As a seasoned user of this drive for nearly two years, I can attest to its reliability for weekly backups. However, it’s important to note that reports from Ars Technica and other users have highlighted significant failure rates, particularly with the 2- and 4-terabyte versions. SanDisk has released a firmware update to address this issue, underscoring the importance of maintaining multiple backups on different media types, with at least one stored off-site. For a comprehensive guide on backing up your digital life, refer to our article.
In the realm of high-speed drives, the Samsung T7 2-TB SSD and Seagate One Touch 1-TB SSD offer viable alternatives with varying levels of performance and reliability. For rugged durability, OWC drives have emerged as a top choice, particularly the Elektron drive, which outperformed competitors in benchmark tests. The Envoy Pro FX model is recommended for those seeking a larger storage capacity. Additionally, the Sabrent Rocket Nano 1-TB SSD provides a smaller, faster alternative, albeit with minor drawbacks.
Photographers and videographers, in particular, may benefit from rugged SSD options like LaCie’s drives, which offer enhanced protection and portability. The Samsung T7 Shield 2-TB SSD is another commendable choice for its balance of durability and affordability.
For gaming enthusiasts, Western Digital’s P40 drive offers a visually appealing option with customizable RGB lights. However, its inconsistent performance in transferring large data sets may be a concern for some users. Those looking to upgrade their laptop’s SSD can consider the Western Digital WD Black series for its speed and minimal heat generation.
In the luxury upgrade segment, the Western Digital SN850X 2-TB SSD stands out for its exceptional speed, making it an ideal choice for gaming systems. Testing methodology for external hard drives involves a combination of benchmarking tools and real-world usage scenarios to evaluate performance, reliability, and functionality.
Ultimately, selecting the right hard drive hinges on finding a balance between speed, size, and price. While speed may not be crucial for routine backups, reliability and brand reputation, such as those offered by Seagate, Western Digital, and Samsung, should remain key considerations.