SanDisk Extreme SSD Review: A Storage Powerhouse

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In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of reclaiming storage space, whether it’s from the cloud or your PC. Let’s embark on this journey together. First, let me introduce you to the 1TB SanDisk Extreme SSD.

Introducing the  SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a compact yet robust storage solution that packs quite a punch. Equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it boasts compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones and computers. Thanks to its USB 3.2 interface, this SSD offers remarkable read and write speeds, clocking in at 1050MB/s for reads and 1000MB/s for writes. This makes it an ideal choice for tasks that involve transferring or writing substantial amounts of data swiftly. For instance, photographers and video editors will appreciate the speed it offers, especially when compared to the sluggish USB 2.0 standard. Additionally, the drive boasts an IP65 water rating, a feature you might not be familiar with, so allow me to explain.

Decoding the  IP65 Water Rating

IP, in this context, stands for Ingress Protection, a standard used to specify a device’s resistance to dust and water. The “6” in the IP65 rating denotes protection against dust, making it dust-tight and offering the highest level of dust protection available. The “5” indicates its resilience against water, protecting it from low-pressure water jets originating from any direction. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures and wet conditions, as it can withstand water splashes and rain with ease.

Compact and Convenient

In terms of physical size, the portable SSD is designed with convenience in mind. Measuring just 3.97 inches in length, 2.07 inches in width, and 0.3 inches in depth, it’s a pocket-friendly solution. You can even attach it to a carabiner clip through the convenient hole in the drive. In the next section, I’ll delve into my unboxing experience and how I migrated a user’s cloud data to this remarkable drive.

The Data Migration Process

I recently visited my mother’s home at her request to free up storage space on her Google Photos and Drive by transferring a boat load of photos from the cloud to this storage drive. Upon receiving the unopened box containing the 1TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, I began by reading the documentation to ensure no formatting was required— which is always a good practice when setting up new hardware.

With the drive ready to go, I plugged it into the computer to confirm its recognition. Inside the drive, I found two files for downloading the SanDisk security program, which allows for drive encryption, a valuable feature when needed. With the program downloaded, I was all set to begin the data transfer process.

To tackle this task, I entered Google Photos and initiated the selection process. You can easily select multiple photos by clicking the first and last photos in a series while holding down the control key. Secondly, I proceeded to click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and selected “Download.” (Pro tip: Google allows a maximum selection of 500 photos for download at once.) This initiated the downloads into zip files, conveniently located in the “Recent Downloads” folder. I repeated this process several times to ensure all the photos were captured.

Once the downloads are complete , I selected the first zip file, which I’ll refer to as “photo.zip001” for this example. Right-clicking it, I selected “Extract All” and chose the 1TB SSD as the destination. I looked on as the drive efficiently loaded up with the extracted files. I followed this extraction process for all zip files downloaded from Google Photos.

With the process completed, I returned to “Recent Downloads,” right-clicked the zip files, and deleted them. Before unmounting the drive, it’s crucial to verify that all transferred data is present and accounted for. After ensuring everything was in order, I proceeded to the system tray at the bottom right of the screen and selected “Eject.” It’s worth noting that I came across reviews, primarily concerning the 4TB version of this drive, where users experienced file system corruption issues when neglecting to properly eject the drive. Therefore, it’s prudent to exercise caution and adhere to the safe ejection practice.

After unmounting the drive, I needed to confirm its proper operation. I plugged it into another computer and opened File Explorer, where I found all the data intact with no signs of issues. Subsequently, I connected the SSD to my phone, and it immediately recognized the removable drive. All in all, this drive is an excellent choice for the average user, offering ample storage space and impressive performance.

In Conclusion

Embrace the convenience and capabilities of the 1TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD for your storage needs. It’s a versatile solution, suitable for both everyday users and enthusiasts. The swift read and write speeds, robust build, and IP65 water rating make it a reliable companion for your data storage and transfer tasks. Whether you’re freeing up cloud space, expanding your storage options, or seeking a secure and durable drive for your adventures, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a compelling choice. I hope you benefitted from my Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD review