Essential entered the transportable SSD market comparatively late, with their X6 and X8 PSSDs being the mainstay for a few years. Based mostly on QLC NAND, they had been marketed for read-intensive use-cases, although the beneficiant quantity of SLC cache ended up delivering good write efficiency too for mainstream customers – notably within the X8. Not too long ago, the corporate additionally began specializing in the prosumer / energy customers market with the launch of the X9 Professional and X10 Professional. Based mostly on Micron's 176L 3D TLC NAND, these drives got here with assured write speeds.
Earlier this week, the corporate launched a successor to the Essential X8 in the identical form-factor as that of the lately launched X9 Professional and X10 Professional. The brand new USB 3.2 Gen 2 Essential X9 PSSD takes on the identical 65 x 50mm dimensions, however opts for an ABS plastic enclosure as a substitute of the metallic one used within the Professional models. Much like the X8 that’s being changed, the X9 additionally doesn't promote write speeds and there’s no {hardware} encryption accessible. The lanyard gap is retained from the Professional design, however the LED indicator has been dropped. Whereas the X9 is drop-proof as much as 2m, the water- and dust-resistance options will not be included.
The Essential X9 PSSD makes use of Micron's 176L 3D QLC NAND and retains the Phison U17 native flash controller. The 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capability factors are being launched at $80, $120, and $250, although Amazon presently lists them at $90, $140, and $280 respectively. It’s no secret that there’s a glut within the flash market presently, leading to very enticing (P)SSD value factors for customers. Nevertheless, it is usually well-known that it’s a cyclic pattern. Trade observers anticipate costs to go up someday subsequent yr, and primarily based on stock ranges of assorted fashions with completely different retailers, we would see unusual pricing swings.
The Essential X9 PSSD is a much-needed improve to the growing old X8, and we’re glad that Essential has determined to launch a brand new mannequin as a substitute of silently updating the NAND within the older model. The brand new form-factor and design for this product class can be a welcome change. Essential's expanded product lineup ensures that it’s aggressive towards established gamers like Samsung and Western Digital throughout all high-volume PSSD market segments. The one lacking half is a Thunderbolt / USB4 mannequin, and we hope Essential will tackle that within the close to future.
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