Introducing the Samsung T9: The Fastest Portable SSD with Advanced USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Technology

Samsung has recently launched its T9 Portable Solid State Drive (SSD), a remarkable advancement in the realm of portable storage solutions. The T9 stands out with its ultra-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, enabling it to achieve impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. This speed is approximately double that of its predecessor, the T7, allowing for significantly quicker data transfers. For example, a 4GB video can be transferred in just about two seconds, which is a game-changer for content creators who deal with large files like high-resolution photos and 4K videos.

In terms of design, the T9 combines style with practicality. It features a durable, rugged build that can withstand drops up to three meters, ensuring the safety of your data. The drive is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for those who need powerful storage on the go. It’s about the size of a credit card and weighs just 122 grams.

The T9 comes in various storage capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options, catering to different storage needs. Its compatibility is broad, working seamlessly with devices across different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Android, as well as with other tech devices like gaming consoles and high-resolution cameras.

Samsung has also incorporated its Dynamic Thermal Guard technology in the T9, which effectively manages heat to maintain performance and prevent overheating. This feature is particularly important for heavy-duty tasks like transferring large volumes of data or extended use.

For added security and management, the T9 is compatible with the Samsung Magician software, a comprehensive tool that allows users to monitor drive health, perform firmware updates, and ensure data security through AES 256-bit hardware encryption.

The T9 was released globally on October 3, 2023, and is available in a sleek black color. It’s priced at $139.99 for the 1TB model, $239.99 for the 2TB version, and $439.99 for the 4TB version. Each purchase includes both USB Type-C to USB Type-C and USB Type-A to USB Type-C cables, providing flexibility for different connectivity needs.

In essence, the Samsung T9 Portable SSD is a powerful, efficient, and versatile storage solution that caters to the growing demands of professional content creators and anyone in need of fast, reliable, and capacious portable storage.

USB 3.2 Gen1? USB 3.2 Gen2x2? Can’t tell the difference between USB types?

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has revised its naming conventions for USB technologies to address the confusion caused by the previous naming system. The new system is more straightforward, focusing on the data transfer speed of the USB technology rather than using generation numbers and “SuperSpeed” designations. For example, what was once referred to as USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 is now simply USB 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 has become USB 20Gbps. This change aims to make it easier for consumers and professionals to understand and differentiate between the various USB technologies based on their performance capabilities. Despite the shift to this simpler naming system, some of the older naming conventions may still be used in the market.

20Gbps high-speed transmission, 3-meter drop resistance | Samsung T9 mobile solid-state drive unboxing

The Samsung T9 is an advanced portable SSD utilizing a USB-C 20Gbps interface, offering significantly enhanced speeds compared to its predecessor, the T7. It features sequential read speeds of up to 2000MB/s and write speeds of 1950MB/s for the 1TB/2TB models, and 2000MB/s for the 4TB model. This results in noticeably faster transfer times for large files. The T9 boasts a non-removable silicone casing with a carbon fiber-like texture, offering improved dust resistance and durability, including a 3-meter drop test endurance, but lacks waterproof capabilities. Compatible with multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, PS5, and Xbox, it comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, supporting UASP mode for enhanced transfer efficiency and AES 256-bit hardware encryption for security.

USB-C 20Gbps | Samsung T9 mobile solid-state drive performance and temperature measurement

When using the Samsung T9 SSD with its USB-C 20Gbps interface, it’s important to note that lower-end computers with Type-C ports may only support 5Gbps or 10Gbps. This means they won’t be able to fully utilize the T9’s performance capabilities. To achieve the best performance, the T9 should be connected to a port that supports 20Gbps or higher. In your test setup, you’ve used an Intel i9-14900K platform and connected the T9 to a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on an ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI II motherboard, which is ideal for maximizing the potential of the T9. Your configuration also includes high-speed components like DDR5 memory and high-capacity storage, ensuring a robust testing environment for the T9’s capabilities.

Using CrystalDiskInfo to view the SSD information reveals that the Samsung T9 supports the UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) interface. This protocol enhances data transfer speed by allowing multiple commands to be processed in parallel. The UASP reduces CPU usage, latency, and waiting times during data transfer, contributing to more efficient and faster performance compared to traditional USB mass-storage bulk-only transport. This capability is particularly beneficial for tasks involving large file transfers and intensive data operations.

