Corsair EX400U: A Compact and Affordable USB4 SSD

Introduction

The Corsair EX400U is a pocket-sized USB4 SSD that offers a balance of performance and affordability. While it may not be the fastest USB4 SSD on the market, its low price point and wide compatibility make it an attractive option for users seeking fast external storage.

Design and Construction

The EX400U boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring just 2.5 inches square and weighing a mere 1.8 ounces. Its pewter finish and magnetic base make it both stylish and practical. The magnetic base allows for convenient attachment to metal surfaces, adding a touch of versatility to its usage.

Internal Components and Performance

Under the hood, the EX400U utilizes a Phison PS2251-21 controller and layered TLC NAND. This combination provides solid read performance, but write performance is more reminiscent of 20Gbps USB3.2×2 SSDs than full-fledged USB4 SSDs.

The EX400U’s three-year warranty and 250 TBW (terabytes written) rating for every 1TB of capacity are notable, although the TBW rating is lower than typical TLC NAND SSDs.

Capacity and Pricing

The EX400U is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, priced at $130, $190, and $350, respectively. While not exceptionally cheap, these prices are more palatable than those of higher-performing competitors.

Performance Benchmarks

In our performance testing, the EX400U exhibited impressive multi-queue read speeds, comparable to other USB4 SSDs. However, its write performance and single-queue performance were more akin to 20Gbps USB3.2×2 SSDs.

Despite its write speed limitations, the EX400U still ranked among the top external SSDs overall, outperforming numerous Thunderbolt 3/4 SSDs.

Compatibility and Versatility

One of the key strengths of the EX400U is its wide compatibility. Unlike 20Gbps USB3.2×2 SSDs, the EX400U is fully compatible with both PCs and Macs, making it a versatile storage solution for users with multiple devices.

Conclusion

The Corsair EX400U is a compact and affordable USB4 SSD that offers a blend of performance and value. While its write speeds may not match the top USB4 SSDs, its low price point, wide compatibility, and sleek design make it an excellent choice for users seeking fast external storage on a budget.