Seagate’s Ultra Compact SSD: A Speedy Thumb Drive with Added Value
Seagate has thrown its hat into the ring of high-performance USB thumb drives with the Ultra Compact SSD. This device boasts a 10Gbps USB interface, promising significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional 5Gbps or even the older 400Mbps drives. Beyond the speed boost, Seagate sweetens the deal with complimentary data recovery services and software perks, making it an enticing option for users who demand both performance and peace of mind.
The term "Ultra Compact SSD" might seem a tad redundant, as all USB thumb drives inherently embody the idea of compact solid-state storage. However, Seagate’s intention is clear: to distance this product from the image of slow, outdated thumb drives that might still linger in the minds of some consumers. The Ultra Compact SSD lives up to its promise of speed, securing the position of the second-fastest drive of its kind that this reviewer has had the opportunity to test.
Design and Build
In terms of form factor, the Ultra Compact SSD embraces the classic thumb drive aesthetic. Its rectangular shape measures approximately 2.75 inches in length, 0.75 inches in width, and 0.40 inches in thickness, with a weight of approximately 0.8 ounces. The Type-C connector features a silicone end cap that is slightly thicker and wider than the main body of the drive. Additionally, Seagate includes a matching silicone jacket for added protection.
While the added jacket might seem like a beneficial extra layer of security, the reviewer found it to be somewhat unnecessary. SSDs are inherently robust and resistant to shocks, minimizing the need for extensive external protection. Furthermore, the silicone jacket has the potential to trap heat, which could negatively impact the drive’s performance over prolonged use. The end cap alone offers adequate protection from the elements, and aesthetically, the reviewer prefers the drive’s streamlined look without the added bulk of the jacket. User preferences may vary on this point, highlighting the subjective nature of design choices.
Warranty and Additional Features
Seagate provides a three-year warranty for the Ultra Compact SSD, offering assurance of its reliability. However, the absence of a TBW (terabytes written) rating, which specifies the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before potential degradation, is a notable omission. Nevertheless, assuming normal usage patterns, users should not encounter any warranty-related issues within the three-year timeframe.
One of the standout features of the Ultra Compact SSD is the suite of extras offered by Seagate. These include complimentary data recovery services, as well as subscriptions to Dropbox and Mylio Photos. Upon registration, users receive a 6-month Dropbox Backup Plan and a 6-month Mylio Photos subscription. The availability of free data recovery, which is offered in most countries, provides added security and peace of mind in the event of data loss. While ideally, this service would never be needed, its presence adds significant value to the overall package.
Performance Benchmarks
The Ultra Compact SSD is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, with initial retail prices of $100 and $180 respectively. However, promotional pricing at launch offered the 1TB version for $80 and the 2TB version for $145, making it an even more attractive option.
In performance testing, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD demonstrated impressive results, delivering speeds consistent with a 10Gbps USB interface. While it didn’t quite reach the performance levels of the SK Hynix Tube T31, which is considered the top performer in this category, it still delivered excellent speeds for its compact form factor.
The Ultra Compact SSD also performed well in CrystalDiskMark 8’s random 4K tests, although again, it trailed slightly behind the Tube T31. When compared to the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth, an older but still capable 10Gbps thumb drive, the Seagate offering easily outperformed it. The 450GB write test further solidified the Ultra Compact SSD’s strong performance, even though it fell short of the Tube T31’s impressive results.
Overall, the reviewer was impressed with the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD’s performance. It stands out as the second-fastest thumb drive tested, providing ample speed for the average user’s needs.
Value Proposition
While the Tube T31 holds the edge in terms of raw performance, the additional benefits offered by Seagate, such as free data recovery, Dropbox, and Mylio subscriptions, make the Ultra Compact SSD a compelling alternative. These added features arguably make it the better value proposition for users who prioritize comprehensive functionality.
Testing Methodology
Drive tests were conducted using Windows 11 (64-bit) on an X790 motherboard with an i5-12400 CPU and 64GB of DDR5 4800MHz memory. Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 ports were utilized, and Intel CPU/GPU graphics were employed. The 48GB transfer tests involved an ImDisk RAM disk, while the 450GB file transfer originated from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD. Each test was performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive to ensure optimal results. It’s important to note that real-world performance may vary depending on drive capacity, file size, and other factors.
Conclusion
The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD successfully bridges the gap between traditional thumb drives and portable SSDs. It offers a significant speed upgrade over older USB drives while maintaining a compact and convenient form factor. The inclusion of value-added features like data recovery services and software subscriptions enhances its appeal, making it a strong contender in the high-performance thumb drive market. While not quite the performance champion, it offers a balanced combination of speed, features, and value.
