Micron has just announced (August 25th, 2020) the release of the Crucial X6, the smaller brother to their previous Crucial X8 Portal SSD released at the end of last year, which in my tests confirmed it was a speedy portable SSD solution in a high-quality enclosure. Also to note,is that the Crucial X8 previously came in only 500GB and 1TB versions, and Crucial has also just released the 2TB version.
The Crucial X6 however, promises speeds that are about half as fast as the X8 at 540MB/s (the X8 is quoted at 1050MB/s), but it’s something like half the size (0.4 in L x 2.71 in W x 2.52 in H) and weighs in at 39 grams/1.4 oz for the 1TB version and 42 grams/1.5 oz for the 2TB version – Wowza, seems like an ultra-portable storage solution to me.
If you’ve been looking for an ultra-portable storage solution that’s both fast and compact – then the Crucial X6 might just be it.
As a part of their press release, Micron states that the Key Benefits of the Crucial X6 are as follows:
- Available in up to 2TB capacities to store all your important files, videos, photos and more
- Read speed up to 540MB/s for 3.8 times faster access to data and files than traditional portable hard drives
- Ultra-compact, lightweight and portable design that works with your favorite devices
- 6.5-foot [2-meter] drop proof, shock and extreme temperature resistant
First, I’m impressed that right out of the gate, Micron hasn’t tried to skimp in terms of available capacities, and they are including both the 1TB and 2TB versions, which is plenty of space for tons of whatever you want to put on it – which could be high-resolution video transfer or a ton of AAA game titles.
I’m not exactly in awe with the quoted transfer speeds being at 540MB/s, but given the fact that this thing is so lightweight, and tiny – especially when compared to other similar portable SSD solutions of this caliber, I think that’ll be just fine.
What excites me the most, is in fact the size and what Micron describes as “approaching weightlessness”, is lightweightness this drive apparently has.
And this is all while claiming that this drive can also survive a 6.5-foot drop on a “carpeted concrete floor”. This is decent, and honestly, I drop my portable drives all the time, so is also reassuring, if proven true. Although what I find funny, is that the Crucial X8 (the bigger, faster brother), is actually quoted as being able to withstand a 7.5-foot drop – do curious why the lighter weight version can’t do that extra foot 😂.
What I look forward to is getting my hand on one of these and when I do, I’ll confirm the quoted speeds of 540MB/s and reporting on the actual quality of the drive. I was impressed with Crucials X8, as it legit feels robust, and performed relatively well when connected to a proper USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C to Type-C port.
Crucial X6 Pricing:
The expected pricing is as follows:
- Crucial X6 2TV: $284.95
- Crucial X6 1TB: $154.95
The Official Release of the Crucial X8 Portable SSD From Micron:
BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 25, 2020 — Crucial, Micron’s global consumer brand of memory and storage, today announced the new Crucial® X6 portable solid-state drive (SSD). This new transportable, ultra-sleek drive expands the company’s award-winning SSD portfolio and offers more value, capacity and performance options, making it perfect for customers who require instant access to all their digital content.
“The need for flexible access to digital content is essential right now — and the Crucial X6 and X8 portable SSDs bring Micron’s unparalleled quality in storage technology directly to customers’ fingertips,” said Teresa Kelley, vice president and general manager of Micron’s Consumer Products Group. “Whether working remotely, staying home with family, preparing for a virtual class, or getting out for an adventure, storing and accessing digital files has never been easier — even without an internet connection or access to the cloud.”
The Crucial X6 delivers impressive performance in a size comparable to most wireless earbud cases and weighs less than a set of keys. It is available in capacities up to 2TB to provide flexible storage solutions based on user needs, without the security risks that come with cloud storage. With read speeds up to 540MB/s, this tiny drive performs 3.8 times faster than most portable hard drives. The Crucial X6 is durable too; it is drop-proof up to 6.5 feet and resistant to shock, vibration and extreme temperatures.
The X6 is compatible with the latest USB-C devices: PC, Mac, iPad Pro, Android and more. When used with the Crucial USB-C to USB-A adapter, the X6 also works with PS4, Xbox One and other USB-A devices. This lightweight drive is an ideal solution for storing massive photo libraries, files, games and movie collections in a compact, portable device.
All Crucial SSDs are designed and built with the same Micron quality and engineering innovation that has produced some of the world’s most advanced memory and storage technologies for more than 40 years. Additionally, award-winning Crucial SSDs undergo thousands of hours of Micron pre-release validation and extensive qualification testing before market release. For more information, visit crucial.com/X6.
