Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2, which can be purchased for $299.99 for 1 terabyte and $499.99 for 2 terabytes as tested, is the pinnacle of SanDisk's Extreme range of solid-state drives. This drive is compact, durable, and very quick. It was designed specifically for creative professionals who want to take advantage of the latest version of the USB 3.2 standard to quickly move enormous amounts of files. These professionals include video editors, photographers, animators, and others.

However, because native support for the most recent version of USB (the 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) is even more difficult to come by than a Sony PlayStation 5 on the shelf of a retail store, you will probably have to shell out extra cash for an expansion card if you don't want to settle for the slower speeds that a "mere" USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface will make available to you.

Specifications

The 500GB model was removed from the product range by SanDisk, which resulted in a more subtle but noticeable update. Although the new Extreme Pro v2 is available in capacities of 1TB and 2TB, the 2TB model is the only one that can be purchased now. The variant with 1 TB of storage is coming very soon. The drives begin at premium pricing, with the 1 terabyte variant costing $300 and the 2 terabyte model costing $500. However, they are backed by hefty five-year guarantees.

When paired with a host device capable of 20 Gbps, SanDisk estimates that the Extreme Pro will achieve speeds of up to 2,000 MB per second in reading and write operations. Nevertheless, these performance statistics have a limit. The Extreme Pro is equipped with an SLC to write cache capable of absorbing the vast majority of incoming write data; nevertheless, the cache will eventually full up, and performance will suffer as a result. This behaviour is typical for an SSD with a high-performance rating, but the Extreme Pro's performance does not suffer appreciably.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro features improved password security compared to its predecessor, ensuring that you will always have quick and safe access to your confidential data regardless of whether you are using macOS or Windows. In the past, SanDisk solid-state drives (SSDs) were pre-installed with a software-based AES 128-bit encrypted password security. This, however, has changed with the release of the new Extreme Pro model.

Software and Accessories

A USB Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to Type-A cable, measuring about one foot in length each, are included in the package that the drive comes in from SanDisk. In addition, SanDisk offers security management software that is easy to use and is compatible with both macOS and Windows. Instead of the WD Black SN750E (E standing for external firmware), which we had anticipated, the SanDisk Extreme Pro utilises the PC SN730E as its internal SSD.

The SSD controller included with the PC SN730 is quite similar to the controller included with the WD Black SN750, although it utilises a different flash. It is necessary to have TCG Opal AES 256-bit encryption, which is included with the SN730, to use the password protection function available on the new portable SSD. which contribute to the device's greater durability and quicker performance.

A Closer Look

The Extreme Pro from SanDisk is far quicker than the device from the previous generation. However, it still has the same greyish-blue tint and orange carabiner loop built into the forged aluminium structure as its forerunner. It is still missing a power light indication, the same as the device from the previous generation. The Extreme Pro has a rating of being able to endure a drop from a height of two metres and has a water and dust resistance grade of IP55. However, we believe that this rating is too cautious. The Extreme Pro, which weighs 85 grammes, has a satisfyingly substantial and weighty sense. This, together with the rounded, smooth, silicone-coated edges, gives the impression that it is shaped like an apple.

The newly released SanDisk Extreme Pro v2 also has several improvements behind the scenes. The new ASMedia ASM2364 bridge controller interacts with the host at quicker rates than the ASM2362 did since it has twice the number of PCI Express lanes as the ASM2362 did, which implies that it has double the throughput. In addition to maintaining a connection speed of 20 Gbps when connected to a PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD, it also has link power management, which lowers the amount of power used during periods of inactivity. In addition, the controller supports Trim, which helps maintain predictable performance.