The Corsair EX100U is an unexceptional moveable SSD that manages to pack as much as 4TB with a 20 Gbps interface in a small package deal. It does this utilizing TLC somewhat than QLC flash, which is most popular, however efficiency as an entire is inconsistent. The guarantee is a bit on the weak facet however Corsair does again it up with software program and consists of each widespread kinds of USB-C cables. Pricing just isn’t notably aggressive however this can be a competent middle-of-the-road moveable SSD – in case you’re not in search of something fancy.
Moveable SSDs have a tendency in direction of the cheaper finish, for instance at 10 Gbps with QLC, or on the costlier skilled finish, with Thunderbolt speeds and performant TLC. Examples of each could be the Inland Platinum Exterior and SanDisk Skilled G-Drive (beforehand G-Expertise G-Drive), respectively. It’s doable to get good sustained efficiency at 10 Gbps, akin to with the Samsung T7 Protect, however inexpensive 20 Gbps choices are a bit extra restricted, notably in case you want 4TB.
The EX100U suffers a bit from an identification disaster with contradictory traits, for instance having not-horrible sequential write efficiency however combining it with an affordable design. It’s clearly budget-oriented with its 2-channel controller and lackluster all-around efficiency but it comes with TLC, high-capacity choices, and a 20 Gbps interface. It’s not aimed toward being an expert drive with its weaker guarantee and bodily construct regardless of having this sooner interface. Not on par with the greatest exterior SSDs, Corsair’s drive is greatest outlined as a compromise or impulse purchase in case you want a common moveable SSD.
Specs
| Product | 1TB | 2TB | 4TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $102.99 | $189.99 | $464.99 |
| Type Issue (Inner) | Embedded | Embedded | Embedded |
| Interface / Protocol | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Bridge Chip(s) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Included | USB Kind-C to Kind-C/Kind-A Cables | USB Kind-C to Kind-C/Kind-A Cables | USB Kind-C to Kind-C/Kind-A Cables |
| Controller | Phison U18 | Phison U18 | Phison U18 |
| DRAM | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reminiscence | 3D TLC | 3D TLC | 3D TLC |
| Sequential Learn | 1,600 MBps | 1,600 MBps | 1,600 MBps |
| Sequential Write | 1,500 MBps | 1,500 MBps | 1,500 MBps |
| Random Learn | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Random Write | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Safety | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Resistance | Shock, Vibration | Shock, Vibration | Shock, Vibration |
| Endurance (TBW) | 250 TBW | 500 TBW | 1000 TBW |
| Dimensions | 79.37 x 36.65 x 11 mm | 79.37 x 36.65 x 11 mm | 79.37 x 36.65 x 11 mm |
| Weight | 22 grams | 22 grams | 22 grams |
| Half Quantity | CSSD-EX100U1TB | CSSD-EX100U2TB | CSSD-EX100U4TB |
| Guarantee | 3-12 months | 3-12 months | 3-12 months |
The Corsair EX100U is rated as much as 1,600/1,500 MBps for sequential learn and write, respectively, in any respect capacities. It’s provided at 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. It makes use of a USB-C interface for as much as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, or 20 Gbps. The drive itself is small at 79.37 x 36.5 x 11mm, weighing it at simply 22 grams. Corsair backs it with a 3-year guarantee and 250TB of writes per TB of capability.
On the time of assessment, the drive was accessible on Amazon and Corsair’s web site for as little as $102.99, $189.99, and $464.99, from smallest to largest capability. The 1TB and 2TB fashions are the perfect values available, however are costlier than rivals just like the Essential X6 and Inland Platinum Exterior. It’s additionally costlier than the Samsung T7 Protect, which is extra rugged {and professional}. The EX100U has the benefit of a sooner interface than all three, and sooner flash than the primary two QLC-based drives.
Software program and Equipment of Corsair EX100U
The drive comes with two brief USB cables, USB Kind-C to Kind-A and to Kind-C. This permits it for use on most units. Corsair additionally presents a obtain of its Corsair SSD Toolbox, accessible on Corsair’s web site. This software program lets you examine the well being of the drive and replace firmware if required.
A Nearer Take a look at Corsair EX100U
Picture 1 of 3
The Corsair EX100U is diminutive which is helpful for those who want most portability. It’s additionally fairly light-weight, and as a stable state gadget it has some resistance to shock and vibration. The USB-C port is hidden behind a rubber cowl which when closed will provide some safety from mud and water. The drive is rated to drag as much as 4W of energy, as proven on the again label.
The cap design is, in our opinion, poor. It’s not intuitive to open and it’s a must to watch out when opening it. It’s not notably rugged, which is a vital level as a result of there should be a superb seal to ensure that it to guard the port from liquids, in contrast to with higher designs.
Picture 1 of 3
The drive doesn’t have plenty of safety and in addition no thermal padding. It’s a single PCB with an embedded USB-C connector. On-board we see 4 NAND packages, the controller, and two further built-in circuits (ICs) that stand out.
The controller is the Phison U18, the sooner sibling of the U17 that we noticed within the up to date Essential X6 and the Inland Platinum Exterior. These two controllers are very related, however the U18 is 20 Gbps with its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface whereas the U17 is at 10 Gbps with USB 3.2 Gen 2×1. Because the controllers are solely 2-channel, the bus pace is essentially elevated from 800 to 1400 MT/s. These controllers are a hybrid design within the sense that they change the necessity for an exterior bridge chip. This could have ramifications for efficiency and energy consumption. It additionally simplifies the design and saves on value.
We are able to additionally see two Texas Devices TS3DDR4000 ICs between the controller and the NAND. These DDR switches have a number of functions, for instance with the ability to commit knowledge to non-volatile media from DRAM throughout an influence loss occasion. This controller is DRAM-less however, in fact, present ONFi flash relies on NV-DDR3 I/O. These ICs permit for prime pace switching for 1:2 so possible help the 2-channel controller with using 4 NAND packages. Solely the 2TB and 4TB fashions have 4 whereas the 1TB has two, so the latter might not have these chips.
The Phison U18 is a local common flash drive (UFD) controller which suggests it’s designed for USB functions. The two-channel design reinforces this assumption. As such, the 1400 MT/s bus required to hit USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds could also be a bit taxing for a full-on SSD resolution. This can be why these ICs are on-board for increased capacities, particularly as a USB flash drive will usually not have this many NAND packages. The TS3DDR4000 knowledge sheet explicitly states, for one utility, that “to fulfill the efficiency requirement of an SSD, the power to isolate the loading turns into obligatory.”
I used to be not capable of get data or affirmation on this from both Corsair or Phison.
The flash is labeled HA7HG64AWA which seems to be 176-layer Micron TLC. Corsair wouldn’t verify this after I requested, presumably to order the power to swap out of the flash at a later date. Corsair lists the drive as having “3D NAND” formally. Provided that this drive is on the market as much as 4TB, BiCS5 TLC is one other chance. We didn’t see any samples of this {hardware} with QLC right now.
MORE: Finest SSDs
MORE: Finest Exterior SSDs and Exhausting Drives
MORE: How We Check HDDs And SSDs
MORE: All SSD Content material