Kingston 64GB DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 Review
Conclusion
Lets put the data transfer rates the Kingston DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 64GB is able to reach into some form of context: there are 2.5" SATA SSDs, still used very effectively in many machines right now, which would struggle to keep up. It's mind-boggling that in so short a time portable flash storage has moved on to these speeds, even using the low-cost USB 3.0 interface.
Performance-wise, the DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 lives up to advertised speeds under what should be judged as optimal conditions, and it doesn't rely on on-the-fly compression to do this. On the other hand, random read/write performance suffers greatly in this form factor; 4K random write performance trails even older mechanical HDDs.
Reduced performance using small file sizes is typical of all storage media but particularly in this drive, and in this case speak to the strengths of the drive: workhorse shunting of large data files from one device to another. Due to this limitation it's not quite suitable as a replacement desktop drive, especially if crunching workloads benefiting from high IOPS.
Our hesitancy in leaving a full-throated endorsement is the necessity for this sort of speed from portable storage. The value for many will be somewhat niche - there aren't too many people who will see a meaningful impact to their productivity by having a >200/100 MB/s read/write USB Drive over USB 2.0 speeds, but those who do will see a massive improvement. Users who swap out hardware and OS frequently will also see a benefit - the drive can comfortably be used as a repository for a mobile Steam installation, though capacity will be tight for many.
Those concerned for USB 3.0 as a standard looking forward can rest easy. The inclusion of USB 3.0 recently on Apple's MacBook Pro and the continued dearth of Thunderbolt-enabled portable storage indicates that the standard is here to stay for the foreseeable future at least, whereas this time last year there were a few questions yet to be addressed.
Without a doubt, the Kingston 64GB DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is Gold Award standard hardware which lives up to the HyperX branding. It's fast, durable, backwards compatible and backed by a 5 year warranty.
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
Lets put the data transfer rates the Kingston DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 64GB is able to reach into some form of context: there are 2.5" SATA SSDs, still used very effectively in many machines right now, which would struggle to keep up. It's mind-boggling that in so short a time portable flash storage has moved on to these speeds, even using the low-cost USB 3.0 interface.
Performance-wise, the DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 lives up to advertised speeds under what should be judged as optimal conditions, and it doesn't rely on on-the-fly compression to do this. On the other hand, random read/write performance suffers greatly in this form factor; 4K random write performance trails even older mechanical HDDs.
Reduced performance using small file sizes is typical of all storage media but particularly in this drive, and in this case speak to the strengths of the drive: workhorse shunting of large data files from one device to another. Due to this limitation it's not quite suitable as a replacement desktop drive, especially if crunching workloads benefiting from high IOPS.
Our hesitancy in leaving a full-throated endorsement is the necessity for this sort of speed from portable storage. The value for many will be somewhat niche - there aren't too many people who will see a meaningful impact to their productivity by having a >200/100 MB/s read/write USB Drive over USB 2.0 speeds, but those who do will see a massive improvement. Users who swap out hardware and OS frequently will also see a benefit - the drive can comfortably be used as a repository for a mobile Steam installation, though capacity will be tight for many.
Those concerned for USB 3.0 as a standard looking forward can rest easy. The inclusion of USB 3.0 recently on Apple's MacBook Pro and the continued dearth of Thunderbolt-enabled portable storage indicates that the standard is here to stay for the foreseeable future at least, whereas this time last year there were a few questions yet to be addressed.
Without a doubt, the Kingston 64GB DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is Gold Award standard hardware which lives up to the HyperX branding. It's fast, durable, backwards compatible and backed by a 5 year warranty.
Pros
+ Speed
+ Durability
+ 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Cons
- Premium speed commands a premium price
+ Speed
+ Durability
+ 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Cons
- Premium speed commands a premium price
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
