For weeks, I’ve been putting the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDCZ880-256G-G46 256GB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Solid State Drive through its paces. From transferring massive 4K video files to juggling thousands of high-resolution photos, I aimed to discover if this drive truly lives up to its “Extreme PRO” moniker. My findings, both good and bad, are detailed below.

Key Features

The SanDisk Extreme PRO boasts impressive specifications right out of the box. Beyond the advertised speed, the inclusion of 128-bit AES encryption and RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software adds significant value. The compact design is ideal for portability, easily fitting into a pocket or bag. The build quality feels premium, with a sturdy casing that instills confidence in its durability.

Performance Benchmarks

My testing involved transferring various file types, including 4K video files (around 20GB), large RAW photo collections, and numerous smaller files. The advertised read and write speeds were generally met, with the drive consistently transferring large files at speeds exceeding 350 MB/s. Smaller files also experienced noticeable speed improvements compared to older USB 3.0 drives I tested alongside. While not consistently hitting the 420 MB/s read speed, the performance was still remarkably fast in real-world usage.

However, I did notice some minor fluctuations in write speeds when dealing with a very large number of small files, a detail mentioned by other users online as well. But this is a very minor drawback. The encryption software functioned smoothly, and I found the password protection feature particularly reassuring.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Extremely fast transfer speeds, robust build quality, reliable performance, included encryption and data recovery software, compact and portable.
• Cons: Slight inconsistencies in write speeds with a high number of small files, slightly lower than advertised speeds during some tests.

Final Verdict

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDCZ880-256G-G46 is a fantastic drive that delivers on its promise of blazing-fast performance. While not perfectly consistent in all situations, the exceptional speeds and additional software make it a top choice for professionals and serious users who need quick access to their large files. I highly recommend this drive for anyone needing reliable and speedy storage for their photos, videos, and other important data. The minor speed inconsistencies are easily outweighed by its overall performance and the peace of mind offered by its added features.