Lexar SL500 2TB Portable SSD Review

1. Introduction2. Lexar SL500 2TB3. ATTO/CrystalDiskMark/AS SSD4. Throughput5. PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark6. Import / Export7. Real Life File Transfers8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

Lexar's latest addition to their range of external SSDs is the SL500 Portable, aimed at mainstream photographers, creators and other professionals. It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 X2 interface for fast data transfers and retails for under £180 here in the UK.

Small enough to fit comfortably in the hand, Lexar's SL500 Portable comes in just two capacities (at the time of writing); 2TB (the drive we are reviewing here) and a 1TB drive. A flagship 4TB model is due sometime in Q2. It's powered by a Silicon Motion SM2320 controller running at its full USB 3.2 Gen2 x 2 speed, 20Gbps but Lexar hasn't disclosed what NAND is in the drive.

Lexar rates the drive as up to 2,000MB/s for reads and up to 1,800MB/s for writes. The drive supports 256-but AES encryption which Lexar makes use of with their DataShield software that is bundled with the drive.

Lexar backs the drive with a 5-year warranty.

Physical Specifications:

• Usable Capacities: 2TB
• NAND Components: n/s.
• NAND Controller: Silicon Motion SM2320.
• Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2 x 2 speed (20Gbps).
• Form Factor: external.
• Dimensions: 85 x 54 x 7.8mm.
• Drive Weight: 43g.

Firmware Version: 1000

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