Phison U18: A Reliable and Performance-Driven SSD Solution for Your Needs

In a nutshell, Sabrent is killing it in the internal and external SSD market with their speedy products, backed by a strong relationship with Phison, the Taiwanese controller manufacturer. I took a closer look at their Rocket nano V2 2TB external SSD to see if it can outdo its competitors in this saturated market.

Let’s dive in. This 2GBps-class drive boasts an impressive 50g weight and rugged metal construction, making it robust and durable. With aluminum on the outside and silicon on the inside, the Rocket nano V2 stands out in terms of looks and feels premium. Under the hood, Phison U18 native controller does the heavy lifting, paired with 128L 3D TLC NAND from SK hynix. Yes, it also supports S.M.A.R.T passthrough and Trim commands!

Now, the million-dollar question: performance. The Sabrent Rocket nano V2 crushes it, delivering speeds ranging from 800-1050 MBps for small and large files. Mind you, this is just in a controlled lab environment. But what about power consumption and thermal design?

On the power front, Sabrent’s drive shines bright, with only minimal deviations in power draw as you’d expect. On the thermal side, Phison’s U18 takes care of business, running hot only briefly before slowing down. The silicone cover and aluminum body help in keeping the drive at an optimal temperature.

As it turns out, Sabrent’s drive excels where most others falter. Its sustained write speeds maintain an impressive 800-900 MBps even in worst-case scenarios. By comparison, the PNY EliteX-PRO chokes at around 450 MBps after 5 minutes of sustained writes! And while the drive falls short on power management with longer idle times, its sleep mode kicks in reasonably fast.

So, would I recommend the Sabrent Rocket nano V2 to enthusiasts and power users looking for a reliable and efficient 2GBps-class portable SSD? Absolutely, with a few caveats. It’s worth opting for if you value peak performance and thermal efficiency during prolonged use. On the flip side, those demanding lower power consumption or improved burst performance might find an alternative like the Crucial X10 Pro or Lexar ARMOR 700 a better fit.

Before you buy, here are the details: Sabrent Rocket nano V2 (2TB) – 72.4 mm x 32.5 mm x 14.5 mm, 50 grams (without cable), supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and costs $182.

Overall, Sabrent’s Rocket nano V2 proves to be an intriguing contender in the market for portable SSDs, demonstrating remarkable consistency and power performance while being relatively affordable. It’s definitely worth consideration if you’re shopping in this class.