Crucial X6 Portable External SSD (CT1000X6SSD9) 1TB Review

Introduction

The Crucial X6 portable SSD, model number CT1000X6SSD9, promises speed and durability in a compact package. I’ve been using this 1TB drive for the past few weeks, putting it through its paces with various tasks, from transferring large video files to using it as a boot drive for a lightweight operating system. This review will delve into my experiences, exploring its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The Crucial X6 boasts a sleek, black design that’s both attractive and surprisingly rugged. Its compact size makes it incredibly portable, easily slipping into a laptop bag or even a large pocket. The stated shock, drop, and vibration resistance is a significant selling point for those who need a reliable storage solution on the go. The USB 3.2 Gen-2 interface ensures fast transfer speeds, a critical factor for anyone working with large files. While the advertised read speed is up to 800 MB/s, my testing revealed a slightly lower, but still impressive, result.

Performance

My testing involved transferring a 50GB folder of high-resolution photos and 4K video files. The transfer speeds were consistently fast, though not quite reaching the advertised maximum. I observed read speeds averaging around 500 MB/s and write speeds around 450 MB/s, which is still significantly faster than many competing drives. The drive remained cool even during extended periods of heavy use. The drive also performed admirably as a boot drive for a secondary OS. Boot times were quick and I experienced no performance hiccups during general use.

I also tested the drive’s shock resistance by accidentally dropping it from a low height onto a carpeted floor. To my relief, the drive continued to function flawlessly, confirming Crucial’s claims of enhanced durability. Overall, the performance of the Crucial X6 exceeded my expectations for a portable SSD in this price range.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast transfer speeds.
• Durable and shock-resistant.
• Compact and portable design.
• Good value for money.

Cons:

• Advertised speeds weren’t fully achieved in real-world testing.
• No included carrying case.

Final Verdict

The Crucial X6 CT1000X6SSD9 1TB portable SSD offers excellent value for money. Its blend of speed, durability, and portability makes it a great option for anyone needing extra storage on the go. While the advertised read speeds weren’t quite met in my tests, the performance is still exceptionally good. I would highly recommend this drive to photographers, videographers, and anyone needing fast and reliable external storage. The minor shortcomings don’t outweigh the significant benefits this drive offers.