By dint of accumulating photos, videos, games and documents, the memories of our computers are overflowing.
Smaller and more resistant than hard disks (HDD), flash memory disks (SDD) not only allow us to store more, but also better protect our files.
From 500 GB to 4 TB, they are practical, but also sometimes quite expensive.
Films, photos, personal videos, without forgetting our work documents… these files always require more space to be stored.
In the absence of a cloud hosting solution, the external drive remains the best solution to increase the memory of a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet or a console.
Faced with physical hard disks called "HDD", for Hard Disk Drive), aging, more bulky and fragile, "SSD" disks (for Solid State Drive) combine the advantages.
With flash memory, they have the privilege of compactness, resistance and increased write and read speeds.
They also heat up less.
The other side of the coin: SSDs are also more expensive… “20 Minutes” has selected five for all uses.
The tough one: Samsung T7 Shield
This SSD disk (88 x 59 x 13 mm, for 98 grams) has the particularity of being particularly robust.
With the IP65 standard, the accessory is resistant to dust and water splashes, but also to drops of up to three meters.
Can be used with a Mac or a PC, but also with an Android smartphone or a game console, it also offers reinforced data encryption (AES 256-bit).
Speeds: up to 1050 MB/s read; 1000 MB/s write. 169 euros (1 TB); 319 euros (2 TB).
Our opinion:
Available in beige, black and blue, this hard drive comes with two cables (USB-C and USB-C to USB-A) and is primarily recommended for professional use.
Player: Western Digital's WD_Black D30
Dedicated to the world of video games, Western Digital's WD_Black SSD allows you to no longer worry about the capacity of your console.
Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series (but also Windows 8.1/10 PC and Mac), the device (58 x 96 x 35 mm for 125 grams) which is
plug and play
is weighted with particularly appreciable non-slip pads.
Speeds: up to 900 MB/s in reading and writing. 99 euros (500 GB); 154 euros (1 TB); 274 euros (2 TB).
Our opinion:
Although a little thick, this disc is distinguished by its singular design.
Moreover, there is a version surrounded by white (to conform to the aesthetics of the Xbox).
We regret the absence of a USB-C cable, where most competitors offer one.
The Mac Addict: LaCie Portable SSD
Beneath its aluminum chassis with bevelled ends and space gray finish (probably to better match a MacBook!), this SSD drive will meet the needs of creators (photo, video).
Owners of the latest generation iPad can even use it to increase the memory capacity of their tablet.
Measuring 106 x 80 x 50 mm and weighing 103 grams, the disc is a little more opulent than others and seems more suitable for sedentary use.
It comes with two cables: a USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A.
Speeds: up to 1050 MB/s read; 1000 MB/s write. 135 euros (500 GB); 249 euros (1 TB); 409 euros (2 TB).
Our opinion:
Although a little bulkier than other SSDs, this model looks good.
Supplied with two cords of about fifty centimeters, it is suitable for both laptops (Mac and PC) and desktop computers.
If its performance remains classic, LaCie offers a three-year warranty with
Rescue
service included.
Thus, the manufacturer will make sure to recover your data on the faulty device, thus marking the difference with its competitors.
The Traveller: SanDisk's Extreme Portable SSD V2
With its Extreme Portable SSD, Sandisk (96 x 49 x 9 mm) increases the speeds of its classic backup solution.
Complies with the I55 standard, this model is resistant to dust, splashing water, and drops up to 2 meters.
Supplied with a USB-C cable and with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, the device capable of transferring large files in a short time is particularly recommended for photo use.
Speeds: up to 1050 MB/s read; 1000 MB/s write. 89 euros (500 MB); 149 euros (1 TB); 269 euros (2 TB); 626 euros (4 TB).
Our opinion:
In addition to its good technical performance, this external drive has been well designed, with its double hard plastic and soft plastic shell offering good grip and shock absorption.
Its structure is based on recycled aluminium.
The notch for a wrist strap and a carabiner is a plus, although these accessories are absent in the box.
Note a reassuring 5-year warranty, against 2 generally.
The Collector: Seagate's The Mandalorian Drive Special Edition
The manufacturer Seagate celebrates the Star Wars universe with this disc bearing the image of The Mandalorian (14.50 x 80 x 122.5 mm for 176 grams).
For the Force to be with its user, the officially licensed accessory is compatible with all computers, but also PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
It has a USB-3.2 Gen 1 interface.
Debits: not specified. 119 euros (2 TB).
Our opinion:
Notice to fans: in addition to The Mandalorian, this SSD also features Grogu and Boba Fett!
Seagate has particularly succeeded in the design of this storage solution which is also adorned with a blue LED strip at the front when the disk is working.
Despite our requests, the manufacturer did not wish to specify the read/write speeds of his device.
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With memories that can sometimes reach up to 4 TB, certain models of SSD drives are particularly suitable for storing videos, which consume storage space.
For more conventional use, 500 GB can be more than enough.
SSD technology requires, their writing and reading speed has soared and there is little to worry about.
Important however: this speed will also depend on the on-board connectors.
In this regard, USB-C is preferred to go quickly.
Finally, pay attention to the nature and length of the cables provided by the manufacturer.
Some SSD models are sometimes satisfied with the minimum in this area…
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