by 3 reviews.
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB Review: Speed, Versatility, and a Few Caveats
If you're in the market for a reliable, high-speed external SSD, the BUFFALO External SSD 1TB is a strong contender. Designed for gamers, professionals, and anyone needing extra storage, this drive promises blazing-fast speeds, universal compatibility, and a durable build. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Key Features at a Glance
- Blazing-Fast Speeds
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures read/write speeds of up to 600MB/s. - Universal Compatibility
Works with USB-C and USB-A ports, making it compatible with PS4, PS5, Windows, and Mac. - Compact & Durable
Shock-resistant design for portability and drop-proof reliability. - 3-Year Warranty
Offers peace of mind for registered users.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Speed and Performance
One of the standout features of the BUFFALO External SSD is its speed. Customers rave about how quickly it transfers large files. One user mentioned downloading 500GB of data in less than 2 minutes, while another praised its ability to handle 300GB of files, music, and pictures in about eight hours. Gamers also appreciate the reduced loading times on PS4 and PS5, making it a great choice for expanding console storage.
However, not all experiences are flawless. A few users reported inconsistent speeds, with one customer noting that their drive’s performance dropped to 40MB/s after a month of use. This inconsistency seems to be a rare issue, but it’s worth considering if you need consistent high-speed performance.
Build Quality and Durability
The BUFFALO External SSD is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable. However, its plastic casing has been a point of contention. Many users describe it as "flimsy" or "cheap-feeling," with some opting to purchase protective cases or pouches for added durability.
Despite the plastic build, the drive is shock-resistant and has proven to be reliable for most users. One reviewer mentioned using it daily for over 15 months without any issues, while another praised its ability to stay cool during high-speed transfers.
Ease of Use and Compatibility
Setting up the BUFFALO External SSD is a breeze. It’s plug-and-play, requiring no additional software or complex installations. This makes it accessible even for less tech-savvy users. Its compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A ports is a major plus, allowing it to work seamlessly with a wide range of devices.
One user highlighted its versatility by using it with a Roku Media Player and Samsung TV, though they noted that the TV’s software was less than ideal. Another customer appreciated its ability to function as a pseudo RAID setup, providing reliable backup and access for their files.
Storage Capacity and Reliability
With 1TB of storage, the BUFFALO External SSD offers ample space for games, media, and backups. Most users find it reliable for long-term use, with one reviewer stating they’ve been using it for over 15 months without any issues.
However, there are a few reports of data corruption and warranty issues. One customer shared a frustrating experience where their drive’s performance degraded significantly, and Buffalo’s support team refused to honor the warranty. While this seems to be an isolated incident, it’s something to keep in mind when considering this product.
Final Verdict: Is the BUFFALO External SSD 1TB Worth It?
Strengths
- Impressive Speeds
Ideal for gamers and professionals who need fast data transfers. - Universal Compatibility
Works with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles and computers. - Portable Design
Compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go use. - Reliable Performance
Most users report consistent, high-speed performance over time.
Weaknesses
- Flimsy Build
The plastic casing feels cheap and may require additional protection. - Inconsistent Performance
A few users experienced speed drops or data corruption. - Warranty Concerns
Some customers faced challenges with Buffalo’s support team.
Conclusion
The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB is a solid choice for anyone needing fast, portable storage. Its speed, compatibility, and reliability make it a great option for gamers, professionals, and casual users alike. However, the flimsy build and occasional performance issues may be a dealbreaker for some.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly SSD with impressive performance, this drive is worth considering. Just be sure to handle it with care and keep an eye on its performance over time. For those willing to spend a bit more, brands like Samsung or SanDisk might offer more durable alternatives.
Overall, the BUFFALO External SSD 1TB delivers excellent value for its price, making it a worthwhile addition to your tech arsenal.
Specification BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive - SSD-PG1.0U3B:
Comments from Amazon:
I'll start with the bad, the drive is made of plastic and somewhat feels cheap. The good is this drive is super fast and reliable. I downloaded 500gbs in less than 2 minutes. The price is great and the performance even better. If you travel with it daily then get a case for it or get something sturdier, if not this a must buy
I tried one of those Temu drives and got burned. Cheap and nowhere near the storage capacity it stated. I got my money back, but I wasn't going to make the same mistake again. This is an excellent drive, formatted as NTFS and working right out of the box. Transferred 300Gb of files, music and pictures from my failing drive in about eight hours; not bad considering the size of some of the files. Powered by the USB cable and easily fitting into my hand, it is the perfect companion for my laptop
In terms of storage capacity and speed this is a great drive, also, it remains cool during high transfers. Why knock one star? Like many reported, the casing shell seems flimsy, I'll prolly buy a key chain usb pouch so store it. I plan to order another one for redundant (off site) backup.
