Is your data truly safe when you're on the go? The ADATA SD820, a tiny powerhouse of an external SSD, promises incredible speed and rugged durability, but does it deliver on its premium price tag? Let's dive in!
The ADATA SD820 is a marvel of modern portable storage. Imagine a device so small it fits in the palm of your hand, yet so tough it can withstand the elements and deliver lightning-fast data transfers. This little gadget, starting at $189.99 for 1TB and $349.99 for 2TB, is designed for those who need their digital life to keep up with their adventurous spirit.
A Design That's Both Stylish and Strong
When you first lay eyes on the SD820, you'll notice its striking resemblance to ADATA's older, rugged hard drives, like the DashDrive Durable HD710. But don't let the familiar look fool you; this is a whole new beast! Measuring a mere 0.5 by 1.5 by 2.8 inches and weighing less than an ounce, it's incredibly compact. The blue version, in particular, sports eye-catching diagonal stripes made from a durable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that not only add a splash of color but also provide a much-needed grip. If bright blue isn't your style, a sleek black version with dark gray stripes is also available. These raised stripes are a clever touch, making the SSD easier to hold onto, especially when you're out in the field.
Unleashing Blazing Speeds (With a Caveat!)
On one end of this compact marvel, you'll find a USB-C port that supports the cutting-edge USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 specification. This means you can achieve sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000MBps – that's incredibly fast! But here's where it gets a bit technical: to truly experience these mind-blowing speeds, you'll need a computer with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Many computers, even newer ones, might not have this specific port. If your system is limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2, you'll be capped at around 1,000MBps. So, while the drive is capable of incredible speed, your host device plays a crucial role.
Built to Survive the Toughest Conditions
This is where the SD820 truly shines. It comes with a small, attached plastic cover for its USB-C port. When sealed, this cover ensures the SSD boasts an IP68 rating. What does that mean for you? It's completely dustproof, meaning sand, dirt, and fine particles are no match for it. Plus, it's waterproof and can survive submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. This level of protection is shared by only a select few external drives, including some of ADATA's own previous models and the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro. On top of that, the SD820 has been tested to withstand drops from up to 1.22 meters (four feet) without missing a beat.
The Price of Portability and Protection
Now, let's talk about the cost. As of its release, the ADATA SD820 is positioned at the higher end of the market. The 1TB model starts at $189.99, and the 2TB version tested is $349.99. This pricing is a bit steep when compared to other USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSDs. For instance, ADATA's own Editors' Choice-winning SD810, which offers similar ruggedness in a more conventional design, can be found for around $124.99 for 1TB. Even the Crucial X10, while not as durably rated (IP65), is priced more competitively at $129.99 for 1TB. It's worth noting that the SSD market has seen price increases due to a global shortage of NAND flash memory chips, partly driven by the demand for AI hardware. We'll have to wait and see if retail prices for the SD820 drop significantly after its initial launch.
What About the Tech Specs?
ADATA backs the SD820 with a solid five-year warranty, which is standard for most high-quality SSDs. However, it's important to know that this drive does not offer hardware-based AES encryption, nor does it come bundled with any backup software. So, if data security and automated backups are paramount, you'll need to explore other solutions.
Performance in the Lab: Impressive, But Not Unrivaled
In our performance tests, the ADATA SD820 held its own. Using our specialized testbed equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 expansion card, we put the drive through its paces. The results from CrystalDiskMark showed sequential read and write speeds that were right in line with other USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSDs, nearly doubling the performance of typical USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives. When it came to the PCMark 10 Storage Data Drive Test, which simulates everyday storage tasks, the SD820 achieved the second-highest score, just shy of its sibling, the ADATA SD810. It also performed admirably in the 3DMark Storage benchmark, which is geared towards gaming performance.
Interestingly, on the Mac-based Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, the SD820 delivered excellent write speeds, coming in second best, but its read speeds were the lowest among the drives tested. This highlights that performance can vary slightly depending on the operating system and the specific test.
The Verdict?
The ADATA SD820 is undeniably a high-performance, incredibly durable external SSD that's perfect for professionals working in demanding environments or anyone who needs robust protection for their data on the go. Its compact size and rugged build are major advantages. However, its premium price point and the fact that you need a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port to unlock its full potential are significant considerations.
What do you think? Is the ADATA SD820 worth the extra cost for its durability and speed, or would you opt for a more budget-friendly option? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
