Samsung introduces Samsung X5 SSD. That features a Thunderbolt 3 interface. Also, this portable SSD achieves a maximum throughput of 2800 MB/s according to Samsung. It is available in capacities from 500 GB to 2 TB and will be available in September.
Samsung introduces a new portable SSD that uses NVMe technology for the internal interface and Thunderbolt 3 for the external interface. Featuring a maximum speed of 40 Gbps, the latter is four times faster than USB 3.1 Gen 2 and makes it possible to offer particularly fast portable SSDs. Model X5 is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB versions.
According to Samsung, it offers read speeds of up to 2800 MB/s and write speeds of 2300 MB/s (2100 MB/s with the 500 GB version). In addition, Samsung X5 SSD data can be backed up with hardware encryption (AES 256-bit), which is activated with the supplied software. The SSD is formatted with the exFAT file system so that it can be used directly under Windows or MacOS.
Almost 2800 MB/s for intensive use
Samsung Portable SSD X5 comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. The device is compatible with Windows 10 and MacOS (from High Sierra). There was also support for AES 256 encryption, and we had the opportunity to test the SSD.
Samsung X5 SSD Test
We first tested the X5 with an Intel NUC Mini-PC, which has a Thunderbolt 3 port and runs under Windows 10. With the CrytalDiskMark 6 test, the performance with data rates of 2771 MB/s for reading and 2016 MB/s for writing is actually given.
However, these are sequential measurements under optimal conditions (the SSD receives many requests and can thus optimize transmission). We then used the AJA test, which simulated video transmissions and achieved values of 2338 MB/s for reading and 1699 MB/s for writing.
Samsung X5 SSD works with the latest MacBook Pro
What about using it on Mac OS? To find out, we used Apple’s latest 15-inch MacBook Pro (2018 edition) with four Thunderbolt 3 ports and with the AJA test we get a maximum score of 2614 MB/s on reading and 2248 MB/s on writing. These values are in line with Samsung’s announcements and prove Apple’s mastery of Thunderbolt 3.
By comparison, MacBook Pro’s internal SSD reaches 3000MB/s for reading and writing, but these are flash memory chips that are soldered directly to the motherboard, which can be a big advantage.
The Samsung X5 portable SSD will be available in September, but prices are not yet known.
Conclusion
As we can see, Samsung is strongly committed to offering the best performance in its devices thanks to the use of the Thunderbolt 3 connector. Just yesterday the company presented a version of its ultra-panoramic monitors, one of which made use of Thunderbolt 3, thanks to which with two simple small cables it is possible to bring the image and power to the monitor.
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