Portable SSD Drives : Pre-built or DIY enclosure?

Summary

In this video, Clembo from Zentech Life compares the pros and cons of pre-built portable SSDs from brands like Samsung, SanDisk, and Western Digital, versus DIY NVMe M.2 enclosures. He explores the cost differences, speed capabilities, and flexibility of each option, highlighting that while pre-built drives offer ruggedness and ease of use, DIY enclosures provide superior customization and future upgrade potential at a lower cost. Clembo suggests that DIY solutions are ideal for tech-savvy users who want to maximize speed and flexibility, while pre-built models are perfect for those who prioritize convenience and durability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Portable SSDs have become common, but DIY enclosures offer flexibility and cost savings compared to pre-built options.
• 💰 Laptop manufacturers charge a premium for upgrading storage, with prices ranging from $100 to $400 for larger capacities.
• 📦 NVMe M.2 SSDs like the Samsung 970 Evo and Adata SX8200 Pro can be much cheaper than manufacturer upgrades, offering similar or better performance.
• 🚀 Modern portable SSDs, such as the Samsung T7, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Western Digital Black P50, offer speeds up to 1050 MB/s, with the WD model reaching 2000 MB/s.
• 🔧 DIY enclosures provide a cost-effective and flexible alternative, allowing users to select their own SSD and swap it easily.
• 💻 USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 provide transfer speeds of up to 1250 MB/s, sufficient for tasks like 4K video editing and gaming.
• 🔍 The cost of building a DIY portable SSD setup can be competitive, as shown by the $173 price of an Adata SX8200 Pro and Oraco enclosure, which is cheaper than some pre-built alternatives.
• ⚙️ DIY enclosures allow future upgrades to faster enclosures and SSDs, without voiding the warranty, which is not possible with pre-built external drives.
• 💡 While pre-built drives are rugged and dust/water/shock resistant, DIY setups are more customizable and upgradeable over time.
• 🌍 Pricing varies by region, so it's important to check local prices before making a purchase to maximize savings.

Q & A

What are the key benefits of using portable SSD drives compared to upgrading internal storage on laptops?

Portable SSD drives offer a more affordable, flexible solution for expanding storage without voiding the laptop's warranty. They are often faster than traditional HDDs and can be easily swapped or upgraded without requiring technical expertise or opening up the laptop.

Why are portable SSD drives often more affordable than upgrading internal storage through laptop manufacturers?

Laptop manufacturers typically charge a premium for internal storage upgrades, especially when moving from 256GB to larger capacities. For example, upgrading from 256GB to 512GB can cost between $100 and $200, while portable SSDs offer much cheaper alternatives, with 1TB models available for under $200.

How do DIY NVMe M.2 enclosures compare to pre-built portable SSDs in terms of cost?

DIY NVMe enclosures, when paired with off-the-shelf SSDs like the Adata SX8200 Pro, can be more cost-effective than pre-built solutions. For example, a DIY setup with a $33 enclosure and a $140 SSD costs around $173, whereas a pre-built drive like the Sandisk Extreme Pro costs about $190 for 1TB.

What is the primary advantage of using a DIY NVMe M.2 enclosure for external SSD storage?

The primary advantage of DIY enclosures is flexibility. You can replace the SSD inside the enclosure with any size or speed you wish, which allows for easier upgrades in the future without needing to purchase a completely new external drive.

What speeds can modern external SSDs, such as the Samsung T7 and Sandisk Extreme Pro, achieve?

Modern external SSDs like the Samsung T7 and Sandisk Extreme Pro typically achieve read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s, making them suitable for high-demand tasks such as 4K video editing and gaming.

What are the limitations of using a DIY NVMe enclosure with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB 3.2 connection?

While the SSD itself may support much faster speeds (up to 3,000MB/s for models like the Adata SX8200 Pro), the USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB 3.2 connection limits the maximum transfer speed. This means the actual data transfer speed is bottlenecked by the USB connection, not the SSD itself.

What are the key differences between pre-built external SSDs and DIY NVMe enclosures in terms of durability?

Pre-built external SSDs often come with added durability features such as dust, water, and shock resistance, making them ideal for users who need a rugged and portable storage solution. In contrast, DIY enclosures generally lack these features but offer more flexibility for upgrading and customization.

What are some of the top-performing portable SSD models mentioned in the video?

The top-performing portable SSD models mentioned in the video include the Samsung T7, Sandisk Extreme Pro, and Western Digital Black P50. These drives are known for their high performance, especially in terms of transfer speeds, and are commonly used for demanding applications like video editing and gaming.

Why might someone choose a DIY NVMe enclosure over a pre-built portable SSD despite the similar performance?

Someone might choose a DIY NVMe enclosure for its flexibility. With a DIY setup, you can easily swap out the SSD for a larger or faster model in the future, which isn't possible with most pre-built SSDs. Additionally, DIY enclosures can often be more cost-effective, especially when considering the long-term potential for upgrades.

What should you consider when deciding whether to buy a pre-built SSD or go with a DIY enclosure?

When deciding between a pre-built SSD and a DIY enclosure, consider factors such as convenience, durability, and flexibility. Pre-built SSDs are great for users who need a plug-and-play, rugged solution, while DIY enclosures are ideal for those who value the ability to upgrade the SSD or want to save on initial costs.