Great new product. Hope it lasts! Using NTFS file system. Videos on USB simple setup. TV or Roku with USB. ROKU Media Player needs updating. NTFS and MP4 work. Samsung TV software is a disappointing advertising/sales machine. VLC supports more formats. It's the best media tool.
I need consistent fast up to 600 MB/s transfer of files and backup /access . This my 2nd purchase of the Buffalo 1 TB drive and they both work flawlessly as a pseudo RAID and I never worry about the portable drives failing. I recommend this as a very reasonable priced dependable portable SSD drive option I've used for over 15 months so far
When it worked it was great. $56 for a 1TB that has 350MB/s read and 340MB/s write, not bad. However, I had a lot of data corruption after about a month. Contacted Buffalo Support and they insisted it was a user error and kept trying to troubleshoot it. I played along and after I followed their recommendations it made it significantly worse bringing my speed down to a crawl slower than my hard drive. To make matters worse, support tried to completely scam me and refuse to honor my warranty. Claiming that sincd it still "worked" which BTW working to them is reading and writing at 40MB/s when it's supposed to be over 300MB/s is downright scummy and I won't be buying Buffalo products again. I contacted Amazon after and they were super cool and understanding and had an actual brain and could figure out that my drive not working as intended was not working as intended, "shocker." Big props to Amazon. It would take minutes to an hour to reserve space for a steam game, which normally takes seconds. My games would just delete themselves after every use. Constantly redownloading 150GB+ games every single time I want to play them is worthless as a storage device. If you are the lucky ones who get a really well made and free of defects one I think I would recommend it. However, since I didn't, don't bother and spend an extra 20-30 to get a better one from better brands like Samsung, SanDisk etc.
Adding the BUFFALO External SSD 2TB to my Genealogy class has been a game-changer in terms of organization and efficiency. This versatile and convenient storage solution has made backing up and managing research data immeasurably easier for both myself and my students. Speed and Performance The BUFFALO External SSD offers impressive speeds of up to 600MB/s, significantly enhancing our workflow. Transferring large files, such as high-resolution photographs, scanned documents, and extensive genealogical records, is now incredibly fast and seamless. This high-speed performance ensures that we spend less time waiting and more time focusing on our research. Versatility and Connectivity One of the standout features of this SSD is its versatile connectivity options. With both USB-C and USB-A ports, it is compatible with a wide range of devices, from modern laptops to older desktops. This flexibility is especially beneficial in a classroom setting where students might have different types of equipment. Additionally, the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface maximizes data transfer speeds, making it a future-proof investment. Storage Capacity With a substantial 2TB of storage, the BUFFALO External SSD provides ample space for all our research needs. It comfortably accommodates large datasets, multimedia files, and extensive project documentation, ensuring that we never run out of space. This capacity has been crucial in maintaining an organized and comprehensive digital archive of our genealogical research. Portability Despite its large storage capacity, the SSD is compact and lightweight, making it incredibly portable. Students can easily carry it between home, the classroom, and research sites without any hassle. Its sturdy build also provides peace of mind, knowing that our valuable data is protected from the rigors of daily transport. Ease of Use Setting up and using the BUFFALO External SSD is straightforward, even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy. It is plug-and-play, requiring no additional software or complex installation processes. This ease of use means that students can quickly start backing up their work, ensuring their research is always secure. Reliability and Durability The reliability of the BUFFALO External SSD is another major plus. It has proven to be a robust and dependable storage solution, with no issues of data loss or corruption. The durable design ensures that it can withstand regular use, making it a reliable companion for long-term projects. Conclusion In conclusion, the BUFFALO External SSD 2TB has significantly enhanced the organizational aspect of my Genealogy class. Its impressive speed, versatile connectivity, ample storage capacity, and portability make it an invaluable tool for managing and backing up research data. The ease of use and reliability further add to its appeal, ensuring that our valuable genealogical research is always secure and easily accessible. I highly recommend this external SSD to anyone looking for a high-performance, dependable storage solution.