The storage experts from Crucial have added more storage space to their portable SSD X6 Portable. While the predecessor model came with a maximum of 2 TB, this new version offers up to 4 TB. Besides the storage size, the performance is also improved. Thus, the new X6 Portable with 4 TB offers a data transfer rate of a proud 800 MB/s. But the model range is not only expanded upwards. Crucial now also offers a version with a practical 500 GB of storage space.
small + light = practical
With its X8 Portable, Crucial has already shown the competition what a mobile SSD must have up its sleeve. However, this was simply too big and unwieldy for many users. The company takes a completely different approach with the X6 Portable. Although it cannot keep up with the performance of the X8, the handy storage scores in one point: practicality. Thanks to its smaller and lighter dimensions, it can fit in pretty much any pocket – even a trouser pocket. The X6 Portable is not new. Crucial had already celebrated the premiere of the small SSD almost half a year ago. However, the handy drive was only released in two sizes.
In addition to 1 TB of storage, customers also had the choice of selecting a version with 2 TB. The performance deficits compared to the X8 are hardly surprising when looking at the features. Crucial relies on classic SATA in the small X6. In contrast, the X8 is equipped with blazing fast PCIe. It is therefore hardly surprising that the X8 is about twice as fast as the classic versions of the X6 with 1 TB and 2 TB. The latter only managed about 540 MB/s. With the compact dimensions of 69 mm x 64 mm x 11 mm and a weight of just 42 g, the X6 Portable could and can still score points with many customers.
New TOP model with more power
The new 4 TB model of the X6 Portable does not only want to score with more storage space. On top of that, there is a lot going on in terms of speed. Instead of the previously possible maximum of 540 MB/s, the 4 TB should be able to handle rates of 800 MB/s. This is a real quantum leap. That is a real quantum leap compared to the 2 TB model. It is not entirely clear how Crucial achieves this immense speed boost. It is possible that a RAID-0 consisting of two SSDs with 2 TB each is used internally.
Meanwhile, relevant US media have reported that the native USB SSD controller Phison U17 will be used. While the new 4TB version also comes with more speed, the also new 500GB variant only brings more choice to the X6 portable series. Finally, the new smallest version also has a maximum data transfer rate of 540 MB/s.
Prices and Availability
Of course, Crucial also makes itself pay accordingly high for the new TOP model of the X6-Portable series. Considering the combination of ultra-light and slim dimensions and a lot of storage space, the MSRP in the US of $490 is quite fair. On the other hand, those who want to enjoy the small 500 GB will have to pay a low RRP of 70 US dollars. The two newcomers are already available for purchase in this country. Crucial itself lists the X6 Portable with 4 TB for 491.98 Euros. The small 500 GB version can be found in the online store for 74.29 Euros.
