SK Hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD with DRAM, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, External Hard Drive Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, PS5 (Champagne Gold)

The SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD has been an outstanding addition to my tech gear. From the moment I started using it, I've been impressed with its speed, reliability, and sleek design. With up to 1050MB/s read speeds, this SSD has drastically improved my workflow, especially when handling large files like high-resolution videos and complex graphic design projects. Transferring files is now a breeze, saving me precious time and eliminating the frustration of waiting for files to move. One of the standout features of the Beetle X31 is its use of DRAM, which really sets it apart from other portable SSDs on the market. The inclusion of DRAM ensures faster data processing and enhances overall performance. This feature makes a noticeable difference, especially during sustained data transfers, where the speed and efficiency remain consistently high without any lag. The build quality of this SSD is another area where it shines. The design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, yet it feels solid and durable. The exterior is sleek and modern, and it easily fits into my pocket or bag, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The USB 3.2 Gen2 compatibility ensures that I'm getting the best possible speeds when connected to compatible devices, and it has worked flawlessly with both my PC and Mac. Setup was incredibly simple. It was essentially plug-and-play, with no need for additional drivers or software installations. The drive was immediately recognized by my computer, and I was able to start using it right away. I also appreciate that SK hynix includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, which adds versatility for different device connections. In terms of reliability, the Beetle X31 has been rock solid. I've used it extensively for backups, file transfers, and even running applications directly from the SSD, and it hasn't let me down. There's a sense of security knowing that my data is safe with a brand known for quality memory products. The SSD also runs cool, even during heavy use, which is a testament to its efficient design and engineering. Overall, the SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD is a top-tier external storage solution that combines speed, reliability, and style. It meets and exceeds all my expectations for a portable SSD, making it a fantastic choice for anyone in need of fast, reliable, and portable storage. Whether you're a creative professional, a gamer, or just someone who needs dependable external storage, this SSD will not disappoint.

UPDATE 2. To clarify my speed results, I don't suggest that the X31 SSD was the speed-limiting factor. It was how fast the files were copied from my 8 year-old Windows 10 computer. In any case, it was faster than any previous transfer from my old computer! UPDATE. Anecdotal file copying time: I copied the My Pictures folder in Windows with 48.2 GB of images. It took about 7 minutes and the external drive didn't get noticeably warm. I bought this simply as an external drive. Sleek, compact and it works. Simply plug it in. Totally empty, no programs, no bloatware. I didn't measure speed, but it is fast. There is software at the website, but I didn't need or try any. Nicely packaged, this device looks and feels high-end.

I am 100% pleased with this < SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB Portable SSD with DRAM, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, External Hard Drive Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, PS5 (Champagne Gold) >. It is by far the best portable SSD I own (and I own a lot of them!). It comes complete with two cables - USB C to USB C plus a USB C to USB-A cable. And it also comes with a durable plastic protection case (which surrounds the robust ALUMINUM case). It holds a lot of data and it is fast, both in reading as well as writing. I said I am 100% pleased with it and the following statement ought to prove that: I just bought my SECOND one. I received my first one on April 24, 2024 and it's still going strong. I needed another portable SSD and I didn't even consider any other. I just bought this second one and it is identical to the first one. Even the price has stayed the same: $89.99. While this may sound expensive, take it from me, it's worth EVERY PENNY! Do you need a robust, extremely well-designed and constructed portable SSD which will hold a LOT of data and works perfectly day-in and day-out? THIS is the one - and I will EXTREMELY HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to you. Thank you for reading this. Lawrence H. Bulk

I use this portable SSD exclusively as a game drive for my MiSTer FPGA and when I first transferred around 400GB of data onto the drive, it was able to finish the task in less than 5 minutes and the transfer speeds kept a pretty fast and consistent speed throughout. While the drive got a little bit warm while transferring a large amount of files, when running off the MiSTer, it stays cool to the touch. The drive automatically is formatted to exFAT so there was no need to do any sort of formatting beforehand for use with my MiSTer, it was just a simple drag-and-drop job. The X31 Beetle's aluminum case feels like a good quality enclosure and it even comes with a nice silicone case that should prevent any damage from accidental drops if you carry it with you. The two included cables are USB-C to USB-C & USB-C to USB-A cables that, while a bit on the short side, are thick and of great quality. Inside, the unit contains a 2242 M.2 drive with DRAM cache and could probably be removed for use with something like a Steam Deck if needed. I'd recommend this drive to anyone looking for a small, easy-to-carry storage drive that won't break and doesn't rely on cheap flash storage.

