SanDisk Professional G-Drive PRO SSD Review: Power & Performance for Professionals
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive PRO SSD offers exceptional speed and reliability, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need rapid data transfer and robust durability. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, this SSD delivers read speeds up to 2800MB/s and write speeds up to 2400MB/s, ensuring quick access to large files. However, it comes with limitations, such as no USB support and a maximum capacity of 2TB. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key aspects:
Performance and Speed
The G-Drive PRO SSD stands out for its high-speed performance, leveraging Thunderbolt 3 to achieve impressive read and write speeds. This makes it ideal for video editing, 3D rendering, and other data-intensive tasks. The SLC cache provides a temporary boost in speed for smaller file transfers, but larger transfers may experience a drop in performance once the cache is saturated.
Design and Build
Constructed with a metal and TPU casing, the G-Drive PRO SSD is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. It boasts a tough enclosure that can survive drops from up to 3 meters and handle crush forces up to 1000 pounds. However, its larger size compared to other SSDs might be a downside for those seeking more compact solutions.
Compatibility and Usage
This SSD is pre-formatted for macOS, making it a plug-and-play solution for Mac users. Windows users will need to reformat the drive, which might be a slight inconvenience. The drive’s exclusive Thunderbolt 3 interface means it won't work with standard USB ports, limiting its versatility.
Capacity and Pricing
Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, the G-Drive PRO SSD might not meet the needs of users requiring more storage. The pricing is on the higher end, reflecting its premium performance and build quality. For those needing USB compatibility or larger capacities, the SanDisk PRO-G40 SSD might be a better alternative, offering similar speeds with additional features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for high-speed data transfer
Durable construction with drop and crush resistance
Ideal for professional use, especially on macOS
Cons:
No USB support
Higher cost compared to other SSDs
Limited to 2TB capacity
Conclusion
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive PRO SSD is a powerful tool for professionals who demand speed and reliability. While it excels in performance and durability, its high cost and lack of USB support might deter some users. For those needing a versatile and high-capacity solution, exploring alternatives like the PRO-G40 SSD is advisable.