ADATA unveils rugged XPG SD700X 1TB external USB 3.1 3D NAND SSD
While many people run an operating system from a solid state drive nowadays, external storage drives are largely still mechanical. It is not a mystery as to why this is -- the cost per gigabyte is much less. Unfortunately, USB hard disk drives have the same weaknesses as internal variants -- they are slow and prone to mechanical failure. If you can afford it (and don't mind the smaller capacity), a portable SSD is a much better experience.
ADATA has a new USB 3.1 (gen 1) SSD that is downright gorgeous. The 3D NAND XPG SD700X external drive is extremely rugged and features capacities up to 1TB. Most importantly, it is much faster (440/430MB/s read/write) than a mechanical HDD. Such a drive is not only beneficial for Windows, Mac, and Linux, but for faster game loading on consoles too, such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
"The SD700X is based on the ADATA SD700 external SSD, which has won a prestigious iF Design Award. It likewise meets IEC IP68 standards for complete dust-tight protection and withstanding 60 minute immersion in 1.5m-deep water. For gamers on the go or at home, the SD700X offers a rugged but stylish storage option that keeps precious games safe even in the event of spills, dust exposure, or drops, as it also meets US Army MIL-STD-810G 516.6 requirements," says ADATA.
The company also says, "ADATA and XPG are moving exclusively to 3D NAND Flash, which is more durable and noticeably faster than 2D NAND. Stacked Flash also enables higher densities (capacities) without an exponential rise in cost. Thus, the SD700X features 3D TLC NAND and up to 1TB -- which is enough for dozens of large PC or console games in the 30GB-50GB range. Gamers can also opt for 256GB and 512GB versions."
ADATA shares the specifications below.
| Color | Red |
| Capacity | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 83.5 x 83.5 x 13.9 mm / 3.3 x 3.3 x 0.5" |
| Weight | 100g / 3.5oz |
| Interface | USB 3.1 (backward compatible with USB2.0) |
| Performance | Read : Up to 440MB/s Write : Up to 430MB/s |
| Operating system requirements | Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 Mac OS X 10.6 or later Linux Kernel 2.6 or later Android 5.0 or later |
| Op. Temperature | 5°C (41°F) to 50°C (122°F) |
| Op. Voltage | DC 5V, 900mA |
| Accessories | USB 3.1 cable, Quick Start Guide |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Unfortunately, pricing is unknown at this time. The drive will soon show up at popular retailers such as Newegg and Amazon, so we won't have to wait long to find out more details. While it comes with a USB Type-A cable, you can purchase a third-party Type-C cable separately if you wish.