by 14 reviews.
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD Review: A High-Performance Storage Powerhouse
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a game-changer for anyone who needs fast, reliable, and durable storage. With read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, this external SSD is designed for professionals, gamers, and adventurers who demand top-tier performance. Its rugged design, IP65 water and dust resistance, and 3-meter drop protection make it a reliable companion for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, the inclusion of 256-bit AES hardware encryption ensures your data stays secure.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons
1. Performance: Blazing-Fast Speeds
The standout feature of the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is its incredible speed. Customers consistently praise its ability to handle large file transfers with ease. One user reported transferring over 500GB of data without any slowdowns, peaking at over 1000MB/s. This makes it ideal for tasks like video editing, gaming, and database management.
Pros:
- Sustained high speeds even during large transfers.
- Perfect for 4K video editing and other demanding tasks.
- No slowdowns due to overheating, thanks to the forged aluminum chassis acting as a heatsink.
Cons:
- Some users noted that the drive can get warm during heavy use, though it never reaches uncomfortable temperatures.
2. Durability: Built to Last
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is designed to withstand harsh conditions. Its IP65 rating ensures it’s resistant to water and dust, while the 3-meter drop protection adds an extra layer of security. Customers appreciate the rugged build, with one reviewer mentioning that they feel confident using it in challenging environments.
Pros:
- Rugged design with water and dust resistance.
- Drop protection ensures durability.
- Compact and portable, with a handy carabiner loop for easy attachment.
Cons:
- While the drive is durable, some users wished for an activity light to indicate read/write operations.
3. Usability: Seamless Integration
The SSD’s compatibility with multiple devices and operating systems is a major plus. It works flawlessly with laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones, thanks to its USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity. The SanDisk Memory Zone app also simplifies file management, making it easy to organize and free up space.
Pros:
- Works across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, etc.).
- Comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables for versatility.
- User-friendly app for file management.
Cons:
- A few users reported compatibility issues with specific USB-C ports, though this seems to be device-specific rather than a fault of the SSD.
4. Heat Management: Cool Under Pressure
One of the most praised aspects of the SanDisk Extreme PRO is its heat management. Unlike other SSDs that overheat during prolonged use, this model stays cool thanks to its aluminum chassis. One reviewer noted that their drive rarely gets warm, even when left plugged in all day.
Pros:
- Excellent heat dissipation prevents overheating.
- Stays cool even during extended use.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned a slight delay when the drive “wakes up” from sleep mode, though this is a minor inconvenience.
Conclusion
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a top-tier storage solution that delivers on its promises. Its blazing-fast speeds, rugged durability, and seamless usability make it a standout choice for professionals and adventurers alike. While it comes with a premium price tag, the performance and reliability justify the investment.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-performance, durable, and secure portable SSD, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for creatives, gamers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable storage on the go.
Specification SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25:
Comments from Amazon:
Right now, the only computer equipment that I have is an ASUS 15 inch Vivobook Laptop PC. My desktop self destructed and I gave my Dell laptop to my daughter. Compared to similar portable SSD's, I was impressed by how durable this Sandisk SSD is (water resistant & dust resistant and survives ordinary drops). I have not dropped it or placed it in water (yet) but it is nice to know that this Sandisk will survive through harsh conditions. I read several negative reviews about how super HOT this SSD gets. So I decided to purchase the Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD 2 TB New Generation (which is a lot more SSD than I really need). Why? The SanDisk Extreme PRO® Portable SSD is housed in a forged aluminum chassis that also acts as a heatsink, saving you time through higher sustained speeds (it is less likely to overheat). The Extreme Pro is slightly larger than the regular Extreme - which also helps it to dissipate heat (although both models are very portable). In other words, this model promises to never slow down due to overheating. In my experience: My Extreme Pro NEVER gets hot, in fact, it seldom gets warm. My Extreme Pro is cool to the touch except the rare times when it is slightly warm. Note: I am not extremely demanding. I read and write small files to my Sandisk from time to to time during the day. Otherwise, I leave the Sandisk plugged to my ASUS laptop all day One thing I noticed about my Sandisk Extreme Pro. If there is zero read-write activity for an extended period, my Extreme Pro goes to sleep. And it drops to room temperature. This situation can prevail for minutes or 24-7 with my setup. My Extreme Pro Portable NEVER gets hot. As you read other reviews by other buyers, it appears (I am guessing here) that some users are in a situation where their Extreme Pro or Extreme never goes to sleep (and their device gets SUPER HOT). In my situation, if I attempt to write to my Extreme Pro after it has not experienced any read-write activity for an extended period, it takes a moment to "wake-up" my Extreme Pro. Not a problem because I know this feature allows my Extreme Pro to stay nice and cool (resulting in a longer life). I have not read anything about this feature. If you are interested in how this "sleep" feature works or if your Sandisk portable SSD gets SUPER HOT, contact Sandisk and ask for further details. I did encounter one problem. I have no idea what causes this and neither does Sandisk Technical Support. When I connect this device to the single USB C port in my laptop, Windows OS cannot "see" this SSD. Yet, my PC works just fine with another external HDD that I connect to this same USB C port. So, I connect my Sandisk to a Type A USB 3.0 port (and the Sandisk works just fine). I do not have another PC to connect my Sandisk SSD to (which might give me a clue what is going on). It is entirely possible that something is strange with the USB C port on my laptop, so I cannot blame the Sandisk SSD. This is a revision written weeks later: I purchased a new laptop. Exactly the same kind as I already had, a ASUS Vivobook 15.6" laptop. Because I really like the keyboard on the ASUS. The USB C port on my new laptop works just fine with my Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD. So the problem lies with my older ASUS Vivobook (read above). My Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD works perfectly. I am happy with my Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD 2 TB New Generation and I intend to keep it long after my ASUS Vivobooks die. My only negative: I wish the Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD had an activity light (so I could tell [at a glance] when it is reading-writing). Note that this device is totally silent and warm to the touch, so not always obvious when it is reading-writing data. Not a big enough negative for me to deduct a star. update: 8 months after purchase. My Sandisk Extreme Pro performing well, going strong. Zero problems. Connected to my ASUS laptop all the time using the USB C port, a laptop I use about 12 hours a day, my Extreme Pro gets warm but not hot.
