Compact External Solid-State Drive Ideally Suits Creatives' Desires
Crucial X10 SSD: A Balance of Performance, Reliability, and Price
The Crucial X10 SSD is one of the top external SSD options this year, offering a balance of cost and performance for both Mac and PC users. This mid-range SSD is valued for its good speeds and durability, making it a suitable choice for photographers, videographers, and general users alike.
The Crucial X10 SSD features a USB 3.2 Gen-2 2x2 interface, capable of transfer rates up to 20Gbps. It comes in capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB, with a tested capacity of 2TB. The drive's design is rated 4/5, with a small, light plastic rectangle being its main characteristic. It weighs just 32g and measures 50 x 65 x 10mm, making it portable and easy to carry around.
The Crucial X10 SSD uses the exFAT file system and comes formatted, with additional software shortcuts for Acronis backup software, Mylio photo organizing app, and Crucial product information. It also includes a USB-C to C cord that is short and suitable for laptop use, but not for desktop PCs.
On USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, the drive approaches its claimed maximum speed of 2100MB/s. However, it's important to note that the Crucial X10 SSD's USB-C 3.2 x2 port may not be compatible with all USB4 or Thunderbolt ports due to controller chip limitations and backwards compatibility issues.
The Crucial X10 SSD is priced at £179.99 / $164, making it more expensive than the X9 but cheaper than the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB4.
In comparison, the Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD offers about 1050 MB/s speeds and a cooler operation, making it a more affordable alternative for users requiring fast external drives without the premium Thunderbolt price. It also has a 5-year warranty.
For Mac-specific users, the SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD is highly regarded due to its optimized macOS compatibility and high performance. Rugged SSDs like the Samsung T7 Shield appeal to users needing durability and portability along with fast speeds, suitable for travel and professional applications.
For those prioritizing sheer capacity over speed, large HDDs like the Seagate Expansion (up to 24TB) and Western Digital Elements (up to 22TB) offer vast storage with USB 3.0 compatibility, though these require external power in some cases.
In summary, the Crucial X10 SSD is a reliable mid-range SSD that is suitable for general use. It offers good speeds and durability, making it a good choice for photographers, videographers, and general users. For Mac-specific users, the SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD is highly recommended, while rugged SSDs like the Samsung T7 Shield cater to users needing durability and portability. For those prioritizing sheer capacity, large HDDs like the Seagate Expansion and Western Digital Elements HDDs offer vast storage with USB 3.0 compatibility.
- The Crucial X10 SSD's sleek design, with a small, lightweight plastic rectangle, adds to its aesthetic appeal as a creative gadget.
- The layout of the Crucial X10 SSD's user interface (UI) is user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate.
- The logo of the Crucial X10 SSD is prominently displayed on the drive, a testament to its reliable performance in the realm of data-and-cloud-computing technology.
- With the use of 3D technology, the Crucial X10 SSD's compact size does not compromise its capacity, offering options from 1TB to 8TB.
- A high-quality art piece can be captured and stored with ease on the Crucial X10 SSD, thanks to its good speeds and durable structure.
- The Crucial X10 SSD's performance is comparable to advanced camera equipment, ensuring swift data transfer rates for photographers and videographers.