The performance test results of the Samsung T9 SSD using CrystalDiskMark with default settings indicate impressive speeds. The T9 achieves a sequential read speed of 2001MB/s and a sequential write speed of 1834MB/s. In terms of random 4K read and write speeds, it registers 30MB/s for reading and 79MB/s for writing. These results showcase the T9’s high performance in handling large file transfers and its efficiency in executing data-intensive tasks.

The ATTO Disk Benchmark test, which evaluates performance across a range of I/O sizes from 512B to 64MB with a Direct I/O queue depth of 4, reveals that the Samsung T9 SSD achieves a maximum read speed of approximately 1.67GB/s and a write speed of about 1.89GB/s. These figures demonstrate the T9’s robust performance capabilities, particularly in handling diverse data sizes and workloads efficiently.

The Samsung T9 SSD’s performance in the AJA System Test, specifically designed for simulating professional video multimedia workloads, is notable. With settings at 4K and 10bit YUV, the test results show that the T9 achieves a write speed of 1631MB/s and a read speed of 1790MB/s. These speeds are particularly relevant for film and media professionals, who are a key demographic for portable SSDs and often require high-speed data transfer for editing and processing large video files. The T9’s performance in these tests confirms its suitability for such demanding applications.

In the PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark, which is designed to assess the performance of data storage devices such as external storage and NAS systems, the Samsung T9 SSD scored 211. This benchmark focuses on data storage write performance and provides insights into various performance metrics. The T9 demonstrated an average bandwidth of 165.33 MB/s and an average access time of 150 microseconds. These results indicate a strong performance in data storage tasks, particularly in scenarios where quick data access and reliable write speeds are crucial.

The test using FastCopy, which optimizes file copying tasks for faster speeds than the Windows built-in file system, involved transferring various file types, including multiple video files, ARW image files, and a complete game file, to measure the actual transfer speeds of the Samsung T9 SSD. In this test, copying 82.1GB of RAW image files to the T9 took 91 seconds, achieving an average transfer speed of 936.5MB/s. When copying the same files back to the computer, it took 63 seconds, with an average transfer speed of 1366MB/s. This demonstrates the T9’s high-speed performance in real-world data transfer scenarios, especially with large files.

The performance of the Samsung T9 SSD in transferring video files was tested using FastCopy. In this test, copying a 52.8GB video file to the T9 took 54.2 seconds, resulting in an average transfer speed of 1021MB/s. When copying the same file back to the computer, it took 39.1 seconds, achieving an average transfer speed of 1415MB/s. These results highlight the T9’s efficiency and speed in handling large video files, a common requirement in various professional and personal scenarios.

In the FastCopy test with a 84.7GB game installation file, the Samsung T9 SSD demonstrated impressive transfer speeds. The process of copying this large file to the T9 took 98 seconds, with an average transfer speed of 898.6MB/s. When the same file was copied back to the computer, it took only 61 seconds, achieving a higher average transfer speed of 1454MB/s. This test further showcases the T9’s adeptness at handling very large files efficiently, making it a suitable choice for gaming applications where large file transfers are common.

In a temperature test using CrystalDiskMark with nine runs in a 28°C (82.4°F) room environment, the Samsung T9 SSD maintained an impressively low peak temperature of just 42°C (107.6°F). This indicates good heat dissipation performance, ensuring that the SSD can maintain its efficiency and speed even under prolonged use. Good thermal management is crucial for maintaining the longevity and reliability of SSDs, especially when they are subjected to intense workloads like large data transfers or extended operations.

Introduction to Samsung Magician management software

Samsung Magician, the software management tool for Samsung’s storage devices, stands out in the market due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. It offers basic functionalities like displaying disk information, checking disk health, and firmware updates, as well as advanced features like performance testing, fault scanning, secure erasure, and hardware encryption. This range of functionalities makes it a versatile tool for managing and optimizing the performance of Samsung storage devices.

Summary

The Samsung T9 SSD, with its USB-C 20Gbps interface and transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/s, offers a substantial performance boost, especially for users who frequently handle large files. It’s about twice as fast as the T7 model (which supports USB-C 10Gbps), a noticeable improvement at a price approximately 30% higher than the T7, offering good value for its enhanced capabilities. The T9’s case design is also a highlight. Its carbon fiber-like texture not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides a three-meter drop protection. Its resistance to fingerprints and dust is a significant advantage, combining hardware robustness and software security to ensure data safety.

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Title: Introducing the Samsung T9: The Fastest Portable SSD with Advanced USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Technology