Corsair EX400U External SSD Review | Real Bang for Your Buck

As part of Corsair’s expanding lineup of storage solutions, the Corsair EX400U is an external SSD with a compact design. However, don't be fooled by the small size as the EX400U displays impressive read/write speeds that betrays the ostensibly svelte form factor.

Beyond the exterior, the Corsair EX400U ‎CSSD-EX400U has more to offer. If you are in the market for an external solid-state drive (SSD) designed for fast, portable storage without compromising on durability or style, this review is for your benefit.

Here are some notable features of the Corsair EX400U:

·         Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2

·         Read Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s

·         Write Speed: Up to 1,000 MB/s

·         Form Factor: Portable external SSD

·         Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox

·         Build: Brushed aluminum and plastic shell

·         Included Cables: USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A adapter

·         Shock & Vibration Resistant: Yes

·         Storage Capacities: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB models

The drive features a compact, minimalist enclosure made with aluminum and plastic. The inclusion of plastic may seem a blinder but rememeber that light-weightedness is a big USP for this drive. Additionally, the EX400U is resistant to shock and vibration, which adds peace of mind when transporting sensitive data.

It's slim enough to slide into your pocket or laptop bag, making it perfect for on-the-go users. The design is not just about looks but incorporates a utilitarian functionality.

The brushed aluminum finish gives it a premium feel if you feared a cheap finish, and it also helps with heat dissipation during prolonged usage. If you’re a traveling professional moving files between workstations, this SSD holds up well to everyday wear and tear.

The ‎CSSD-EX400U1TB leverages NVMe SSD technology and connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. This combination may be familiar to regular users of SSDs. So they can attest that it also bodes well for speed metrics. The EX400U reaches sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. Transfer of multi-gigabyte files is nearly instantaneous compared to traditional HDDs or even SATA-based external SSDs. 

Standing back and taking in the general state of the SSD market today, these speeds place it in the upper tier of USB external SSDs. So what can this be used for? Corsair stays true to the loyalists and presents a product ideal for transferring large files like 4K videos, high-resolution photos, or game installs.

A point to note is that the compacted build doesn't diminish the longevity of operations. This SSD performs consistently during extended transfers. No surprise since most professional users are working with large datasets and want something that matches the workload.

This SSD is compatible with the big-name platforms which includes Windows, macOS, and even Linux. When you are about to set up the EX400U, you'll be delighted to discover that there’s no need for additional drivers. Of course, plug-and-play is common for portable SSD devices but it's still worth celebrating.

Out fo the box, the Corsair EX400U carries a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. This is treat for people with multiple computing devices as it is versatile enough for older systems and newer ultrabooks alike. Between ourselves, this is pretty nifty for gamers too as it expands cold storage capacities for consoles.

Thanks to its high-speed performance and portable design. Content creators will appreciate the ability to quickly transfer raw footage and media assets. Professionals can back up essential files in seconds. And gamers will love the extra storage space for titles that eat up internal drive capacity.

It also works great as a secure personal drive, especially if paired with software-based encryption tools.

There are two ways to assess value for money. You can check your personal budget and performance requirements. Or, you can look at competitors. Doing the latter, the Corsair EX400U sits in a competitive price range relative to peers like ADATA and 1M2. If the performance matches your needs, well that's your decision made.

That said, those who need features like hardware encryption or IP-rated weatherproofing may want to look at alternatives. But if those aren’t deal-breakers, the EX400U offers enough. And the appealing design tips it over for us because we like aesthetic integration as well as a functional one.

Corsair is known for its high-quality PC components, and the EX400U is no exception. As is the industry standard, the company offers a 3-year limited warranty. In terms of long-term reliability, NVMe SSDs generally have excellent endurance. So the odds are favorable. Since the EX400U uses high-quality NAND flash, it remains for the user to take care to prolong usage.

Corsair also provides good customer service and support resources, including firmware updates and troubleshooting help through their website.

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the Corsair EX400U External SSD:

Pros:

·         Blazing-fast NVMe performance over USB 3.2 Gen 2

·         Sleek, compact design with durable materials

·         Broad OS and console compatibility

·         Plug-and-play functionality without drivers

·         Great value for performance tier

Cons:

·         No hardware encryption support

·         No IP rating for water or dust resistance

·         Might get warm under heavy load

The Corsair EX400U External SSD hits a sweet spot between performance, portability, and price. Pick one up and you immediately notice the stylish simplicity of the plug-and-play design. Fire it up and its high-speed NVMe internals will satisfy most users.