs in the past, and having that peace of mind is key when using a storage solution. You can get the Samsung T9 for less for the 1TB version and the Lexar SL500 for under for 1TB! Final thoughts None of these products are flashy; they’re just reliable, functional, and built to last. That’s why they’ve earned a spot in my everyday tech setup. Whether you are editing video, charging up on the go, or tracking sleep without subscriptions, these tech items will be perfect to add to anyone’s tech toolkit. If you have a tech essential of your own, I’d love to hear about it. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel #seven #tech #accessories #keep #coming
    9TO5MAC.COM
    Seven tech accessories I keep coming back to [Video]
    I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years, from laptops to smart rings to the kind of random tech accessories that get buried in drawers. But out of all of it, there are just a few items I keep reaching for over and over again. There is no method to the madness in terms of the type of accessories, but just know that they work. These are non-Apple tech products I rely on every day. Be sure to check out our hands-on video below! Logitech Anywhere 3S/2S This is my longest-tenured product and the product that sparked this idea. I have tried so many different mice for my Mac and iPad, and I continue to come back to Logitech’s Anywhere mouse. The one I have is the 2S version that I purchased back in 2018. So, I have used this mouse every day for over seven years, and it is still going strong. Since 2018, they have released the 3S version, but the main difference is that the new version charges via USB-C, and it has double the DPI, going from 4000 to 8000 for better accuracy. But I have never been in a situation where my 2S is inaccurate. The Anywhere 2S is still on sale for just under $50, and the 3S is just under $80. Both great options that will last you a decade (if not more). Both can connect to three different devices at once and a charge last up to 6 months. ShiftCam accessories I use my iPhone for video and photography. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max video is great in its own right, I wanted to upgrade the camera a bit without actually getting a new camera. So I got myself a 60mm telephoto lens to help with the natural blur, and man, was I impressed. Go ahead and watch some of our recent videos, and you can see how much better the background is blurred versus me as the subject. They don’t just make lenses; they also make many other videography equipment for your iPhone, from MagSafe light attachments to camera grips to mounting gear and so much more. If you need to level up your iPhone photography, these are the way to go. Nomad is known for making some fantastic high-quality accessories: from their slim charging series, to their Horween leather, to their beloved Apple Watch bands. Earlier this year, they released their universal cable with built-in Apple Watch charging. I’ll be honest, I thought at first it was a bit over the top. But now its something that I never leave the house without when it comes to charging on the go. You get: 100W USB-C PD cable Apple Watch Fast Charger Kevlar reinforcement Electroplated metal connectors 1.5m length Integrated cable tie USB 2.0 data transfer speeds It’s high quality, simple, to the point, and smart charges. So it knows which direction to charge depending on what device needs power from the post. UltraHuman Smart Ring This product deserves its own full review, but I wanted to mention it here briefly. I love gamifying my health and tracking my wellness data. I had always been intrigued by the ring form factor versus a watch, especially for sleep tracking. I love my Apple Watch Ultra, but it is a tad bulky for sleeping. So the UltraHuman ring has really stepped in as my overall wellness tracker. I use it for daily wellness tracking, for sleep, and also for my runs. The best part is that there is no subscription plan. So, a one-time purchase of $349 and you are good to go. The app also has all the data and metrics you would ever want from a sleep score to caffeine intake windows and so much more. Let me know if you would like a more in-depth review of this ring because I cant recommend it enough! Kuxiu X41Q One of my favorite charging accessories brands released a 3 in 1 charger that seems to defy physics. On the surface it might seem like a typical Qi2 3 in 1 charger but this thing is insanely slim and compact. I measures under 4mm at its thinnest point! Qi2 wireless charging to charge at 15W 5W AirPods charging pad Fast charging Apple Watch charger 45W charging brick in the box I just love how thin this charger is and, for the price, it belongs in your everyday carry! SSD storage When it comes to storage, I always seem to go back to two different options. I have a Lexar SL500 and a Samsung T9. Both are fantastic storage options that are relatively the same price, depending on storage sizes. They both go up to 4 TBs and have read and write speeds of 2000 Mbps. I have used these daily for over a year, and they have been the most reliable options for SSD I have ever used. I have lost data by using cheap SSDs in the past, and having that peace of mind is key when using a storage solution. You can get the Samsung T9 for less $130 for the 1TB version and the Lexar SL500 for under $115 for 1TB! Final thoughts None of these products are flashy; they’re just reliable, functional, and built to last. That’s why they’ve earned a spot in my everyday tech setup. Whether you are editing video, charging up on the go, or tracking sleep without subscriptions, these tech items will be perfect to add to anyone’s tech toolkit. If you have a tech essential of your own, I’d love to hear about it. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure review

    Macworld

    At a glanceExpert's Rating

    Pros

    Robust Construction

    Effective fan

    Good data transfer rates

    Informative display

    Cons

    Not many extra ports

    Fan not silent

    No carrying case

    Our Verdict
    Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD.

