SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 32GB: Review & Speed Test

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 32GB. If you're looking for a portable storage solution that promises blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance, you've probably stumbled upon this little gadget. Well, is it worth the hype? Let’s find out!

What's in the Box and First Impressions?

Okay, so first things first, let’s talk about the unboxing experience. The SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 32GB comes in a pretty straightforward, no-frills package. Inside, you'll find the USB drive itself, encased in a secure blister pack. Nothing too fancy, but hey, we're here for performance, not packaging, right?

Upon holding it, the first thing you’ll notice is its solid build. The drive feels robust, thanks to its aluminum metal casing. It gives off a premium vibe and assures you that it can withstand the daily wear and tear of being tossed into your bag or pocket. The retractable design is super convenient too – no more losing caps! Just slide the button, and the USB connector pops out, ready for action. The drive's compact size is another plus, making it easy to carry around without adding bulk to your essentials.

The aesthetics are on point as well. The sleek black and red color scheme, combined with the metallic finish, gives it a professional look. It’s not just a storage device; it’s a statement piece (if you’re into that sort of thing!). Seriously though, it looks and feels like a high-quality product, which is what you’d expect from SanDisk’s Extreme Pro line. So far, so good!

Performance and Speed Tests

Alright, let’s get to the juicy part – performance! The SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 boasts some impressive speed claims, and we’re here to put them to the test. SanDisk advertises read speeds of up to 420MB/s and write speeds of up to 380MB/s. Those are some serious numbers for a USB drive, promising to make file transfers a breeze. But how does it hold up in real-world scenarios?

To find out, we ran a series of tests using industry-standard benchmarking tools like CrystalDiskMark and ATTO Disk Benchmark. We also performed some real-world file transfer tests, copying large files like movies, images, and documents to and from the drive.

Benchmark Results

In CrystalDiskMark, the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 didn’t disappoint. We consistently saw read speeds hovering around 410MB/s to 415MB/s, pretty close to the advertised speeds. Write speeds were also impressive, averaging between 360MB/s and 370MB/s. These numbers are significantly higher than your average USB 3.0 drive, making it clear that this drive is in a different league.

ATTO Disk Benchmark painted a similar picture. The drive showed excellent performance across different file sizes, maintaining high read and write speeds even with smaller files. This is crucial because, in real-world use, you’re not always transferring huge files. The ability to handle smaller files efficiently makes a big difference in overall performance.

Real-World File Transfers

Benchmarks are great, but real-world performance is what truly matters. We transferred a 10GB movie file to the SanDisk Extreme Pro, and it completed in just about 25 seconds. That’s incredibly fast! Copying a folder containing thousands of smaller files (documents, images, etc.) also proved to be much quicker than with a standard USB 3.0 drive.

One thing to note is that these speeds are dependent on your system. To get the best performance, you’ll need a computer with a USB 3.1 port (or USB 3.2 Gen 1, which is essentially the same thing). If you’re using an older USB 3.0 port, you’ll still see improvements compared to USB 2.0, but you won’t be hitting those top speeds.

Design and Build Quality

Let's delve deeper into the design and build quality of the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1. As mentioned earlier, the drive boasts a premium feel, thanks to its aluminum metal casing. This isn't just for aesthetics; the metal casing also helps dissipate heat, which is crucial for maintaining consistent performance during prolonged use. We all know how USB drives can get warm during large file transfers, and the SanDisk Extreme Pro handles this impressively well.

The retractable design is a standout feature. It protects the USB connector when not in use, eliminating the need for a cap that can easily get lost. The slider mechanism feels sturdy and reliable, with a satisfying click when the connector is fully extended or retracted. This attention to detail adds to the overall sense of quality.

The compact size of the drive is another plus. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket or attach to a keychain without being cumbersome. This makes it an ideal storage solution for professionals, students, or anyone who needs to carry their files with them on the go. The sleek black and red color scheme gives it a professional and modern look, making it a stylish accessory as well.

SanDisk has also included a lanyard loop, allowing you to attach the drive to a lanyard or keyring for added security and convenience. This is a small but thoughtful addition that enhances the usability of the drive. Overall, the design and build quality of the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 are top-notch, making it a durable and reliable storage solution.

Compatibility and Features

When it comes to compatibility, the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of devices and operating systems. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and even Linux, making it a versatile choice for users with different computing environments. Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, or even some tablets, this drive should work without any issues.

One of the key features of the SanDisk Extreme Pro is its backward compatibility with older USB standards. While it’s optimized for USB 3.1, it will also work with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. However, keep in mind that you won’t get the full speed benefits when using older USB ports. It’s always best to use a USB 3.1 port to take advantage of the drive’s high-speed capabilities.

Another useful feature is the included SanDisk SecureAccess software. This software allows you to create a password-protected vault on the drive to store sensitive files. It uses 128-bit AES encryption to keep your data safe and secure. While it’s not the most advanced encryption method, it provides a decent level of protection for everyday use. The software is easy to use and doesn’t require any technical expertise to set up.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro also supports plug-and-play functionality, meaning you can simply plug it into your computer and start using it without the need to install any drivers. This is a convenient feature that saves time and effort, especially when you’re on the go. The drive is also recognized quickly by most operating systems, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Pros and Cons

To sum things up, let's break down the pros and cons of the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 32GB:

Pros:

  • Blazing-Fast Speeds: Read speeds up to 420MB/s and write speeds up to 380MB/s make file transfers incredibly quick.
  • Premium Build Quality: The aluminum metal casing provides durability and helps dissipate heat.
  • Retractable Design: Protects the USB connector and eliminates the need for a cap.
  • Compact and Portable: Easy to carry around without adding bulk.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • SanDisk SecureAccess Software: Provides password protection for sensitive files.

Cons:

  • Price: It’s more expensive than your average USB drive.
  • Capacity: 32GB might not be enough for users who need to store large amounts of data (but there are larger capacity options available).
  • System Dependent: Requires a USB 3.1 port to achieve maximum speeds.

Final Verdict

So, is the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 32GB worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! If you need a fast, reliable, and portable storage solution, this drive is a fantastic choice. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than other USB drives, but the performance and build quality justify the cost. The blazing-fast speeds make file transfers a breeze, saving you valuable time and boosting your productivity.

The premium build quality ensures that the drive can withstand the rigors of daily use, and the retractable design is a thoughtful touch that adds to its convenience. While the 32GB capacity might be limiting for some users, SanDisk offers larger capacity options if you need more storage space. Just weigh your needs and budget to see if the larger sizes make sense for you.

Overall, the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 is a top-performing USB drive that delivers on its promises. Whether you’re a professional, student, or anyone who needs to transfer large files quickly and reliably, this drive is an excellent investment. Just make sure you have a USB 3.1 port on your computer to take full advantage of its capabilities. Go for it – you won't regret it!