Crucial X10 Pro External SSD Review | Portable Powerhouse

In this review, we are taking a look at a portable storage offering from Micron's Crucial brand of devices. The product in question is the X10 Pro which is intended for heavy tasks requiring some real horsepower. 

The Crucial X10 Pro has features that users associated with certain professions will find greatly useful. To start, the device is portable which demands that it be travel-ready, which means it includes an outer shell that is resistant to dust and is generally rugged.

Looking inside, the portable SSD's encryption levels are up-to-date, the processing speed is impressive, but most crucially, if you don't mind the pun, the device is made for the long haul- handling more data for a consistently long period of time.

Get to know the Crucial X10 Pro features and capabilities in this quick snapshot:

·         USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface for ultra-fast data transfer

·         USB-C connector for modern device compatibility

·         Read speeds up to 2,100 MB/s

·         Write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s

·         Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities

·         256-bit AES hardware encryption for data security

·         Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet

·         IP55-rated water and dust resistance

·         Compact and lightweight (65 x 50 mm, 42g)

·         Works with Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation

·         Includes bonus Adobe Creative Cloud trial

·         Backed by a 5-year limited warranty

Any form of portable device is expected to spend time tucked away outdoors or even exposed to the elements. Therefore, the manufacturer has to devise some pretty nifty design details. The X10 Pro steps up to the task in both form and composition.

The SSD is encased in aluminium which promises a hardy resistance to wear and tear that it won't get while sitting inside your desk drawer. Beyond that, we have certified proof that it is water and dust resistant. Attach a strap to the built-in loop and you are good to go.

And to sweeten the deal, Crucial's longer warranty takes the cake. If you think from a consumer's perspective, having a safety net for our own usage follies would make the X10 Pro superior to other similar SSDs.

Speed is where the Crucial X10 Pro shines. As we mention in the specs snapshot above, the device has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface; this is capacity that delivers read speeds up to 2,100 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s. A sign of quality but what's better? It comes with the convenience of USB-C ports. This is notably missing from, say Thunderbolt-class, contemporaries.

Next up, a real-world example. At the time of this testing, we looked to pull up the biggest file possible which turned out to be a 4K rip of a long video. Total file size:  19.3GB. And off it went! The transfer took mere seconds, which is a sight that never gets old for speed enthusiasts (yes, this type of speed counts).

Here comes the caveat. To avail of the capabiities of the X10, you need matching hardware. In this case it means a USB 3.2 connection that is no less than Gen 2x2. Of course, like all modern devices, it has broader compatibility, but the different ports won't give the speeds we enjoyed. So you might reconsider using a USB 3.0 connection.

Here we find the standard storage sizes that are most common in portable SSDs: the 1TB, 2TB, and the largest 4TB. Pick your preferred size after carefully assessing your tasks and needs. Because the price will go up to match the extra storage. We recommend lower end users, like students, to not get overboard; 1TB will be enough for most users.

The drive uses TLC NAND flash memory, which in our lingo means a thoroughly sound comprise between affordability and performance. Stuff this SSD goody bag with Trim and S.M.A.R.T., and you have a final package of long-term performance and drive health over time.

Encryption technology has stayed anchored to the AES 256-bit setting for a long time now so there is nothing new to report here. But like they say, if it ain't broke. What is great about the X10 though is that encryption is hardwared-based as opposed to the stupor-inducing software-based versions.

Plug in the device for work and, while data is encrypted , or during transfers, expect no speed reductions. Once the data is encrypted, set up a password for good measure. This last part should not be overlooked. When a high storage capacity device is portable, we strongly advise that you use every single privacy lock available. Better safe than sorry.

The X10 Pro is by no means a side show; it is very much a center piece for a working professional. And so, we assume that stored files will encompass all levels of sensitivity and importance. So make use of all the safety baubles they offer so that losing your device does not trigger a security risk for you.

Crucial offers some value-added software for X10 Pro users. Chief among these is the Crucial Storage Executive. Take a look and get a hang of the the UI and this software will become a good tool. From here, X10 Pro owners can monitor drive health, update firmware or auto-set and tweak performance settings.

When you start using the X10 Pro, your first concern might be about migrating data. No worries as the X10 Pro supports Acronis True Image. This software carries out backups and cloning, making it a breeze to migrate from older systems or managing multiple devices.

Lastly, depending on regions, new buyers get Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps for a month, a suite that includes Adobe creative apps that are universally popular among those who do creative tasks. If that is you, you may be familiar with Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Lightroom. Enjoy them for a month courtesy your new X10 Pro.

The Crucial brand takes care to set up a wide tent. Naturally, all platforms are welcome and that includes your regulars like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPadOS. But going a bit further, the X10 Pro is good for plug-play use on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. 

This compatibility is incumbent on USB-C port availbility. Any lower, and you will have to procure an adapter, such as for USB-A to USB-C transfers. There is no such tool included in the pack.

Let’s discuss the Pros and cons:

Pros:

·         Up to 2,100 MB/s read and 2,000 MB/s write.

·         Fits easily into a pocket or pouch.

·         For the outdoorsy user, it's drop-proof and IP55 water/dust resistant.

·         256-bit AES hardware encryption that is reinforced with password protection.

·         Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and gaming consoles.

·         Bonus subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Cons:

·         Max speeds require specific hardware support.

·         Limits connectivity without an extra accessory.

·         More expensive than basic portable SSDs.

The Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD gets our seal of approval and a place in the pantheon of high-performance, portable storage devices. It's not a basic consumer essential at all, rather it is suitable for power users. If that's you, you can choose this SSD and expect convenience and great speeds that performs under strict security measures.