Works great so far. Fast. So little and cute! Got it on sale, was the best price for quality I could find by far for an external SSD. Very Quiet. Easy to use. Had zero issues with mine so far.

In this review I will leave it to others, many others, to argue things like speed. I don’t see the point – everyone’s going to get completely different real life speeds compared to those who glower over bench tests which seem to never exactly agree with each other anyway. My rule when considering any memory is to buy it, install it, try it and if it works for you keep it, if not try something else. In today’s world most memory devices are capable of near real-time speeds and the average user doesn’t need the maximum theoretical on-paper speeds for their everyday home computing, or even business needs. My focus is based more on two things – does the company who makes the memory device know what they are doing and is what they make reliable. Let’s start with the first, if you were to walk down any average street and ask a thousand people to name a brand of computer memory the chances that even one of them would name SK Hynix, yet this company is the second largest maker of memory in the world. Many of the most famous brands of electronic devices use this brand exclusively and have for many years. It is only recently that they have come out of their cocoon and started to sell under their own, albeit awkward, name. IS IT RELIABLE If someone answers yes or no to that question, move on, they are giving you the wrong answer. No computer memory manufacturer sets out to make a memory device that purposely fails. Buying any brand, repeat that, any brand is a gamble. Sooner or later you will run into a product that messes up. Some will immediately suggest that the entire brand name is a bad choice. Again, move on. If I am playing the law of averages my choice would be to choose the biggest or second biggest manufacturer of memory devices in the world – I’m guessing they know what they are doing. Related to reliability is connectivity – many drives I own have loose ports which can result in lost data. The two included cables with this one are very substantial and lock in place with a satisfying click. I should say that this company’s entire presentation is first rate, with the minor exception of what I mention below. MAKING A DECISION Choosing which one to buy, assuming we are talking about portable SSD’s now, really comes down to which one is on sale, which one looks prettiest and which one has the longest warranty. One the first score I chose this one on a whim, fully knowing who SSK Hynix is, because it was on a Black Friday sale and I bought it with my own money, and I liked the soft rounded corners because I actually did plan on using it as a mobile storage media and it feels good in my jeans pocket. The gold color was a plus to immediately make it identifiable in a drawer full of other devices. And I liked their choice of connectivity, which fit into every one of my devices without having to carry an adapter. And the 3 year warranty is definitely a big plus. SURPRISES Much of the product page is written in Chinese, I’m surprised that they have never translated it for our domestic market. Although they mention it I was surprised that they include a thick silicone case which is clear so it doesn’t hide the beauty of the design. Unfortunately that beautiful design is only on one side of the product itself, the other side is bland silver and totally filled with written text. Another surprise is that although they say that they provide customized SK Hynix edition Macrium cloning software for data transfers and OS migration. Along with our Easy Kit software, so you can check the performance and status of your SSD at a glance. Neither of those apps is on the drive, in the box nor referred to in the brief instruction sheet. That is a disappointment and dropped them down a notch. YES NO MAYBE Based on my own criteria this was an easy decision and I like that it arrived without being loaded with bloatware. It seems rugged and it does not get unreasonably warm in use. And yes it is fast but everything I own is new generation. The everyday price is a bit high so if that were my only criterion I might have thought twice but I bet it goes on sale fairly often. Overall I am happy.

I use it for Logic Pro X sessions. Used to using the 400mb read/write SSD. This thing is insane. All my effects load up right away. No hiccups when using software instruments. It doesn't get warm. It's quiet. Unobrtusive. You get actual 900+gb to use. NO crashes. Migrating stuff over there was a breeze and SO DAMN FAST! This is the only SSD card I will every buy ever again. Total game changer. Beyond happy. There's a SEAGATE with the XBOX logo they're offering 500gb discounted for $49. For less than $20 more you get a full terrabyte and over twice the write/read speed. NO BRAINER

Best purchase I can say I’ve made. Small in size & can be used on multiple devices, plus the speed is fast compared to other storage devices I’ve used. Easy to use for persons who are not tech savvy The only issue is the usb cables (USB A-C & USB C-C) are limited to certain devices.