SanDisk External SSDs: Extreme Pro with USB4 and Extreme Portable with 8TB 28 reviews
Image: Western Digital
Western Digital is introducing various new storage products these days. This includes the manufacturer’s fastest external SSD to date, the SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4 up to 3,800 MB/s. The new SanDisk Extreme Portable with up to 8TB offers tons of storage space for travel.
SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4
Western Digital apparently hasn’t come up with a new name, and the manufacturer’s fastest external SSD to date is simply called “SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4.” On the one hand, this is a shame, but on the other hand, it guarantees the stability of the wallet: “Pro” always stands for highest performance.
While a 2019 SanDisk Extreme Pro maxed out at 1,050 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2 with 10 Gbps, the SanDisk Extreme Pro followed in 2020 with 2,000 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. The next step is now up to 3,800 MB/s reading thanks to USB4 with 40 Gbit/s.
Maximum write performance should be just under 3,700 MB/s. As usual, this applies to sequential file transfers containing large files and does not necessarily need to be accessible all the time.
SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4 (Image: Western Digital) Image 1 of 3
As is often the case, no information is provided as to the NVMe SSD technology found inside. A PCIe 4.0 SSD with a bridge chip is possible, a native USB4 SSD controller is at least within the realm of possibility.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4 has a shock, dust and water protected (IP65) aluminum casing with a silicone cover that measures approximately 140 × 69 × 12 mm. The weight is approximately 172 grams. Connection is via the included USB-C to USB-C cable.
There are two models to choose from with 2 TB or 4 TB of storage space, available in the manufacturer’s store at the respective prices of 303.99 euros and 464.99 euros.
Although prices will drop after a while on the open market, USB4 SSDs are not only rare, but also relatively expensive. The Adata SE920, the first of its kind at the time, currently costs from 235 euros for 2 TB and 423 euros for 4 TB.
SanDisk Extreme with 8TB
If you prefer maximum storage space rather than maximum speeds, you will find what you are looking for with the new SanDisk Extreme 8TB portable SSD. This model expands the series which previously offered 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB The other features do not change, so USB 3.2 Gen 2 is again available for a maximum of 1,050 MB/s reading and 1,000 MB/s writing. The case, also IP65 protected and certified, is slightly more compact at approximately 101 × 53 × 10 mm and significantly lighter at 52 grams.
SanDisk Extreme portable SSD (Image: Western Digital)
The SanDisk Extreme 8TB portable SSD can be ordered for 649.99 euros. Only the black case is available, while the 1TB to 4TB versions are also available in “Sky Blue” and “Monterey”.
Technical issues with predecessors
Although the error is not expected to recur, the issues with predecessors should be mentioned at this point. With these, data loss may have occurred after a sustained write load. The manufacturer said it was a firmware issue, but updates didn’t help. However, a data recovery company identified the cause as a hardware problem with soldered components.
Topics: M.2 NVMe Flash Memory SanDisk SSD USB4 Storage Western Digital Source: Western Digital
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