    Price When Reviewed
    This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

    Best Pricing Today

    Price When Reviewed129 Dollar

    Best Prices Today: Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure

    Retailer

    Price

    Dockcase

    129,00 €

    View Deal

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    Product

    Price

    Price comparison from Backmarket

    At first glance, what stands out most about the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure hub is its relatively large case with an equally large display. The 4.3 by 2.3 centimeter display shows, among other things, the connected devices and the current data transfer rate. It also serves as a touchscreen for settings such as data protection and fan speed. The large display looks playful, but is very informative. An integrated SSD health monitor issues early warnings.

    Speaking of that integrated SSD, inside the hub is a connector for an M.2 SSD module that you provide. It supports the compact 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 2TB. An optional read-only mode prevents unwanted changes or deletions and thus protects sensitive data, if required. An integrated, temperature-controlled fan and ventilation openings ensure efficient cooling of the NVMe SSD. Installtion an SSD module is effortless and Dockcase provides a small screwdriver.

    The ports on the Smart USB-C Hub are one USB-C and USB-A, a 100W Power Delivery USB-C power, an HDMI 2.1 port with support for 4K at 120Hz, an SD card slot, and a TF port. If you want a hub that gives you more connectors, other hubs and docks are better suited in our Best USB-C hubs and adapters for Mac 2025 roundup. Not everyone needs a lot of extra ports; primarily, this is an external SSD enclosure with a few useful ports.

    The data transfer rate of the integrated NVMe SSD impresses across the board in the AJA System Test Lite with 875MBs for writing and 955MBps for reading. The fan occasionally starts up in the read/write endurance test; it is relatively quiet, but not silent. In our endurance test, however, the small NVMe SSD can get very warm after more than 30 minutes of intensive use. The write rate then decreases significantly. However, this is a respectable performance for a USB-C hub.

    With the fan deactivated for the test, the temperature rose during continuous operation of the SSD. After a short time, a warning was displayed at 69 degrees Celsius, and the data transfer rate dropped significantly in some cases. At 72 degrees Celsius, we activated the fan to protect the SSD and within a short time, the temperature dropped to below 60 degrees Celsius.

    The full metal housing is robust and also ensures good temperature equalization thanks to the many ventilation slots. However, the fan can be noisy and annoying to sensitive ears. Dockcase provides a fan control with four sppeds or the ability to turn it off completely–but doing so puts the SSD at risk.

    With an OWC Ultra SDXC memory card, we measured 253MBps for writing and 284MBps for reading–an excellent performance. with a Lexar Armor 700 USB-C SSD, the 890MBps for writing and 939MBps for reading are only aabout 100MBps below the values directly on the MacBook Air M3.

    Should you buy the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure?

    Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. If you need an external storage device and could use card reader slots and an extra charging port, the Smart USB-C hub may work. But there are plenty of other options out there if you want to add more ports.
    #dockcase #smart #usbc #hub #7in1
    Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure review
    Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Robust Construction Effective fan Good data transfer rates Informative display Cons Not many extra ports Fan not silent No carrying case Our Verdict Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed129 Dollar Best Prices Today: Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure Retailer Price Dockcase 129,00 € View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket At first glance, what stands out most about the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure hub is its relatively large case with an equally large display. The 4.3 by 2.3 centimeter display shows, among other things, the connected devices and the current data transfer rate. It also serves as a touchscreen for settings such as data protection and fan speed. The large display looks playful, but is very informative. An integrated SSD health monitor issues early warnings. Speaking of that integrated SSD, inside the hub is a connector for an M.2 SSD module that you provide. It supports the compact 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 2TB. An optional read-only mode prevents unwanted changes or deletions and thus protects sensitive data, if required. An integrated, temperature-controlled fan and ventilation openings ensure efficient cooling of the NVMe SSD. Installtion an SSD module is effortless and Dockcase provides a small screwdriver. The ports on the Smart USB-C Hub are one USB-C and USB-A, a 100W Power Delivery USB-C power, an HDMI 2.1 port with support for 4K at 120Hz, an SD card slot, and a TF port. If you want a hub that gives you more connectors, other hubs and docks are better suited in our Best USB-C hubs and adapters for Mac 2025 roundup. Not everyone needs a lot of extra ports; primarily, this is an external SSD enclosure with a few useful ports. The data transfer rate of the integrated NVMe SSD impresses across the board in the AJA System Test Lite with 875MBs for writing and 955MBps for reading. The fan occasionally starts up in the read/write endurance test; it is relatively quiet, but not silent. In our endurance test, however, the small NVMe SSD can get very warm after more than 30 minutes of intensive use. The write rate then decreases significantly. However, this is a respectable performance for a USB-C hub. With the fan deactivated for the test, the temperature rose during continuous operation of the SSD. After a short time, a warning was displayed at 69 degrees Celsius, and the data transfer rate dropped significantly in some cases. At 72 degrees Celsius, we activated the fan to protect the SSD and within a short time, the temperature dropped to below 60 degrees Celsius. The full metal housing is robust and also ensures good temperature equalization thanks to the many ventilation slots. However, the fan can be noisy and annoying to sensitive ears. Dockcase provides a fan control with four sppeds or the ability to turn it off completely–but doing so puts the SSD at risk. With an OWC Ultra SDXC memory card, we measured 253MBps for writing and 284MBps for reading–an excellent performance. with a Lexar Armor 700 USB-C SSD, the 890MBps for writing and 939MBps for reading are only aabout 100MBps below the values directly on the MacBook Air M3. Should you buy the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure? Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. If you need an external storage device and could use card reader slots and an extra charging port, the Smart USB-C hub may work. But there are plenty of other options out there if you want to add more ports. #dockcase #smart #usbc #hub #7in1
    WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure review
    Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Robust Construction Effective fan Good data transfer rates Informative display Cons Not many extra ports Fan not silent No carrying case Our Verdict Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed129 Dollar Best Prices Today: Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure Retailer Price Dockcase 129,00 € View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket At first glance, what stands out most about the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure hub is its relatively large case with an equally large display. The 4.3 by 2.3 centimeter display shows, among other things, the connected devices and the current data transfer rate. It also serves as a touchscreen for settings such as data protection and fan speed. The large display looks playful, but is very informative. An integrated SSD health monitor issues early warnings. Speaking of that integrated SSD, inside the hub is a connector for an M.2 SSD module that you provide. It supports the compact 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 2TB. An optional read-only mode prevents unwanted changes or deletions and thus protects sensitive data, if required. An integrated, temperature-controlled fan and ventilation openings ensure efficient cooling of the NVMe SSD. Installtion an SSD module is effortless and Dockcase provides a small screwdriver. The ports on the Smart USB-C Hub are one USB-C and USB-A (both USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10GBps), a 100W Power Delivery USB-C power, an HDMI 2.1 port with support for 4K at 120Hz, an SD card slot, and a TF port. If you want a hub that gives you more connectors, other hubs and docks are better suited in our Best USB-C hubs and adapters for Mac 2025 roundup. Not everyone needs a lot of extra ports; primarily, this is an external SSD enclosure with a few useful ports. The data transfer rate of the integrated NVMe SSD impresses across the board in the AJA System Test Lite with 875MBs for writing and 955MBps for reading. The fan occasionally starts up in the read/write endurance test; it is relatively quiet, but not silent. In our endurance test, however, the small NVMe SSD can get very warm after more than 30 minutes of intensive use. The write rate then decreases significantly. However, this is a respectable performance for a USB-C hub. With the fan deactivated for the test (the temperature was read via the internal sensor), the temperature rose during continuous operation of the SSD. After a short time, a warning was displayed at 69 degrees Celsius, and the data transfer rate dropped significantly in some cases. At 72 degrees Celsius, we activated the fan to protect the SSD and within a short time, the temperature dropped to below 60 degrees Celsius. The full metal housing is robust and also ensures good temperature equalization thanks to the many ventilation slots. However, the fan can be noisy and annoying to sensitive ears. Dockcase provides a fan control with four sppeds or the ability to turn it off completely–but doing so puts the SSD at risk. With an OWC Ultra SDXC memory card, we measured 253MBps for writing and 284MBps for reading–an excellent performance. with a Lexar Armor 700 USB-C SSD, the 890MBps for writing and 939MBps for reading are only aabout 100MBps below the values directly on the MacBook Air M3. Should you buy the Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 with M.2 SSD Enclosure? Anyone who opts for the Smart USB-C Hub 7-in-1 will do so mainly because of the option to integrate an NVMe SSD. If you need an external storage device and could use card reader slots and an extra charging port, the Smart USB-C hub may work. But there are plenty of other options out there if you want to add more ports.
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  • Best external SSD for gaming 2025: Portable performance drives

    Maybe your gaming laptop doesn’t have enough storage.
    Or you simply want an easy way to make your game library portable.
    An external SSD can fix both of these issues (and more) by providing an easy way to expand storage that you can take on the go.
    But choosing an external SSD means sorting through a dizzying array of options, and making a poor choice can leave you feeling hard done by.
    Lucky for you, we’ve done the testing and can offer some sure-fire recommendations that are guaranteed to help, and not hinder, your gaming setup.
    Why you should trust us: We are PCWorld.
    Our reviewers have been putting computer hardware through its paces for decades.
    Our external drive evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use.
    As consumers ourselves, we know what makes a product exceptional.
    For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article.
    Scroll below our recommendations to learn about other external SSDs for gaming that did not make our list.
    Lexar SL600 Blaze – Best 20Gbps external SSD for gaming

    Pros
    Good 20Gbps performer
    Top bang for the buck
    Five-year warranty

    Cons
    4TB model not yet available

    The competition is very close in the top tier of 20Gbps external drives, with the big-name contenders trading wins up and down the benchmark charts.
    But a winner is a winner, and in the end, the Lexar overtook our previous champ, Crucial’s X10 Pro, even if only by a hair.
    The upshot is that you can expect excellent performance from the Lexar SL600.
    It also comes in a uniquely shaped form factor, complete with an opening to accommodate a lanyard, for easy toting.
    Gamers might appreciate that you can even add some bling by opting for the SL660 variant, which features RGB lighting within its miniature handle.
    The drive comes with the standard five year warranty.
    When performance is this closely matched among products, the determining factor should be price.
    And here, too, the SL600 is neck-and-neck with the Crucial X10 Pro, and priced slightly to significantly cheaper than some of its competitors, at least as of this writing — particularly at the 2TB level.
    Read our full

