Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s Read – PC and Mac, Lightweight and small with 3-month Mylio Photos+ Offer – USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive – CT2000X9SSD902
The Crucial X9 is a remarkable external SSD that packs impressive performance and durability into an incredibly small form factor. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade from traditional hard drives or older SSDs, offering a perfect blend of speed, portability, and reliability.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
Image credit: Crucial X9
The Crucial X9 Pro is designed to deliver high-performance storage in a compact package. One of its standout features is its impressive transfer speeds, reaching up to 1050 MB/s. This is achieved through its use of USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, which allows for fast data transfer rates essential for handling large files or performing backups quickly. The drive’s compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A ports means it can work seamlessly with a wide range of devices, though users with only USB-A ports will need an adapter.
Another notable feature is its rugged design. The X9 Pro is built with an IP55 rating, which signifies its resistance to dust and water spray. This makes it a reliable choice for users who need to transport their data in various environments without worrying about exposure to the elements. Additionally, the drive is drop-proof up to 7.5 feet, enhancing its durability and reliability in case of accidental drops.
The X9 Pro also supports 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption, providing a robust layer of security for sensitive data. This encryption ensures that your files are protected from unauthorized access, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize data security. Furthermore, the drive is preformatted with exFAT, making it compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and even gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Crucial has equipped the X9 Pro with a simple yet effective status LED indicator and a convenient lanyard hole, adding to its user-friendly design. The LED indicator allows users to easily check the drive’s status at a glance, while the lanyard hole provides an easy way to attach the drive to a keychain or bag, reducing the risk of misplacing it.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: Crucial X9
The Crucial X9 is designed with portability in mind. Its dimensions of just 2.6 by 2 inches and a thickness of 0.3 inches make it one of the most compact external SSDs available. Despite its small size, the X9 is built with durability in mind, featuring an anodized aluminum casing that is both sturdy and lightweight.
The drive’s matte-gray finish and sleek design are complemented by a black rubberized base, which helps it stay in place. The design also includes a small status LED indicator, which is subtly integrated into the casing. One of the standout features is the drive’s rugged construction, which includes a drop-proof rating and some resistance to water and dust. However, it is worth noting that it doesn’t offer complete water submersion protection.
Power & Performance
Image credit: Crucial X9
When it comes to performance, the Crucial X9 Pro excels with its high-speed data transfer capabilities. In real-world tests, it consistently delivers impressive speeds, with sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 1050 MB/s. This is especially beneficial for tasks such as transferring large video files, running backups, or managing extensive photo libraries. The drive’s performance is notably superior to traditional mechanical hard drives, which often struggle with the high-speed demands of modern data use.
The X9 Pro’s performance is driven by its use of NVMe technology, which is known for its fast read and write speeds compared to older SATA-based SSDs. This technology helps reduce latency and provides quicker access to stored files, contributing to a more efficient workflow for users who frequently handle large amounts of data.
Benchmarks reveal that the X9 Pro performs well in both synthetic and real-world tests. It achieved competitive scores in CrystalDiskMark and BlackMagic Disk Speed Test, showcasing its ability to handle both sequential and random read/write operations efficiently. The drive’s performance in the PCMark 10 Storage test also indicates its suitability for a wide range of everyday tasks, including booting up applications and transferring files.
One of the key advantages of the X9 Pro is its consistent performance even under heavy load. This is crucial for users who require reliable storage for demanding applications or extensive data transfers. While it may not reach the peak speeds of higher-end models like the Crucial X10 Pro, the X9 Pro offers a balanced combination of speed and affordability, making it a great choice for most users who need a dependable external SSD.
Compatibility & Connectivity
Image credit: Crucial X9
The Crucial X9 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. It works seamlessly with modern laptops and desktops that have USB-C ports. For those using older devices with USB-A ports, a USB-C to USB-A adapter is necessary. While the drive comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, it lacks a USB-A adapter, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
The X9 is formatted in exFAT, allowing it to work across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. This cross-platform compatibility makes it a versatile choice for users who need a drive that can be used with different types of devices without additional formatting.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Crucial X9?
The Crucial X9 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, high-performance external SSD. Its combination of portability, speed, and durability makes it ideal for a wide range of uses, from everyday file transfers to more demanding tasks like video editing and backups. While it may not offer the fastest speeds available, its performance is more than sufficient for most users’ needs.
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-designed SSD that delivers solid performance and durability at a reasonable price, the Crucial X9 is highly recommended. It’s especially suitable for users who prioritize portability and need a drive that can handle various file types and devices. For those who require the highest possible speeds and advanced features like encryption, considering the Crucial X10 Pro might be worthwhile. However, for most users, the Crucial X9 strikes a perfect balance of performance and value.
