LaCie External SSD Review - Thunderbolt & USB 3.0 Speed Test
The Need for Speed: Exploring External Solid State Drives
For individuals requiring exceptionally rapid external storage solutions for their laptops, an external solid state drive (SSD) offering connectivity via USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt represents a compelling option. These drives deliver remarkably high speeds.
Why Consider a High-Speed External Drive?
A recent inquiry from a reader prompted consideration of the necessity for such a fast drive. The question was simple: what justification exists for needing a drive with this level of performance?
Our specific use case involves hosting virtual machines and establishing a connection with a MacBook Air. However, the underlying principle remains universal – a demand for increased speed!
When is a Fast SSD Truly Beneficial?
It's important to acknowledge that the average user may not frequently require the capabilities of an external SSD.
For routine backup operations, a standard USB 3.0 drive provides both speed and efficiency. Similarly, for portable file transfers, an external USB 3.0 flash drive is often sufficient.
Alternative Solutions for Common Storage Needs
Even a USB 2.0 drive can be adequate for scenarios involving infrequent or smaller file transfers.
Consider these points when evaluating your storage requirements. A regular drive may be all you need.
- Backups: Standard USB 3.0 drives are efficient.
- File Transfer: USB 3.0 flash drives are often sufficient.
- Small Transfers: USB 2.0 drives can be adequate.
The Device's Physical Attributes
Upon unboxing the drive, the first characteristic observed is the vibrant orange color of the rubber casing, reminiscent of road signage. Aesthetic points are arguably deducted due to this design choice. However, the rubber exterior is removable if a streamlined appearance is preferred.
It is recommended to retain the rubber layer, as the manufacturer asserts it provides drop protection from a height of up to four feet – a claim initially made regarding the spinning hard drive versions. Dropping the drive while in operation is, naturally, not advised.
Given that the tested unit was a solid-state drive (SSD) with no moving components, it is plausible that it could withstand a drop from an even greater altitude without sustaining damage. However, we do not encourage testing this hypothesis.
Another initial observation concerns the length of the included cables, which are relatively short. While sufficient for direct connection to a computer, a longer cable may be desirable in certain setups.
Notably, the drive lacks an external power adapter, operating instead via bus power. This contributes to its speed and portability, though it's important to recognize that connecting the drive to a laptop will accelerate battery depletion.
Consequently, this drive is perhaps best suited for regular use rather than constant mobile operation.
The hardware features two ports: a USB 3.0 port, capable of 5 GB/s, and a Thunderbolt port, offering 10 GB/s. However, the SSD's SATA bus, rated at 6 GB/s, and its maximum transfer rate of approximately 385MB/s, diminish the practical impact of port selection.
The spinning hard drive variant achieves a throughput of 110 MB/s over USB 3, representing a significant improvement over older USB 2.0 flash drives. It is also important to note that the drive possesses only one Thunderbolt port, necessitating its placement at the end of a device chain or the use of a hub for connecting multiple peripherals.
The drive is available in various capacities and price points. The 256 GB model was selected for evaluation, aligning with specific requirements.
For those prioritizing performance and cost-effectiveness with moderate storage needs, the 120 GB version presents a compelling option, available at a considerably lower price.
Impressive Speed: Performance Benchmarks
As demonstrated by the simple benchmark application utilized, the read and write speeds of this drive are noteworthy. These results closely align with the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
The internal SSD found in a MacBook Air is potentially rated at double this performance level. Therefore, this external drive delivers substantial speed capabilities.
Real-World Transfer Tests
However, benchmark figures often have limited practical relevance. We conducted file transfer tests using a 2013 MacBook Air equipped with a 256 GB internal SSD. It’s important to note that these tests were not performed under strictly controlled scientific conditions.
- Transferring a 3.5 GB ISO image took approximately 10 seconds.
- Copying 18 GB of ISO images completed in around 60 seconds.
- A transfer of 5 GB comprised of numerous small files (12,000 files across multiple folders) took 40 seconds.
For most users, these speeds are likely more than sufficient. Those requiring even greater velocity should consider a Thunderbolt RAID array.
Pros and Cons
The Good:
- Exceptional speed is a key feature.
- The drive’s speed allows for the use of encryption software, such as Truecrypt, with minimal performance impact.
- A durable rubber exterior provides resistance to everyday wear and tear.
The Bad:
- The cost is significant; it represents a substantial investment.
Final Assessment
This drive proves invaluable for demanding tasks requiring rapid data access, such as running virtual machines. In such scenarios, the investment is justified.
A 256 GB model is generally the most practical choice, as smaller capacity options may not offer sufficient storage for intensive applications.
If your primary need is simply data backup, alternative solutions are available that offer a more cost-effective approach.