    Lexar SL600 20Gbps USB SSD review
    Teamgroup M200 – Best budget 20Gbps external SSD for gaming

    Pros
    Fast everyday performance
    Available in up to 8TB (eventually) capacity
    Attractively styled

    Cons
    No TBW rating
    Company will change components if shortages demand
    Writes slow to 200MBps off cache

    The Teamgroup M200 provides excellent bang for your buck with 20Gbps transfer rates and up to 4TB of storage for a very reasonable price.
    It has great everyday performance, too.

    Its slick military-style design is based on the CheyTac M200 sniper rifle—a perfect fit for those late night frag sessions.
    Unfortunately, Teamgroup doesn’t provide a TBW rating or official IP rating for the M200 so it’s more difficult to compare it as a whole to its competitors.
    However the M200 is a fast, extremely well priced external SSD with a gamer-friendly design that will look good and perform well in almost any setup.
    Read our full

    Teamgroup T-Force M200 20Gbps USB SSD review
    PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD – Best rugged 20Gbps external SSD for gaming

    Pros
    Handsome, IP65-rated design (dust-proof, water-resistant)
    Good 20Gbps performance
    Nice flat Type-C USB ribbon cable

    Cons
    USB port plug tether is difficult to reinsert.

    Best Prices Today:
    Retailer
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    PNY
    $99.99
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    If you tend to take your gaming drive everywhere, and/or you’re not the most careful person with hardware, a ruggedized external SSD is a practical answer.

    The PNY RP60 offers more than just a rugged IP65-rated exterior that protects against dust and water droplets; and while very handsome and lightweight to boot; the drive is also an admirable performer, even besting one of the fastest 20Gbps drives we’ve tested — the Crucial X10 Pro — in a couple of our tests.
    The RP60 is also competitively priced at $100 and $180 for 1TB and 2TB, respectively.

    Read our full

    PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD review
    Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 – Most portable 20Gbps external SSD for gaming

    Pros
    Extremely small profile
    Shock-absorbing silicone jacket
    Top-flight packaging
    Good overall performance

    Cons
    A tad behind the 20Gbps curve performance-wise

    Best Prices Today:
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    Sabrent
    $119.99
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    If you’re after a very small SSD that you can easily fit into a pocket, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is that.
    This USB 3.2×2 20Gbps drive measures a petite 2.73 inches long, 1.16-inches wide, and 0.44-inches thick.
    It weighs a dainty 1.7 ounces.
    Of course, you’ll probably want to slide on its included shock-absorbing silicone jacket (shown in picture), which will add .06 inches to all its dimensions, while giving it a badass look.
    But looks aside, the Nano V2 is a solid performer.
    It wasn’t quite at the same level as our top picks in everything, but it traded wins and losses within the pack.
    For instance it was second only to the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write test.
    And it took the top spot in CrystalDiskMark 8’s random writes, and was very competitive in random reads.

    This wee drive also comes in up to 4TB capacities, making it an all-around good choice if you’re looking to get a lot of storage and performance in a tiny package.
    We’re also fond of its five-year warranty and the nifty metal box it comes in, which can be repurposed for other uses.
    Read our full

    Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 review
    Adata SE920 EX – Best USB 4 external SSD for gaming

    Pros
    Fastest external storage we’ve tested (at 40Gbps)
    Affordable for the ilk
    Stylish enclosure
    Available up to 4TB
    Also fast on the Mac

    Cons
    Pricier than USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps)

    A USB 4 external SSD isn’t for everyone.
    Not only does your PC need to support the spec in order to take advantage of the 40Gbps transfers, but you’ll also need to be willing to pay a premium for the privilege.

    If you’re ready to enter the club, however, the Adata SE920 EX will reward you with the fastest USB 4 performance that we’ve experienced, and at a much more affordable price than our previous pick for USB 4, the OWC Express 1M2 — we’re talking $180 for a 1TB Adata SE920 versus $250 for the OWC drive.
    And if you want a lot of capacity, the Adata SE920 EX comes with up to 4TB, for a reasonable $500 (compared to OWC’s $598.99).
    In almost every benchmark, the SE920 EX beat the OWC Express 1M2 at 40Gbps performance, albeit by small margins.
    It also comes with a nifty built-in fan, which is activated by sliding open the enclosure.
    This kept our drive noticeably free of heat during our benchmark tests.
    The SE920 EX is also quite portable at 4.13 inches long by 2.52-inches wide by 0.62-inches thick, and weighing 7 ounces — another advantage it has over the bulkier OWC Express 1M2.
    In the end, the choice for a USB 4 external SSD is clear.
    Alternative option: You can get record-breaking performance by rolling your own USB 4 external SSD, using Ugreen’s CM642 enclosure.
    In our tests, the $110 enclosure combined with an NVMe SSD bested the performance of the two external USB 4 SSDs above.

