SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review

SK Hynix Beetle X31 10Gb/s USB SSD Review

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD enters the storage market with a set of specifications that aim to cater to the mid-range consumer segment. This review sets out to provide an objective analysis of the drive’s performance, build quality, and overall value proposition. More than just the look of the thing, we will also cover benchmark tests including ATTO Disk Benchmark and Crystal Disk Mark, which simulate various usage scenarios to gauge the drive’s capabilities. With a focus on the drive’s advertised sequential read and write speeds, capacity options, and design features, the review will offer potential users a clear perspective on how the Beetle X31 stands against its contemporaries in the current SSD market.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD meets its advertised speed performance, with a design that is both compact and aesthetically pleasing. However, its storage capacity tops out at 1TB and it carries a three-year warranty, which may not be competitive with other market offerings that provide more storage and longer protection plans. In essence, while the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD is a solid performer with a distinctive design, its appeal may be tempered by its capacity limitations and shorter warranty period when compared to other SSDs in its class.

BUILD QUALITY - /10

HARDWARE - /10

PERFORMANCE - /10

PRICE - /10

VALUE - /10

0.0

PROS

CONS

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SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Design

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 distinguishes itself in the portable SSD market with its unique design and compact size. The device features a Gold finish, offering a visually appealing alternative to the more common black and silver tones of external SSDs. This choice of color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also gives the device a distinct identity in a crowded market.

Regarding its dimensions, the Beetle X31 measures 74 X 46 X 14.8 mm, making it quite portable and easy to carry. The weight of 53g, while light, provides a sense of durability and quality. This balance of size and weight is practical for users who need to transport the device regularly, without compromising on build quality.

The hardware interface of the Beetle X31 is a notable feature. It incorporates a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, supporting up to 10Gbps transfer speed. This technical specification ensures that the drive can handle high-speed data transfers efficiently, catering to needs such as large file handling and quick data access. The interface’s compatibility with a broad range of devices highlights the drive’s adaptability for various professional and personal usage scenarios.

The drive is also designed with durability in mind. It is capable of withstanding a drop from up to 2 meters, and it has been tested for shock and vibration resistance. These features indicate a focus on making the Beetle X31 a reliable option for users who might use the drive in different physical conditions, ensuring data protection under various circumstances.

Overall, the SK Hynix Beetle X31 combines a distinctive design with practical hardware specifications. Its compact size, aesthetic appeal, high-speed interface, and durability features make it a solid choice in the portable SSD category, meeting the requirements of users looking for both performance and portability.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Hardware

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD is an impressive blend of cutting-edge technology and robust design. Launched on June 21st, 2023, and active in production, this solid-state drive offers a substantial storage capacity of 1 TB (1024 GB), with an overprovisioning of 70.3 GB (7.4%), aimed at the consumer market. Its part number, SKHPU3-001T, is a nod to its position in SK Hynix’s lineup of storage solutions, and it currently available at $69 for the 512GB version and $89 for the 1TB version, presenting a competitive option in the SSD market.

Category	Specification
General
Capacity	1 TB, 512 GB
Color	Gold
Model Names	SKHPU3-512G (512GB), SKHPU3-001T (1TB)
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
Operating Voltage	5V
Operating Current	1.5A
Dimensions	74 x 46 x 14.8 mm
Weight	53g
Launch Price	1TB: $89.99, 512GB: $69.99
Production/Assembly	South Korea / Malaysia
Performance
Sequential Read	Up to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential Write	Up to 1,000 MB/s
Reliability
Drop	2 meters
Temperature (Operating)	0℃ to 40℃
Temperature (Non-operating)	-40℃ to 60℃
Shock (Non-operating)	1500G, 0.5ms, 6-axis
Vibration (Non-operating)	20~2000Hz, 20G
Controller
Manufacturer	SK Hynix
Name	Cepheus 2 ACNT038
Architecture	ARM 32-bit Cortex-R
Core Count	Dual-Core
Foundry	TSMC FinFET
Process	12 nm
Flash Channels	4 @ 1,400 MT/s
Chip Enables	4
DRAM (enabled)	Yes
NAND Flash
Manufacturer	SK Hynix
Name	V6
Type	TLC
Technology	128-layer
Speed	1200 MT/s
Capacity	1 chip @ 8 Tbit
Endurance	Up to 3000 P/E Cycles
DRAM Cache
Type	LPDDR4
Capacity	Not specified
Warranty
Length	3 Years

At the core of the Beetle X31’s performance is the SK Hynix Cepheus 2 ACNT038 controller. This controller is based on a dual-core ARM 32-bit Cortex-R architecture, produced using TSMC’s 12 nm FinFET process. This modern manufacturing process contributes to the controller’s efficiency and reliability. The controller operates with four flash channels at 1,400 MT/s and supports four chip enables. Notably, it features enabled DRAM, indicating the presence of a cache that aids in speeding up data access and transfer processes.

