Samsung introduces Portable SSD X5 with Thunderbolt 3

Samsung Electronics has unveiled its first NVMe-based portable solid state drive (SSD): the Samsung Portable SSD X5 based on Thunderbolt 3 technology.

Leveraging synergies between NVMe and Thunderbolt 3 technologies, Samsung’s X5 delivers maximized performance levels for professionals working with heavy multimedia files, according to Dr. Mike Mang, vice president of Brand Product Marketing, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics. Thanks to Thunderbolt 3’s 40Gbps bandwidth – up to four times faster than USB 3.1– the X5 offers a read speed of up to 2,800 MB/s, which is up to 5.2 times faster than the widely used SATA interface portable SSDs and up to 25.5 times faster than external HDDs, he adds.

The drive also boasts the fastest maximum write speed of 2,300 MB/s, enabling users to transfer a 20GB-sized 4K UHD video in 12 seconds. Designed for Macs and PCs with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 allows users to enjoy the speed benefits in a lightweight and portable design, with capacity options up to 2TB.

The X5 features a full-metal body with a glossy finish and non-slip bottom mat. A shock-resistant internal frame and rugged metal housing can purportedly withstand accidental drops of up to two meters (6.6 feet) In addition, the Dynamic Thermal Guard technology and a heat sink – a mechanical internal solution – safeguard the X5 from overheating.

The X5 also offers data protection with Samsung Portable SSD Software, based on the AES 256-bit hardware data encryption. The X5 comes with a three-year limited warranty and will be available globally from Sept. 3 with a manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $399.99 for the 500GB model, $699.99 for the 1TB model and $1,399.99 for the 2TB model.