    Read our full

    Adata SE920 USB4 SSD review
    Other external drive reviews:
    Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4: There’s a lot to like about this rugged, handsome design and relative affordability.
    But connection issues and comparably lackluster 40Gbps performance left me unamazed.
    PNY Pro Elite V3: This 10Gbps, Type-C USB stick is fast, but what really won me over is its clever, retracting physical design and svelte form-factor.
    Addlink P21: Good 20Gbps performance and a striking design are a winning formula for this external SSD.
    Seagate Ultra Compact SSD: This 10Gbps USB thumb drive delivers far better performance than generic 5Gbps or 400Mbps types, as well as free data recovery and other software perks.
    Corsair EX400U: While Corsair’s EX400U is on the slow side for a USB4 external SSD, it’s also less expensive than the competition.
    Ugreen CM642 USB4: Fast, handsome, rugged, and easy to use, Ugreen’s CM642 USB4 SSD enclosure is a great way to roll your own high-performance external storage.
    Corsair Flash Survivor: If you’re after an eminently portable USB stick with 10Gbps/NVMe speed that’s also weatherproofed, ruggedized, and looks burly as hell, this is the drive for you.
    Seagate Game Drive SSD: Targeted at PS4/PS5 owners, the 10Gbps SSD is very fast for its class, and attractively styled, complete with a Playstation logo, but it’s relatively pricey.
    Lexar Armor 700: Like the PNY RP60 above, the Lexar Armor 700 is a 20Gbps drive that can withstand some abuse — perfect for the gamer on the go, or the accident-prone.
    Its IP66 weatherized body is attractive, its performance is competitive.
    It’s also a bit pricey.
    Teamgroup PD20M: This little 20Gbps drive comes with a handy travel case and is one of the lightest portable drives we’ve tested.
    The only problem is, its performance slows considerably once its 20GB of cache has been tapped.
    Best for light-duty chores.

    Adata SD810: This is a solid 20Gbps drive, as long as you aren’t in the habit of writing very large amounts of data to it on a regular basis, because in our tests, the drive slowed down considerably in that scenario.
    That being said, the 4TB capacity is a particularly good value at just $300.
    Lexar SL500: A stablemate of the Lexar SL600 — our pick for best 20Gbps external drive — the SL500 stands out for its very slim and attractive form factor.
    It has almost identical performance to the SL600, with the exception of performing slower than its sibling in our 48GB file writes.

    How we test
    Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total).
    Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used.
    The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory.
    The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS.
    Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal.
    Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors.
    This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND.
    Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested.
    SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components.
    If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know.
    To learn more about our testing methodology see PCWorld’s article on how we test external SSDs.
    Further reading: How to make your own external SSD and save some cash

    Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/553786/best-external-ssd-for-gaming.html" style="color: #0066cc;">https://www.pcworld.com/article/553786/best-external-ssd-for-gaming.html
    #best #external #ssd #for #gaming #portable #performance #drives
    Best external SSD for gaming 2025: Portable performance drives
    Maybe your gaming laptop doesn’t have enough storage. Or you simply want an easy way to make your game library portable. An external SSD can fix both of these issues (and more) by providing an easy way to expand storage that you can take on the go. But choosing an external SSD means sorting through a dizzying array of options, and making a poor choice can leave you feeling hard done by. Lucky for you, we’ve done the testing and can offer some sure-fire recommendations that are guaranteed to help, and not hinder, your gaming setup. Why you should trust us: We are PCWorld. Our reviewers have been putting computer hardware through its paces for decades. Our external drive evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As consumers ourselves, we know what makes a product exceptional. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article. Scroll below our recommendations to learn about other external SSDs for gaming that did not make our list. Lexar SL600 Blaze – Best 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Good 20Gbps performer Top bang for the buck Five-year warranty Cons 4TB model not yet available The competition is very close in the top tier of 20Gbps external drives, with the big-name contenders trading wins up and down the benchmark charts. But a winner is a winner, and in the end, the Lexar overtook our previous champ, Crucial’s X10 Pro, even if only by a hair. The upshot is that you can expect excellent performance from the Lexar SL600. It also comes in a uniquely shaped form factor, complete with an opening to accommodate a lanyard, for easy toting. Gamers might appreciate that you can even add some bling by opting for the SL660 variant, which features RGB lighting within its miniature handle. The drive comes with the standard five year warranty. When performance is this closely matched among products, the determining factor should be price. And here, too, the SL600 is neck-and-neck with the Crucial X10 Pro, and priced slightly to significantly cheaper than some of its competitors, at least as of this writing — particularly at the 2TB level. Read our full Lexar SL600 20Gbps USB SSD review Teamgroup M200 – Best budget 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Fast everyday performance Available in up to 8TB (eventually) capacity Attractively styled Cons No TBW rating Company will change components if shortages demand Writes slow to 200MBps off cache The Teamgroup M200 provides excellent bang for your buck with 20Gbps transfer rates and up to 4TB of storage for a very reasonable price. It has great everyday performance, too. Its slick military-style design is based on the CheyTac M200 sniper rifle—a perfect fit for those late night frag sessions. Unfortunately, Teamgroup doesn’t provide a TBW rating or official IP rating for the M200 so it’s more difficult to compare it as a whole to its competitors. However the M200 is a fast, extremely well priced external SSD with a gamer-friendly design that will look good and perform well in almost any setup. Read our full Teamgroup T-Force M200 20Gbps USB SSD review PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD – Best rugged 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Handsome, IP65-rated design (dust-proof, water-resistant) Good 20Gbps performance Nice flat Type-C USB ribbon cable Cons USB port plug tether is difficult to reinsert. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PNY $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you tend to take your gaming drive everywhere, and/or you’re not the most careful person with hardware, a ruggedized external SSD is a practical answer. The PNY RP60 offers more than just a rugged IP65-rated exterior that protects against dust and water droplets; and while very handsome and lightweight to boot; the drive is also an admirable performer, even besting one of the fastest 20Gbps drives we’ve tested — the Crucial X10 Pro — in a couple of our tests. The RP60 is also competitively priced at $100 and $180 for 1TB and 2TB, respectively. Read our full PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD review Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 – Most portable 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Extremely small profile Shock-absorbing silicone jacket Top-flight packaging Good overall performance Cons A tad behind the 20Gbps curve performance-wise Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sabrent $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re after a very small SSD that you can easily fit into a pocket, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is that. This USB 3.2×2 20Gbps drive measures a petite 2.73 inches long, 1.16-inches wide, and 0.44-inches thick. It weighs a dainty 1.7 ounces. Of course, you’ll probably want to slide on its included shock-absorbing silicone jacket (shown in picture), which will add .06 inches to all its dimensions, while giving it a badass look. But looks aside, the Nano V2 is a solid performer. It wasn’t quite at the same level as our top picks in everything, but it traded wins and losses within the pack. For instance it was second only to the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write test. And it took the top spot in CrystalDiskMark 8’s random writes, and was very competitive in random reads. This wee drive also comes in up to 4TB capacities, making it an all-around good choice if you’re looking to get a lot of storage and performance in a tiny package. We’re also fond of its five-year warranty and the nifty metal box it comes in, which can be repurposed for other uses. Read our full Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 review Adata SE920 EX – Best USB 4 external SSD for gaming Pros Fastest external storage we’ve tested (at 40Gbps) Affordable for the ilk Stylish enclosure Available up to 4TB Also fast on the Mac Cons Pricier than USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps) A USB 4 external SSD isn’t for everyone. Not only does your PC need to support the spec in order to take advantage of the 40Gbps transfers, but you’ll also need to be willing to pay a premium for the privilege. If you’re ready to enter the club, however, the Adata SE920 EX will reward you with the fastest USB 4 performance that we’ve experienced, and at a much more affordable price than our previous pick for USB 4, the OWC Express 1M2 — we’re talking $180 for a 1TB Adata SE920 versus $250 for the OWC drive. And if you want a lot of capacity, the Adata SE920 EX comes with up to 4TB, for a reasonable $500 (compared to OWC’s $598.99). In almost every benchmark, the SE920 EX beat the OWC Express 1M2 at 40Gbps