The SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 is the fastest USB flash drive out there, and it comes with an inspiring design and innovative features like 128 bit encryption that will attract a lot of people who like to keep their data secure.
Design, Features
The entire body of the SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 is made of plastic. Measuring 0.54 x 0.8 x 2.75 inches, it weighs 0.5 ounces. Our review unit came with massive 128 GB capacity. While you can flash it in any file system format, we suggest going with the FAT 32 as only then you will enjoy its encryption software’s Mac OS X compatibility. SanDisk also offers 2 gigabytes of free online storage.
Encryption via SanDisk Secure Access
The flash drive maker has included a copy of Secure Access that offers password protection and secure partition with 128 bit AES encryption. Mac users will have to download it from SanDisk’s website since only windows version is included on disk.
Benchmarks and Performance
To enjoy the full USB 3.0 speeds, you must be using a computer that has USB 3.0. As you can see in aforementioned screenshot of Crystal disk mark, we see it hitting 260 MB/s read and 245 MB/s write speeds. SanDisk claims 260 MB/s and 240 MB/s read and write speeds, so the claims are totally legit.
Extreme Pro 3.0 vs Extreme 3.0
SanDisk claims that the Extreme 3.0 will achieve 170 MBps write speed and 190 MBps read, but in our tests we got 110 MBps write and 105 MBps read which are not shabby in any manner. However, Extreme Pro speeds are much, much better.
In comparison to the other USB 3.0 drives, Kingston Data Traveler Ultimate 3.0 and Flash Voyager GT, SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.0 was the clear winner.
So what is missing?
Linux compatibility – While the flash drive is compatible with Linux operating systems, the encryption app is not.
Bloat ware – There is no need to bundle a 60 day McAfee Internet Security suite, GoToMyPC, RoboForm Password Manager, Club SanDisk and an eBay sidebar tool for Internet Explorer on the drive.
SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 Review Summary
The SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.0 USB Flash Drive is the fastest one that we have ever reviewed and it is must have for anyone who wants to secure his data. It has really set the standard for what one should expect from a technology in 2014.