TL;DR: This drive personally verified capable of large, sustained reads for hours if needed and had no problem transferring 500GB+ of data (both read and write) without slowing down at all. If you're tired of external SSDs that slow down due to cache outs and/or overheating, this drive will take care of those issues. ------- I've gone through several Samsung and Crucial external SSDs and one common thing is they all "cache out" sooner than later or even overheat and transfer speeds quickly plummet (sub 50-75MB/sec in some instances) when you're doing large (>100GB) transfers or if you're using the drive as an attached active media for real time use like using a replicated database or photo editing. If the job ends up R/W > 75-100GB+ I will always see drive slow downs consistently on those Samsung and Crucial models. They are good for small, quick transfers especially sub 25GB but anything remotely large and sustained and the slowdown happens. After doing a lot of research and reading along with personal recommendation from some fellow developers and editors, I gave the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO (you know it's serious when "PRO" is all in caps) a try. It is very compact and nicely built. Excellent external texture with even a corner clip hole. It comes with both USB-A and USB-C USB 3.2 2x2 cables and is ready for data transfers up to 2000MB/s. So how did it fair? I plugged it into my 1000MB/s rated USB-C port to backup over 500GB of data in one sitting and sat there and watched it transfer the entire set of data with zero slowdowns sometimes peaking OVER 1000MB/sec on large contiguous data asset transfers. This is a first among the pile of external drives I've used over the last 10 years. When it came time to copy the information back, the sustained speeds were still there during the entire transfer. I used it even to run some games for testing and it had no problems for Steam or Blizzard games albeit for normal use I use internal storage. I also did a couple of dev projects externally and it worked absolutely fantastic. As with most external drives, it does get warm during heavy use but nothing that is worrisome. I was able to pick up and hold the drive no problem. I tested it on both Windows 10 and 11 and Windows 11 is slightly slower than Windows 10 in data transfers under the same conditions but still peaked over 900MB/sec. It isn't the Sandisk's fault but the OS. Overall, I can't recommend this drive highly enough. It fixed all the issues I had grown used to accepting with my previous Samsung and Crucial models with expected slowdowns (it wasn't an issue of "if" but "when") and 2TB is spacious enough for now. If I end up needing more capacity I will pick up the 4TB version if needed but as for the 2TB model specifically? Highly recommended. 5/5
SSD excelente.
Bien 🙏🏽
Me gustó el tamaño, y la rapidez del equipo, recomendado.
Vi em alguns reviews sobre problemas de compatibilidade, erros, mas estou usando já a 1 mês ele full e fazendo ponte de arquivos em plataformas Mac e Windows PC > Mac > Tablet > Smartphone sem problema algum. Extremamente recomento para quem trabalha remoto.
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is nothing short of impressive. From the moment I started using it, the performance and build quality stood out. With speeds up to 2000MB/s, transferring large files is incredibly fast – perfect for handling 4K videos, massive photo libraries, and other demanding tasks. The USB-C and USB 3.2 compatibility ensures seamless connectivity with both my laptop and desktop, and the drive works flawlessly across different operating systems. I also appreciate the compact, rugged design. It feels durable, and the IP55 rating gives peace of mind that it can withstand a bit of water and dust – great for on-the-go professionals. Another standout feature is the heat-resistant aluminum body that not only adds durability but also helps dissipate heat during heavy use. This means the drive maintains consistently high performance even during extended transfers. Honestly, it’s hard to find any downsides. While it’s a premium product with a higher price tag, the speed, reliability, and build quality make it absolutely worth the investment. If you’re looking for a high-performance, portable SSD that won’t let you down, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is an excellent choice. Highly recommended for creatives, gamers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable storage.