performance, albeit by small margins. It also comes with a nifty built-in fan, which is activated by sliding open the enclosure. This kept our drive noticeably free of heat during our benchmark tests. The SE920 EX is also quite portable at 4.13 inches long by 2.52-inches wide by 0.62-inches thick, and weighing 7 ounces — another advantage it has over the bulkier OWC Express 1M2. In the end, the choice for a USB 4 external SSD is clear. Alternative option: You can get record-breaking performance by rolling your own USB 4 external SSD, using Ugreen’s CM642 enclosure. In our tests, the $110 enclosure combined with an NVMe SSD bested the performance of the two external USB 4 SSDs above. Read our full Adata SE920 USB4 SSD review Other external drive reviews: Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4: There’s a lot to like about this rugged, handsome design and relative affordability. But connection issues and comparably lackluster 40Gbps performance left me unamazed. PNY Pro Elite V3: This 10Gbps, Type-C USB stick is fast, but what really won me over is its clever, retracting physical design and svelte form-factor. Addlink P21: Good 20Gbps performance and a striking design are a winning formula for this external SSD. Seagate Ultra Compact SSD: This 10Gbps USB thumb drive delivers far better performance than generic 5Gbps or 400Mbps types, as well as free data recovery and other software perks. Corsair EX400U: While Corsair’s EX400U is on the slow side for a USB4 external SSD, it’s also less expensive than the competition. Ugreen CM642 USB4: Fast, handsome, rugged, and easy to use, Ugreen’s CM642 USB4 SSD enclosure is a great way to roll your own high-performance external storage. Corsair Flash Survivor: If you’re after an eminently portable USB stick with 10Gbps/NVMe speed that’s also weatherproofed, ruggedized, and looks burly as hell, this is the drive for you. Seagate Game Drive SSD: Targeted at PS4/PS5 owners, the 10Gbps SSD is very fast for its class, and attractively styled, complete with a Playstation logo, but it’s relatively pricey. Lexar Armor 700: Like the PNY RP60 above, the Lexar Armor 700 is a 20Gbps drive that can withstand some abuse — perfect for the gamer on the go, or the accident-prone. Its IP66 weatherized body is attractive, its performance is competitive. It’s also a bit pricey. Teamgroup PD20M: This little 20Gbps drive comes with a handy travel case and is one of the lightest portable drives we’ve tested. The only problem is, its performance slows considerably once its 20GB of cache has been tapped. Best for light-duty chores. Adata SD810: This is a solid 20Gbps drive, as long as you aren’t in the habit of writing very large amounts of data to it on a regular basis, because in our tests, the drive slowed down considerably in that scenario. That being said, the 4TB capacity is a particularly good value at just $300. Lexar SL500: A stablemate of the Lexar SL600 — our pick for best 20Gbps external drive — the SL500 stands out for its very slim and attractive form factor. It has almost identical performance to the SL600, with the exception of performing slower than its sibling in our 48GB file writes. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS. Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND. Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know. To learn more about our testing methodology see PCWorld’s article on how we test external SSDs. Further reading: How to make your own external SSD and save some cash Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/553786/best-external-ssd-for-gaming.html #best #external #ssd #for #gaming #portable #performance #drives
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    Best external SSD for gaming 2025: Portable performance drives
    Maybe your gaming laptop doesn’t have enough storage. Or you simply want an easy way to make your game library portable. An external SSD can fix both of these issues (and more) by providing an easy way to expand storage that you can take on the go. But choosing an external SSD means sorting through a dizzying array of options, and making a poor choice can leave you feeling hard done by. Lucky for you, we’ve done the testing and can offer some sure-fire recommendations that are guaranteed to help, and not hinder, your gaming setup. Why you should trust us: We are PCWorld. Our reviewers have been putting computer hardware through its paces for decades. Our external drive evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As consumers ourselves, we know what makes a product exceptional. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article. Scroll below our recommendations to learn about other external SSDs for gaming that did not make our list. Lexar SL600 Blaze – Best 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Good 20Gbps performer Top bang for the buck Five-year warranty Cons 4TB model not yet available The competition is very close in the top tier of 20Gbps external drives, with the big-name contenders trading wins up and down the benchmark charts. But a winner is a winner, and in the end, the Lexar overtook our previous champ, Crucial’s X10 Pro, even if only by a hair. The upshot is that you can expect excellent performance from the Lexar SL600. It also comes in a uniquely shaped form factor, complete with an opening to accommodate a lanyard, for easy toting. Gamers might appreciate that you can even add some bling by opting for the SL660 variant, which features RGB lighting within its miniature handle. The drive comes with the standard five year warranty. When performance is this closely matched among products, the determining factor should be price. And here, too, the SL600 is neck-and-neck with the Crucial X10 Pro, and priced slightly to significantly cheaper than some of its competitors, at least as of this writing — particularly at the 2TB level. Read our full Lexar SL600 20Gbps USB SSD review Teamgroup M200 – Best budget 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Fast everyday performance Available in up to 8TB (eventually) capacity Attractively styled Cons No TBW rating Company will change components if shortages demand Writes slow to 200MBps off cache The Teamgroup M200 provides excellent bang for your buck with 20Gbps transfer rates and up to 4TB of storage for a very reasonable price. It has great everyday performance, too. Its slick military-style design is based on the CheyTac M200 sniper rifle—a perfect fit for those late night frag sessions. Unfortunately, Teamgroup doesn’t provide a TBW rating or official IP rating for the M200 so it’s more difficult to compare it as a whole to its competitors. However the M200 is a fast, extremely well priced external SSD with a gamer-friendly design that will look good and perform well in almost any setup. Read our full Teamgroup T-Force M200 20Gbps USB SSD review PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD – Best rugged 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Handsome, IP65-rated design (dust-proof, water-resistant) Good 20Gbps performance Nice flat Type-C USB ribbon cable Cons USB port plug tether is difficult to reinsert. