Any external drive will let you store, transport, and backup files. But you getting the best portable SSD for your need is important.

A portable solid state drive (SSD) is a pocket-friendly gadget that enables you to carry large files between computers and android devices, offload footage from a drone, backup data, and more.

It is a do-it-all storage device.

A lot of us often find ourselves not having sufficient storage space on our computer.

If this happens, sourcing a fast portable SSD from a reliable manufacturer will give you the best guarantee.

SSD Interfaces

The interface of a portable SSD consist of the internal and external interface.

Internal Interface

SSDs use one of the two internal “bus types” which controls their speed. They are:

1. Serial ATA (SATA)

SATA-based SSD is associated with Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe).

NVMe is a protocol that is optimized for the features of SSDs and it also speeds up the rate of data transfers.

SATA/NVMe-based SSD tops out at around 400MBps and 500MBps for sequential read and write speeds respectively.

It tends to be cheaper, slower but fine for users’ everyday applications.

2. PCI Express (PCIe)

PCIe-based SSD is also associated with NVMe. It tops out at around the speed of 800MBps or higher. It is suitable for transferring large files.

Sellers of portable SSD do not indicate if the drive is SATA-based or PCIe-based but checking the specification could be helpful.

External Interface

Another important factor of a portable SSD is how it connects to your computer or laptop. Almost all SSDs are plugged into some flavor of USB port or Thunderbolt 3 port.

1. USB Port

The most commonly used port for portable SSD is USB 3.0, it offers a bandwidth of 640MBps.

Currently, the USB 3.2 standard is being used and it is identical to USB 3.1.

In some cases, you will see USB 3.1 theoretical data rate as 5Gbps (gigabits per second), and the interface dubbed as USB 3.1 Gen 1 or SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps.

While the latest version is USB 3.1 with theoretical data 10Gbps with the interface dubbed as USB 3.1 Gen 2 or SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps.

2. Thunderbolt 3

It is the least-common SSD interface and can be found on a resolutely speed-focused drive.

Thunderbolt 3 has a top bandwidth of 40Gbps. Its compatible ports are found on upscale windows laptops.

Those ports are USB Type-C connectors with Thunderbolt support layered on top.

3. Physical USB Port

Physical USB ports take the form of USB Type-A (the familiar rectangular type) and USB Type-C (small and oval).

Most SSDs come with both kinds of cable or one cable plus an adapter.

Buying Basics for an SSD

Below are the important factors to look out for when shopping for an SSD

1. Ruggedization

The degree of ruggedness varies from drive to drive. Some drives are waterproof while some are dustproof.

Some model combines major ruggedness with physical and electrical security.

2. Weight

Most portable SSDs are small, slim, and light in weight.

They weigh a negligible couple of ounces that losing them is quite easy and could be an expensive mistake.

3. Cost per gigabyte

The price of SSD fluctuates all the time.

Summary

These days, the best portable SSDs have become an inherent part of people’s setup and the demand for storage space keeps growing over the years.

Expanding your computer’s storage space is the new norm especially for users who do not have as much of it.

Portable SSDs are not only useful for expanding storage space, but keeping your files portable while protected.

As a good portable SSDs bring quite a few benefits, they are worth considering if you are thinking about getting extra storage for your computer.

The key to finding the ideal portable SSD for you is by patronizing a reliable manufacturer or seller.

Since its establishment, Shenzhen Kingspec Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. has been spending time and investment in SSD technology development and upgrading the production process. Product quality has always been Kingspec's top priority. The company joins ASSD (SSD ASSOCIATION) to master the latest technology, standards and industry trends in order to provide customers with reliable products.If you have any questions about high quality portable SSD, please come to consult.