SanDisk released a new series of portable SSDs in 2018 under the ‘Extreme’ name, and they were highly received.
They were repackaged SATA SSDs that came with a SATA to USB 3.0 converter and were limited to the same performance as SATA-connected internal drives.
NVMe M.2 storage was less common in PCs and laptops at the time, but it’s now the rule rather than the exception.
External storage can be a bottleneck in any transfer between NVMe main drives and external storage, and SanDisk has addressed this with new Extreme & Extreme Pro editions of its portable drives.
Looking at the Extreme here, which seems almost identical to the drive it replaces until you do some benchmarks.
What will you see here?
Design & Build
You felt déjà vu right out of the package because this SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 appears to be identical to the prior version and has a nearly identical name.
The fact that the box doesn’t mention SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 at all, merely ‘SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD,’ the same name as the item it replaces, adds to the opacity. To be clear, this is not the previous box, as it claims new speeds that only the V2 is capable of.
On closer study, and we’re talking forensics here, it appears that the opening on the top right of the unit is somewhat larger on the new model.
This redesigned Extreme is also slightly longer, wider, & thicker after being subjected to the ignominy with digital calipers. It’s only a guess, but companies that create carry cases might simply need to make minor changes to accommodate both styles.
Although I didn’t have a previous model to compare it to, the patterning on the enclosure, placement of the USB-C connector, and protective rubberized coating all look the same.
Both have two-meter drop protection as well as IP55 water & dust resistance. You should point you that IP55 waterproofing is far lower than IP67 and IP68 specifications, and the V2 cannot submerge.
SanDisk must believe the V2 is more durable because it has increased the guarantee period from three to five years.
At under 80g, the drive & cable combination is one of the lightest external drives.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2: Benchmarks
According to CrystalDiskMark, the original variant of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 used to have a stated speed of 550MB reads and 500MB writes.
You also scored 1,027MB/s reads & 958MB/s writes using the same synthetic test, which is nearly double. That USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, not the NAND modules within, is the bottleneck here.
It has a total bandwidth allowance of 10Mbits, and the absolute limit is roughly 1,100-1,000 Mb/s once the numerous packaging methods & error checking overhead expenses remove.
As a result, even when USB 4.0 becomes accessible. The drive will continue to connect using the USB 3.2 Gen specifications.
While you did not test the Pro version. It features a 20Mbit USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 mode, which provides double the bandwidth and performance. However, Gen 2×2 ports are uncommon, and it is not a mode that will support by USB 4.0 when introduces.
Overall, if you do have USB 3.2 Gen 2, this drive performs admirably and is nearly equivalent to the first-generation Pro drives. It recommends double-checking that the devices you wish to use this drive with support Gen 2; otherwise, you won’t get these fast transfer speeds.
Specs & Features
The drive, a notably short 20cm cable, and a little adaptor are there in the box. If your computer doesn’t have USB-C, the drive comes with an adaptor for a USB Type-A connector.
It’s worth noting that the technology behind the port, not whether it’s USB-C or USB-A, is the most important consideration.
The drive is pre-formatted with the exFAT file system. There is software on the drive to access all encryption features of Windows 8 and 10, as well as Apple Mac OS. Encryption is a new feature for this range, and it’s one of the benefits of going with the new model, along with the increased speed.
What you don’t receive are any tools for syncing the contents of folders in your PC to the drive. But it should function with any third-party apps that do so.
People buy such drives for these kinds of activities. Thus the fact that hardware manufacturers don’t supply the software to fully leverage them is disheartening.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 drive’s read and write speeds list both at 1050MB/s. It makes equivalent to the Pro version of the original Extreme Portable SSDs.
That’s all there is to it. It’s an external USB disc that you can plugin and uses just like any other. It works on desktops, laptops, and some mobile devices.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2: Price
The ‘SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2’ comes in only 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, as opposed to the prior version’s 250GB capacity.
These are available direct through Western Digital’s store for £99.99, £164.99, and £304.99, respectively. If you didn’t know, WD owns SanDisk. The V2 has yet to release by retailers such as Amazon and Ebuyer, although the previous model is still available.
The 500GB model costs $119.99 in the United States (though was on sale for $94.99 when you checked). While the 1TB variant costs $199.99 (on sale for $149.99). The top-of-the-line 2TB is $354.99 direct from Western Digital, but it was $249.99 during the sale.
For those who need the space but aren’t interested in the speed and encryption benefits of the V2 model. The previous Extreme 1TB sells for £135 or $139.99, making it a cost-effective option.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 is more costly than the Crucial X8 & Samsung T7, which have identical specifications. However, it is less expensive than the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile and the LaCie Portable High-Performance External SSD.
Conclusion
If you like what you see here, make sure you receive the V2 and that the listing specifies 1050/1000MB/s rather than 550/500MB/s.
Putting aside the uncertainty between old & new models, individuals having 10Mbit/s USB-C connections might consider acquiring the V2. This drive isn’t any faster than its predecessor without additional connectors, as USB 3.1 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.0) performance cap at roughly 550MB/s.
The challenge for SanDisk is a host of alternative portable SSDs, most notably the Crucial X8. It offers comparable performance for a lower price.
Although the SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 is lighter, But believe it is less harm resistant than X8. Additionally, the original SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD still is available and more affordable for those without a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.
If you have a Thunderbolt 3 port, you can purchase a Thunderbolt 3 SSD for maximum performance. The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 is another option. However, all of these options are more expensive, and the Pro V2’s great performance requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection. That is very few PCs have or will ever have.
This SanDisk Extreme Portable SDD V2 has already been reduced in price. Since you began this, you expect this trend to continue as the external SSD storage market becomes more competitive. This is a well-engineered gadget that works admirably. It’s an even better deal if you can find it at a lower price.