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PNY $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you tend to take your gaming drive everywhere, and/or you’re not the most careful person with hardware, a ruggedized external SSD is a practical answer. The PNY RP60 offers more than just a rugged IP65-rated exterior that protects against dust and water droplets; and while very handsome and lightweight to boot; the drive is also an admirable performer, even besting one of the fastest 20Gbps drives we’ve tested — the Crucial X10 Pro — in a couple of our tests. The RP60 is also competitively priced at $100 and $180 for 1TB and 2TB, respectively. Read our full PNY RP60 20Gbps USB SSD review Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 – Most portable 20Gbps external SSD for gaming Pros Extremely small profile Shock-absorbing silicone jacket Top-flight packaging Good overall performance Cons A tad behind the 20Gbps curve performance-wise Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sabrent $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If you’re after a very small SSD that you can easily fit into a pocket, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is that. This USB 3.2×2 20Gbps drive measures a petite 2.73 inches long, 1.16-inches wide, and 0.44-inches thick. It weighs a dainty 1.7 ounces. Of course, you’ll probably want to slide on its included shock-absorbing silicone jacket (shown in picture), which will add .06 inches to all its dimensions, while giving it a badass look. But looks aside, the Nano V2 is a solid performer. It wasn’t quite at the same level as our top picks in everything, but it traded wins and losses within the pack. For instance it was second only to the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write test. And it took the top spot in CrystalDiskMark 8’s random writes, and was very competitive in random reads. This wee drive also comes in up to 4TB capacities, making it an all-around good choice if you’re looking to get a lot of storage and performance in a tiny package. We’re also fond of its five-year warranty and the nifty metal box it comes in, which can be repurposed for other uses. Read our full Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 review Adata SE920 EX – Best USB 4 external SSD for gaming Pros Fastest external storage we’ve tested (at 40Gbps) Affordable for the ilk Stylish enclosure Available up to 4TB Also fast on the Mac Cons Pricier than USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps) A USB 4 external SSD isn’t for everyone. Not only does your PC need to support the spec in order to take advantage of the 40Gbps transfers, but you’ll also need to be willing to pay a premium for the privilege. If you’re ready to enter the club, however, the Adata SE920 EX will reward you with the fastest USB 4 performance that we’ve experienced, and at a much more affordable price than our previous pick for USB 4, the OWC Express 1M2 — we’re talking $180 for a 1TB Adata SE920 versus $250 for the OWC drive. And if you want a lot of capacity, the Adata SE920 EX comes with up to 4TB, for a reasonable $500 (compared to OWC’s $598.99). In almost every benchmark, the SE920 EX beat the OWC Express 1M2 at 40Gbps performance, albeit by small margins. It also comes with a nifty built-in fan, which is activated by sliding open the enclosure. This kept our drive noticeably free of heat during our benchmark tests. The SE920 EX is also quite portable at 4.13 inches long by 2.52-inches wide by 0.62-inches thick, and weighing 7 ounces — another advantage it has over the bulkier OWC Express 1M2. In the end, the choice for a USB 4 external SSD is clear. Alternative option: You can get record-breaking performance by rolling your own USB 4 external SSD, using Ugreen’s CM642 enclosure. In our tests, the $110 enclosure combined with an NVMe SSD bested the performance of the two external USB 4 SSDs above. Read our full Adata SE920 USB4 SSD review Other external drive reviews: Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4: There’s a lot to like about this rugged, handsome design and relative affordability. But connection issues and comparably lackluster 40Gbps performance left me unamazed. PNY Pro Elite V3: This 10Gbps, Type-C USB stick is fast, but what really won me over is its clever, retracting physical design and svelte form-factor. Addlink P21: Good 20Gbps performance and a striking design are a winning formula for this external SSD. Seagate Ultra Compact SSD: This 10Gbps USB thumb drive delivers far better performance than generic 5Gbps or 400Mbps types, as well as free data recovery and other software perks. Corsair EX400U: While Corsair’s EX400U is on the slow side for a USB4 external SSD, it’s also less expensive than the competition. Ugreen CM642 USB4: Fast, handsome, rugged, and easy to use, Ugreen’s CM642 USB4 SSD enclosure is a great way to roll your own high-performance external storage. Corsair Flash Survivor: If you’re after an eminently portable USB stick with 10Gbps/NVMe speed that’s also weatherproofed, ruggedized, and looks burly as hell, this is the drive for you. Seagate Game Drive SSD: Targeted at PS4/PS5 owners, the 10Gbps SSD is very fast for its class, and attractively styled, complete with a Playstation logo, but it’s relatively pricey. Lexar Armor 700: Like the PNY RP60 above, the Lexar Armor 700 is a 20Gbps drive that can withstand some abuse — perfect for the gamer on the go, or the accident-prone. Its IP66 weatherized body is attractive, its performance is competitive. It’s also a bit pricey. Teamgroup PD20M: This little 20Gbps drive comes with a handy travel case and is one of the lightest portable drives we’ve tested. The only problem is, its performance slows considerably once its 20GB of cache has been tapped. Best for light-duty chores. Adata SD810: This is a solid 20Gbps drive, as long as you aren’t in the habit of writing very large amounts of data to it on a regular basis, because in our tests, the drive slowed down considerably in that scenario. That being said, the 4TB capacity is a particularly good value at just $300. Lexar SL500: A stablemate of the Lexar SL600 — our pick for best 20Gbps external drive — the SL500 stands out for its very slim and attractive form factor. It has almost identical performance to the SL600, with the exception of performing slower than its sibling in our 48GB file writes. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS. Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late-generation NAND. Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know. To learn more about our testing methodology see PCWorld’s article on how we test external SSDs. Further reading: How to make your own external SSD and save some cash
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