[Hardware] Crucial X9 Pro Review

[Aronus]

The Crucial X9 Pro (starts at $89.99; $129.99 for 2TB as tested) has most everything users might look for in an external SSD: a compact and lightweight frame that's also sturdy, capacities up to 4TB, 256-bit hardware-based encryption, and good benchmark results. While the X9 Pro lacks the raw speed of the Editors' Choice-winning Crucial X10 Pro, which is geared to videographers and creative types, it doesn't require special hardware to get the most out of it, and it comes in at a lower price. That makes it a better choice for most users, and it earns its own Editors' Choice award as a general-purpose solid-state drive.

A USB-C port resides in the middle of one of the X9 Pro's short ends, and a very short USB-C-to-USB-C cable is included. The X9 Pro supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, and should be compatible with most any laptop or desktop computer with a USB-C or USB-A port. (For the latter, you'll need a C-to-A adapter plug or cable.) The Crucial X10 Pro supports the faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard, but to avail yourself of its blazing throughput you will need either a compatible computer (few models, even recent ones, are), or to add a Gen 2x2 expansion card. Check out our USB-C explainer for more on the differences between the USB interfaces.

The X9 Pro comes in capacities ranging up to 4TB. Many Gen 2 external SSDs, such as the Editors' Choice-winning Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch and the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield, max out at 2TB, while the SK Hynix Beetle X31 is limited to 1TB.

 

 

Crucial X9 Pro Review | PCMag