Get ready to be amazed by a tiny titan of data storage! The ADATA SD820 is here, and it’s packing some serious punch in a rugged, pocket-sized package. While it might look a bit like ADATA's older, beefier hard drives, this external SSD is a whole different beast, offering lightning-fast speeds and impressive durability. But here's where it gets interesting: is this speed demon worth the premium price tag? Let's dive in!
A Design That's Both Tough and Stylish
The SD820 certainly catches the eye, with a design that playfully echoes ADATA's DashDrive Durable HD710. However, the SD820 is dramatically smaller – measuring a mere 0.5 by 1.5 by 2.8 inches and weighing less than an ounce! It’s available in capacities up to a whopping 4TB, making it perfect for professionals on the go or anyone who needs serious storage without the bulk.
Imagine this: the striking blue version boasts cool, raised diagonal stripes made from a special thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). These aren't just for looks; they provide an excellent grip, making it easier to handle. If blue isn't your vibe, there's a sleek black version with alternating dark gray stripes. Both designs are not only stylish but also contribute to the drive's robust feel.
Blazing Speeds, But With a Catch...
At one end of this compact marvel, you'll find a USB-C port that supports the ultra-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard. This means you can theoretically achieve sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000MBps! That's incredibly fast – almost twice as quick as standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives. But here's the part most people miss: to truly unlock this incredible speed, you need a computer with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Many modern computers, even some recent models, might not have this specific port. If your system only supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, you'll be limited to around 1,000MBps. The SD820 does come with a handy USB-C to USB-C cable to get you started.
Built to Withstand the Elements (and Accidental Drops!)
One of the most impressive features of the SD820 is its ruggedness. It boasts an IP68 rating, which is a big deal! This certification means it's not only dustproof (so sand, dirt, and dust are no match for it) but also waterproof up to 3 feet for a full 30 minutes. Think of all the outdoor adventures or messy workspaces where this drive could be your reliable companion! It even matches the durability of some of ADATA's previous rugged drives and other top-tier competitors. Plus, it's designed to survive drops from up to 1.22 meters (four feet) without skipping a beat.
The Price of Portability and Power
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. As of its launch, the ADATA SD820 is positioned at a premium price point. This is partly due to the current industry-wide shortage of NAND flash memory chips, which has driven up SSD prices. Furthermore, some manufacturers are shifting focus towards enterprise solutions for AI development, impacting consumer availability and pricing. Compared to other USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSDs we've reviewed, the SD820's initial pricing is on the higher side. For instance, its sibling, the ADATA SD810, offers a similar rugged design at a lower price, and the Crucial X10, while less durable, also presents a more budget-friendly option. It remains to be seen how the SD820's retail price will settle over time, but for now, it's definitely an investment.
But is the higher cost justified for its blend of speed and ruggedness? ADATA does back the SD820 with a solid five-year warranty, which is standard for many high-quality SSDs. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't offer hardware-based AES encryption or come bundled with backup software, features that some users might expect at this price point.
Performance: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
Our testing shows that the ADATA SD820 performs exactly as expected for a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSD. In our benchmarks, its sequential read and write speeds fell right in line with other drives in its class, delivering those impressive speeds that are nearly double that of USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives. It also scored exceptionally well in the PCMark 10 Storage Data Drive Test, coming in second only to its predecessor, the ADATA SD810, and performed strongly in the 3DMark gaming storage test.
When tested on a Mac, it showed excellent write speeds but a slightly lower read speed compared to some other drives. The drive comes preformatted in exFAT, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs, Windows PCs, Linux, Android, iOS devices with USB-C, and gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. For more in-depth Windows testing, we reformatted it to NTFS.
So, what's the verdict? The ADATA SD820 is a remarkably fast and incredibly durable external SSD that's perfect for those who need their data to be safe and accessible in demanding environments. However, its premium price tag means it's best suited for users who can truly leverage its Gen 2x2 speeds and appreciate its robust build.
What are your thoughts on the ADATA SD820? Do you think its ruggedness and speed justify the higher cost, especially in today's market? Let us know in the comments below!
