The Addlink P21 external SSD offers impressive 20Gbps performance without emptying your wallet. This review dives into its features, performance benchmarks, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right portable drive for your needs.
Addlink P21: Features and Design
The Addlink P21 is a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) external SSD leveraging NVMe technology for its internal speed. Inside, it utilizes a Phison P27T controller, a DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 solution that utilizes your system’s memory for caching. It features modern 162-layer TLC NAND, which contributes to its sustained performance.
Encased in a sleek, midnight-blue aluminum shell, the P21 measures approximately 4.5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick, weighing a mere 1.9 ounces. Its design is a definite step up from the average portable SSD.
One unique feature is the button-activated slide-out tray housing the electronics and NVMe SSD. This is more common in DIY enclosures and adds a touch of customization not often seen in pre-populated drives.
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The P21 comes with a five-year warranty, but a relatively low 300TBW (terabytes written) rating, roughly half of what’s typically seen with TLC SSDs and more in line with QLC drives.
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Addlink P21: Pricing and Availability
The Addlink P21 comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. While the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are competitive for 20Gbps drives, online retailers like Amazon often offer them at discounted prices. However, the recent emergence of USB4 drives has significantly impacted pricing in this category.
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It’s worth noting that while 20Gbps speeds are excellent, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports are not ubiquitous. Furthermore, this standard can drop to 10Gbps on many Thunderbolt ports, unlike USB4.
Addlink P21: Performance Analysis
While not the absolute fastest 20Gbps SSD on the market, the Addlink P21 delivers solid performance, placing respectably among its competitors. In synthetic benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark 8, it demonstrates excellent sequential read and write speeds.
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Real-world file transfer tests show strong performance, although folder read speeds could be improved. The 1TB model’s secondary cache is smaller than some 2TB competitors, leading to a write speed reduction to around 650-850MBps after sustained writing. However, even under heavy load, the P21 maintains a consistent speed, thanks to the capabilities of modern TLC NAND.
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Should You Buy the Addlink P21?
The Addlink P21 is a compelling option for those seeking a balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. Despite its lower TBW rating, it offers good value, especially at discounted prices. However, consider the availability of 20Gbps ports on your devices and the increasingly competitive USB4 market before making a decision.