The bridge chip controller of the Beetle X31 is the ASMedia ASM2364, another crucial component contributing to its performance. This controller, also based on an ARM 32-bit architecture, connects via a USB-C connector and facilitates the downstream PCIe 3.0 x4 port and the upstream USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps port. This setup ensures that the SSD is capable of handling high-speed data transfers, making it suitable for applications requiring quick data access and large file transfers.

The NAND flash in the Beetle X31 is manufactured by SK Hynix and is named V6. This TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash utilizes 128-layer technology and operates at a speed of 1200 MT/s. The capacity per chip is impressive, at 8 Tbit, which translates to 16 dies per chip at 512 Gbit each. The design of this NAND flash incorporates a charge trap topology, with each die having four planes and two decks. The efficiency of this setup is highlighted by its 87.1% vertical efficiency and an endurance of up to 3000 Program/Erase (P/E) cycles. The page size is 16 KB, with a block size of 1536 pages and a plane size of 722 blocks.

While the exact capacity of the LPDDR4 DRAM cache in the Beetle X31 is not specified, its presence is a critical factor in the SSD’s performance, particularly in enhancing data retrieval speeds and overall responsiveness. The SSD boasts impressive performance metrics with sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. These speeds indicate the drive’s ability to handle intensive read and write operations efficiently, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from professional content creation to high-end gaming.

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD also includes an SLC (Single-Level Cell) write cache, which enhances its performance under heavy write loads. The durability and reliability of the SSD are further bolstered by its 3-year warranty, providing users with confidence in its long-term performance and stability. The SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD is an advanced storage device that combines state-of-the-art internal hardware with practical design elements. Its sophisticated controller architecture, high-performance NAND flash technology, DRAM caching, and solid endurance and warranty terms make it a standout choice in the SSD market, particularly for users who value both speed and reliability in their data storage solutions.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Performance

In order to evaluate the prowess of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD, we turned to industry-standard benchmarks—ATTO Disk Benchmark and Crystal Disk Mark. These tests are designed to push the drive to its limits, providing a comprehensive picture of its read and write capabilities across a spectrum of file sizes, from the minutiae of 512 bytes to the heft of 64 MB files. With this rigorous testing, we aim to uncover not only the peak performance figures but also the consistency and reliability of the drive across varying workloads.

The benchmarks mirror real-world scenarios, ranging from gaming environments to large file transfers, offering potential users insight into how the drive might perform in their day-to-day tasks.

After extensive testing, the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD has demonstrated a solid performance that aligns well with its advertised capabilities. The sequential read and write speeds closely approached the 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s marks, respectively, underlining the drive’s proficiency in handling large data transfers efficiently. Even under diverse file sizes and testing conditions, the drive showed commendable endurance and maintained a stable thermal profile, a testament to its well-engineered thermal management system. The benchmark results corroborate the drive’s potential for varied applications, confirming its suitability for users with high-performance demands. The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD stands out as a reliable option for those seeking a blend of speed, durability, and consistent output in their storage solutions.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Verdict

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD has undergone thorough testing and was remarkably consistent (for a USB drive!). The drive consistently achieved near its advertised peak speeds for sequential reads and writes. This performance is adequate for typical usage scenarios such as file transfers and media consumption. The design of the drive is compact and features a Champagne Gold finish, which could be appealing from an aesthetic standpoint. On the other hand, the drive is currently available with a maximum storage capacity of 1TB. While this may be sufficient for average users, it could be restrictive for those with larger data storage requirements. Additionally, the warranty provided is for three years, which, while standard for some, may be less than what is offered by competing brands. The performance metrics, although solid, do not particularly set the drive apart in a market where higher capacities and longer warranties are becoming more common.

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD delivers acceptable performance that aligns with its specifications. It is a competent SSD with an attractive design, suitable for users who require moderate storage capacity and transfer speeds. However, its limitations in storage capacity and warranty duration are points that potential buyers should consider in comparison to other available options.

PROs of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD	CONs of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD
– Achieves advertised sequential read and write speeds – Consistent performance across a range of file sizes – Compact and visually distinctive design	– Limited to a maximum of 1TB storage capacity – Warranty period is three years, potentially less than competitors – Relative value may be diminished compared to drives with similar specs but better warranties or prices

 

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