WD Black P50 Portable SSD Review | Heavy Hitter Storage

The most important thing for project managers and content creators is speed, as it is everything in today’s fast-paced digital world. That’s where high-performance portable SSDs come into play.

Among all the available options, WD Black P50 Portable Drive is top-tier as it stands out not just because it’s built by Western Digital. It’s specifically engineered for performance-hungry users who need blazing-fast read and write speeds, durable design, and multi-platform compatibility.

With this SSD, you don’t need to wait for task modules to load or for large files to transfer can be frustrating, time-consuming, and downright annoying. The WD Black P50 is unique because it's not just another external drive, but it's perfect for the gaming lifestyle. It’s marketed towards gamers, but its appeal easily extends to anyone who needs to move a lot of data, really fast.

If you're gaming on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, or even working on massive video editing projects, this SSD promises to deliver lightning-fast performance with a rugged and compact form factor. We will have a deep discussion about everything the WD Black P50 has to offer, This breakdown will help you decide if this SSD is helpful for you or not.

·         Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB

·         Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)

·         Connector: USB-C

·         Sequential Read/Write Speeds: Up to 2,000 MB/s

·         Compatibility: Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.11+, PS4 Pro, Xbox One

·         Dimensions: 118 x 62 x 14 mm

·         Weight: Approximately 115 grams

·         Included Cables: USB Type-C to Type-C, USB Type-C to Type-A

·         Warranty: 5-year limited​

At the heart of the P50 is its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, which is capable of delivering sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. This performance is facilitated by the integration of a WD Black SN750 PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD and the ASMedia ASM2364 USB bridge controller. In actual testing, the P50 demonstrates impressive performance.

For instance, when connected to systems lacking the Gen 2x2 port, users can still expect read and write speeds around 884.5 MB/s and 913.3 MB/s, respectively.

However, to harness these speeds, a system equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port is necessary, a feature still uncommon in many PCs and virtually absent in current gaming consoles. ​While these figures fall short of the maximum potential, they still surpass many competitors in the portable SSD market.

The drive's performance is further improved by its use of a static SLC cache and a fast cache recovery policy, which ensures responsive and consistent performance even during large file transfers.

It has a very military-inspired design that not only appeals in the aspect of aesthetics but the WD Black P50 also ensures durability. The drive features a USB-C port, accompanied by both USB Type-C to Type-C and USB Type-C to Type-A cables, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Its compact form factor, measuring 118 x 62 x 14 mm and weighing approximately 115 grams, makes it highly portable. A subtle LED indicator provides visual feedback during operation, and the drive's passive cooling system effectively dissipates heat, maintaining optimal performance even during extended use.

The enclosure is constructed from sturdy materials, providing resistance against shocks and drops, which is essential for users on the go. ​

For those seeking a productivity boost, the P50 offers a significant advantage in reducing processing times and facilitating quick data transfers. It's important to note that while the P50 can be used with these consoles, the absence of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports means users won't experience the drive's full speed capabilities.

For instance, in testing with specilazed industry software, launching an program from the P50 reduced load times by more than half compared to the internal hard drive. The drive comes pre-formatted with the exFAT file system, ensuring compatibility across various platforms, including Windows 8.1 and above, and macOS 10.11 and above.

Content creators and professionals handling large files will also benefit from the P50's high-speed performance, enabling efficient workflows and quick backups.​

Here are some pros and cons of WD Black P50:

Pros:

·         Exceptional read/write speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

·         Durable, shock-resistant design

·         Cross-platform compatibility

·         Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables

·         Generous 5-year warranty​

Cons:

·         Full speed potential requires rare USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports

·         Higher price point compared to some competitors

·         Lacks hardware encryption features

·         No official IP rating for water or dust resistance​

The WD Black P50 Portable SSD has a robust design, coupled with impressive data transfer rates, making it a valuable asset for content creators and professionals handling large files. Despite its premium price, the drive's performance and build quality justify the investment for those seeking top-tier portable storage.