In the latest review on our channel, we’re diving into uncharted territory with a detailed examination of the Rogueware EX100M, a portable SSD offering 1 TB and 500 GB capacities. Portable SSDs share similarities with their hard-drive counterparts, making it crucial to evaluate design, specifications, and performance. Let’s break down the key aspects of this device.
Design: Compact and Convenient
The Rogueware EX 100M impresses with its small and lightweight design, weighing a mere 42 grams. Its compact form factor easily fits into pockets, making it a highly portable storage solution. Equipped with blue LED indicators on the front, users can quickly assess the SSD’s operational status. The design stands out for its compact design, but its small form factor can be dangerous – a point driven home by a near-laundry mishap!
Specifications: USB 3.2 Interface
Spec-wise, the device operates on a USB 3.2 interface, bundled with a standard USB to USB-C cable and a USB to USB-C converter. While the use of USB 3.2 might seem excessive given the device’s maximum read and write speeds of 550 and 500 respectively, this could be attributed to factors like cost savings or surplus USB 3.2 interfaces. Internally, the SSD features a 3D TLC NAND flash and a basic controller.
Performance: Exceeding Expectations
Venturing into performance metrics, the RogueWare EX 100M delivered beyond its promises. Crystal Peak Performance recorded an impressive 568 MB/s read and 512 MB/s write, surpassing the stated specifications. Real-world tests remained consistent, with 539 MB/s read and 486 MB/s write.
In-depth performance testing covered 4K random read/write speeds, IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), and various benchmark scores. The SSD demonstrated stability and reliability, highlighted by a PassMark overall score of 749 and an average bandwidth of 121 MB/s.
Nuanced Performance: Empty vs. Full Drive Testing
Detailed testing explored the nuances of performance, comparing results when the drive was empty versus full. Interestingly, the device exhibited stable performance regardless of capacity utilization in benchmarks, with slight differences in average read speeds. However, when physically transferring files, the drop in performance was noticeable as the drive started to fill up.
Real-World Application: Variable Transfer Rates
File transfer tests revealed variable transfer rates, indicating occasional discrepancies between tests. Despite these fluctuations, the RogueWare EX 100M’s overall performance remained satisfactory, especially given its price point.
Detailed Test Results:
- Crystal Peak Performance:
- Read: 568 MB/s
- Write: 512 MB/s
- Real-World Performance:
- Read: 539 MB/s
- Write: 486 MB/s
- Performance Test:
- Read: 533 MB/s
- Write: 495 MB/s
- 4K Random Read/Write (Crystal Disk Peak):
- Read: 130 MB/s
- Write: 176 MB/s
- 4K Random Read/Write (Real World):
- Read: 27 MB/s
- Write: 40 MB/s
- IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second):
- Peak Performance (Crystal Disk):
- Read: 31,676
- Write: 43,004
- Real World:
- Read: 6,747
- Write: 9,797
- Additional Statistics:
- PassMark Average Bandwidth: 121 MB/s
- Heat under stress: 62 Degrees
- PassMark Average Access Time: 226 milliseconds (Full)
- PassMark Overall Score: 749 (Empty)
- Performance Test Overall Score: 3741
- Miscellaneous Information:
- Terabytes Written: Not available
- Estimated Lifespan: About 1.5 million hours
- Price per Gig: Approximately 1 Rand
Conclusion: Exceptional Value at an Affordable Price
The RogueWare EX 100M emerges as a compelling option in the portable SSD market. Priced below R1,000, it competes strongly with occasional drops to R999 or R959. This becomes especially significant when considering the current market trend of 1 TB portable hard drives priced between R1199 and R1299. On paper, the RogueWare EX 100M presents an enticing alternative to traditional hard drives.
In summary, this portable SSD delivers consistent performance at a highly competitive price point. While suggestions for improvement include a potential downgrade to USB 3.0 for cost-effectiveness and enhanced controller stability, these considerations are overshadowed by the exceptional value offered by the RogueWare EX100M. It’s a commendable choice for users seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient storage solution.
