Addlink P21 External SSD Review: A Solid 20Gbps Performer with a Few Quirks
The Addlink P21 enters the crowded external SSD market promising a blend of good performance, aesthetic appeal, and reasonable pricing. Targeting users with USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps) ports, the P21 aims to deliver faster-than-average transfer speeds without emptying your wallet. Let’s delve into the details and see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality:
The P21 sports a handsome midnight blue aluminum enclosure that is a refreshing departure from the typical dark gray or black aesthetics often found in external drives. Its dimensions are compact, measuring approximately 4.5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and half an inch thick, and it weighs a mere 1.9 ounces, making it easily portable. The aluminum shell provides a sense of durability and helps dissipate heat effectively.
One end of the drive houses the Type-C port and a status light, while the other features a button that unlocks a slide-out tray. This tray reveals the internal NVMe SSD, a somewhat unusual feature in pre-populated external drives, typically found in DIY enclosures.
Internal Components:
Inside the P21 lies a Phison P27T controller, a DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 controller that leverages the host device’s memory for primary caching. The NAND flash memory is a 162-layer TLC (Triple-Level Cell) type, which, according to the testing results, is a modern and capable variety. The use of TLC NAND ensures decent write endurance and performance characteristics.
Performance:
The Addlink P21 doesn’t claim the top spot in the 20Gbps external SSD category, but it’s a solid performer nonetheless. The reviewer ranked it 7th out of 16 drives tested. CrystalDiskMark 8 results were positive, highlighting the drive’s strong random 4K transfer abilities, particularly in the queued write test.
In real-world 48GB transfer tests, the P21 demonstrated good speed but was slightly hampered by a slower folder read compared to some competitors like the Crucial X10 Pro.
The 1TB version of the P21 ran out of secondary cache faster than the 2TB versions of competing drives during the 450GB write test, with the write rate dropping to between 650MBps and 850MBps, which is the native speed of the TLC NAND. However, even during extended consecutive writes of 900GB, the drive never dropped below 600MBps, showcasing the capabilities of modern TLC technology.
Pricing and Value:
The P21 is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. While the initial retail prices quoted by Addlink PR were $84.44, $149.44, and $312.44, respectively, the reviewer found the 2TB and 4TB versions available on Amazon for lower prices of $138.44 and $288.44. Even at the original quoted prices, the P21 offers a decent value proposition for 20Gbps storage, but the recent price drops in the category due to the emergence of USB4 have increased the competitive pressure.
Warranty and TBW:
The Addlink P21 comes with a five-year warranty, but its TBW (Terabytes Written) rating of 300TB is lower than what is typically seen with TLC SSDs, closer to that of QLC (Quad-Level Cell) drives. This lower TBW rating is a minor concern, but for most users, it shouldn’t be a significant issue.
USB 3.2×2 vs USB4:
The reviewer raises a valid point about the continued release of USB 3.2×2 SSDs in the face of the newer USB4 standard. While USB 3.2×2 offers a 20Gbps transfer rate, it often falls back to 10Gbps on most Thunderbolt ports, whereas USB4 maintains its full speed. The reviewer acknowledges the fast 20Gbps transfer rate, but questions the overall compatibility in a world that appears to be adopting USB4 more readily.
Conclusion:
The Addlink P21 is a commendable external SSD that offers good performance and appealing aesthetics at a reasonable price. Its modern TLC NAND ensures consistent write speeds even after the secondary cache is exhausted. While the TBW rating is lower than some competitors, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for most users.
Pros:
- Good 20Gbps performance
- Attractive design
- Reasonable price
- Consistent write speeds with modern TLC NAND
- Slide-out tray for accessing the internal NVMe SSD
Cons:
- Lower TBW rating compared to some competitors
- USB 3.2×2 may not be as future-proof as USB4
- Performance slightly hampered by slower folder read
- 1TB version ran out of secondary cache quicker than expected.
Should You Buy It?
Despite the lower TBW rating, the Addlink P21 is a worthwhile option, especially if you can find it at a competitive price. It delivers solid performance, has a stylish design, and won’t break the bank. However, with the increasing availability of USB4 drives, it’s worth considering whether you need the specific 20Gbps transfer rate of USB 3.2×2 or if the broader compatibility of USB4 is more important to you. If you have a USB 3.2×2 port and want a reliable and affordable external SSD, the Addlink P21 is a strong contender. But bear in mind that the market for external SSDs is highly competitive, so it’s always a good idea to compare different options before making a purchase.
