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Many factors can affect the performance of an external drive including the connection, the cable, and the host computer.
An important fact to remember is that the data transfer will go as fast as the slowest device. This means that data transfers can be slowed down by a host's internal drive, HDD or SSD, if it does not match the performance of a fast external SSD.
Another common factor of slow performance relates to the file size or file type. Data transfer rates of small files are usually slower than speeds achieved while transferring large files.
This article will list some of the performance restraints of different environments.
| Host | Processor Type | Interface | Interface name | Connector | Rugged Mini Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Computer | Any | USB 40 Gbps | USB4 Gen 3×2 | USB-C | 1050 or 2000 MB/s |
| Windows Computer | Any | USB 20 Gbps |
USB4 Gen 2×2 |
USB-C | 1050 or 2000 MB/s |
| Windows Computer | Any | USB 10 Gbps |
USB 3.1 |
USB-C USB Type-A |
1050 MB/s |
| Windows Computer | Any | USB 5 Gbps |
USB 3.0 |
USB-C USB Type-A |
500 MB/s |
| All Mac Models' USB-C ports (2016 and later) | Intel x86 and Apple (Mx) |
Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps |
N/A N/A USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
USB-C | 1000 MB/s or 500 MB/s |
| All Mac Models' USB-A ports | Intel x86 | USB 5 Gbps |
USB 3.0 |
USB Type-A | 500 MB/s |
How to get the best performance:
Use the USB-C cable that shipped with the drive. That cable is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 capable and is a length that will support the full transfer rate and power of the drive. Many USB-C cables may be longer, but they often use other standards that can reduce transfer rates or prevent proper power delivery to the drive. If you use another USB-C cable, it must support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 transfer rates and power delivery.
Plug into a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Look for a logo that indicates USB 20Gbps. If the USB port is not labeled with a speed, then refer to the computer’s manual or specifications to determine the speed of each USB-C port. Keep in mind that different ports on the computer may operate at different speeds, so the location of the port is important when reviewing the computer manual. Note: Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB 40Gbps ports list that they can go up to 40Gbps. However, most of them do not support 20Gbps devices like Rugged Mini SSD. Instead, you can experience transfer rates up to 10Gbps.
Plug directly into the main computer. If using a USB hub or dock, then all devices on that dock or hub will be sharing bandwidth. Keep in mind that if your monitor is running the display off USB then it will also be sharing that bandwidth. Therefore, consider plugging the Rugged Mini SSD directly to the computer and not into USB ports on the monitor if you are looking for optimum performance.
Do not use USB Type A ports. USB Type A ports and cables only support up to 10 Gbps, even if it is USB 3.2. Please keep in mind that a USB-C port compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB 20 Gbps) will provide optimum performance.
Reminder: Be sure to use the appropriate cable for the host interface.
For example, a USB 3.0 cable is necessarily limited to slower USB 3.0 transfer rates. Also, confirm you are using a cable meant for transferring data. Some USB-C charging cables cannot transfer data and those that do run at USB 2.0 speeds (480 MB/s).
