Table of Contents
Introduction
The Expansion Desktop 8TB USB 3.0 STKP8000400 (hereafter referred to as the STKP8000400) arrived on my desk promising ample storage space at a seemingly competitive price. As someone who constantly juggles large video files and high-resolution images, the prospect of an 8TB external hard drive was enticing. But does this drive live up to the hype? After weeks of rigorous testing, here’s my comprehensive review.
Features
The STKP8000400 boasts a straightforward design. It’s a fairly standard-looking external hard drive, black in color, with the only notable feature being the USB 3.0 port. While there’s no external power supply (bus-powered), the absence of additional bells and whistles, like built-in password protection or data encryption, isn’t necessarily a negative for everyone. Its simplicity contributes to its ease of use.
One initially confusing aspect was the connector type listed as RJ11. After closer examination, it seems this is likely a misprint in the product information, as the drive clearly uses a standard USB 3.0 Type-A connector.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Name | Black |
| HDD Storage Capacity | 4 TB & More |
| USB Generation | USB 3.0 |
| Connector Type | RJ11 (Likely incorrect, appears to be standard USB-A) |
| Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
| Model Number | STKP8000400 |
| Model Name | STKP8000400 |
Performance
Transfer speeds were a mixed bag. While copying smaller files, the STKP8000400 consistently delivered speeds in line with what you’d expect from a USB 3.0 drive. However, when transferring larger files (multiple gigabytes), transfer speeds experienced noticeable drops and inconsistencies. This could be attributed to the drive’s internal mechanics or perhaps the USB 3.0 interface itself being a bottleneck under heavy load. I conducted several tests transferring large video files, and the average speed was around 80MB/s which is acceptable but not exceptional compared to more premium options.
I also tested its performance with continuous read/write operations for extended periods. The drive showed moderate levels of heat generation, but nothing alarming. The drive remained stable and reliable throughout my testing phase. No data corruption or unexpected shutdowns were observed.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large storage capacity (8TB) at a relatively affordable price point.
- Simple and easy to use; plug-and-play functionality.
- Reliable performance for most daily tasks.
Cons:
- Transfer speeds can be inconsistent, particularly with large files.
- Lack of additional features (e.g., password protection).
- Inconsistencies in product description regarding connector type.
Final Verdict
The Expansion Desktop 8TB USB 3.0 STKP8000400 offers a considerable amount of storage for the price. Its ease of use and mostly reliable performance make it a decent option for users needing a large external hard drive for backups or general data storage. However, users requiring consistently high transfer speeds for professional video editing or similar demanding tasks might be disappointed. While it’s not the fastest drive on the market, its affordability and capacity make it a worthy consideration for those on a budget. I would personally recommend this drive for users with less demanding storage needs who prioritize capacity over top-tier transfer speeds.