Computers

Lightning-fast GigaDrive SSD boasts read/write speeds of 2,800 MB/s

Lightning-fast GigaDrive SSD boasts read/write speeds of 2,800 MB/s
GigaDrive is an SSD with read and write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s
GigaDrive is an SSD with read and write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s
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GigaDrive is an SSD with read and write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s
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GigaDrive is an SSD with read and write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s
The GigaDrive SSD is encased in an aluminum shell that conducts heat away, and provides an IP67 protection rating against dust, water and shock
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The GigaDrive SSD is encased in an aluminum shell that conducts heat away, and provides an IP67 protection rating against dust, water and shock
The GigaDrive can plug into a range of devices, including cameras for speedy photo and video storage
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The GigaDrive can plug into a range of devices, including cameras for speedy photo and video storage
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In this world overflowing with data and content, external solid state drives are becoming more and more necessary. Thankfully they’re also getting faster, as demonstrated by a new SSD called GigaDrive that boasts read and write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s thanks to its architecture and Thunderbolt 4- and USB4-compatible port.

As far as external drives go, the GigaDrive looks pretty good. It’s nice and small, measuring only 114 x 37 x 12.5 mm and weighing just 74 g (2.6 oz). It comes in 1 TB, 2 TB or 4 TB models, so there’s plenty of space. And it’s wrapped in a sturdy aluminum shell, which the company claims is resistant to shocks, water and dust with its IP67 rating. Apparently that casing also helps it conduct heat and prevent overheating.

The GigaDrive SSD is encased in an aluminum shell that conducts heat away, and provides an IP67 protection rating against dust, water and shock
The GigaDrive SSD is encased in an aluminum shell that conducts heat away, and provides an IP67 protection rating against dust, water and shock

But the biggest selling point is its lightning-fast read and write speeds, clocking in at up to 2,800 MB/s in both regards. GigaDrive chalks these up to a combination of factors – it’s built on the NVMe M.2 architecture, and packs a DRAM cache chip that pre-processes where it will store data in a new transfer.

The drive is also tapping into two next-generation connections, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, which both have higher bandwidth, allowing the faster transfer speeds. While there still aren’t all that many devices with the new ports, the beauty is that it’s still the same connector, so it’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and most other USB-C devices.

GigaDrive claims it’s the “world’s fastest” external SSD, which may technically be true but isn’t entirely unheard of either. The average still seems to hover around 500 MB/s, but existing devices like Samsung’s Portable X5 have also managed read speeds of 2,800 MB/s. Write speeds are usually harder to bump up of course, so maybe that specifically is where GigaDrive is claiming the record.

Either way, the GigaDrive looks like a decent little SSD. It may not necessarily be as revolutionary as it wants to be, but all of its features mean it could be a good option for expanding storage on a laptop, desktop, or your shiny new PlayStation 5. Or it could plug into a high-end camera and quickly store your photos and video in the field.

The GigaDrive can plug into a range of devices, including cameras for speedy photo and video storage
The GigaDrive can plug into a range of devices, including cameras for speedy photo and video storage

The GigaDrive is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo, where it’s already smashed its US$15,000 goal, raising over $115,000 with 40 days remaining on the campaign. Pledges start at $149 for the 1 TB model, $209 for 2 TB and $349 for 4 TB. If all goes to plan, shipping is set to begin in July 2021.

Check it out in the video below.

Gigadrive: The fastest external SSD in the world.

Source: Indiegogo

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4 comments
4 comments
Lamar Havard
Think I'll get one to bypass my old iMac's SDD!
Kevin Ritchey
It’s a cool device but needs to envision the speed at which prices change so quickly with memory. By the time it’s delivered, will it already be close to competitive needs of the consumer?
sidmehta
Now all I need is a new laptop and new camera that can take advantage of these speeds!
Beluga
Based on currently price of TB3 SSD Samsung X5 (2TB @ $596), the GigaDrive's price for same capacity is very attractive:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Portable-SSD-Thunderbolt-MU-PB1T0B/dp/B07GBTY82P

MSRP based on Indiegogo is $440 for 2TB model when it reaches market, but during early bird campaign it is reduced to $219. Definitely an early adopter/founder price, but I think when it goes on sale should still be competitive because there are currently 0 TB 4/USB 4 SSD's? Let me know if you find any others.