Finally! This affordable, super fast external SSD is on the way after a 2-year wait — but you will still need to have a USB4 or Thunderbolt port to make the most out of it
ADATA has officially launched its USB4 SE920 external SSD, promising much better performance on previous models and streamlined portability for large multimedia files.
The SSD, which supports Thunderbolt 3 & 4, can reach up to 3,800 MB/s per second and is backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0.
Additionally, the SE920 uses a Type-C interface, which ADATA says will allow users to easily “transfer large multimedia files to devices or quickly export videos recorded on mobile phones.”
Under the hood of the ADATA SE920
ADATA said the launch of the device is in response to both intense demand for high-speed transfer capabilities and pending EU compliance requirements regarding USB4 availability.
“Consumer demand for transferring large, high-quality files has increased significantly due to trends in AI computing,” the company said.
“In accordance with EU regulations, USB4 will become the transmission standard for a new generation of devices. Fast and easy file transfer between different devices has undoubtedly attracted consumer attention and the time for a new generation USB4 interface to unify the market specifications has come.”
The ADATA SE920 features read/write speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s and 3,700 MB/s respectively and is capable of transferring 10 GB of 4K definition video files in about three seconds, the company said.
This marks a significant increase in capacity compared to previous ADATA SSD drives.
The SSD is also compatible with gaming consoles and can “easily connect” to your major operating systems such as macOS, Windows and Android.
A spring-loaded, slide-out chassis allows for greater air circulation in addition to a built-in micro fan that allows the SSD to withstand the intense heat pressure placed on it during use.
“The SE920 USB4 external SSD uses a proprietary active dissipation design and a built-in micro fan,” the company said. “Press the telescopic housing to activate the fan and expand the chassis to increase the interior space for air circulation and dissipate heat quickly.”
The inclusion of a micro fan in the SE920 offers clear performance opportunities compared to fanless products of a similar specification and can reduce temperatures by approximately 10%, according to ADATA.
ADATA SE920 Restrictions
While an impressive piece of hardware for users, the SE920 has its limitations, especially in terms of storage capacity.
The SSD only comes in a 1TB or 2TB size and doesn’t currently include a 4TB or 8TB option, meaning users who need larger storage capacities may be forced to look elsewhere for the time being.
Transfer speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s are also lower than what the company promised at the time plans revealed to launch the SE920 in 2021which raises questions about why there has been a slight dip in performance in this regard.