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Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 5:41 pm
by FlyingPenguin
This is the only flash drive I buy right now, and I buy it in bulk. I use them for everything. I go through a lot of them for backing up files for clients.

It isn't the fastest USB flash drive out there, but it's pretty fast, reliable AND reasonably priced at $6.99 for a 16GB and $8.99 for a 32GB (and you save a bit more if you buy in bulk 10 at a time).

CrystalDiskMark benches it at 138 MB/s read, 43 MB/s write which is respectable for a USB flash drive. For a comparison, I have some PNY 32GB USB 3.0 flash drives lying around I picked up on sale once, and while it does a decent 127 MB/s read, it's write speed is nearly half at 23 MB/s.

I use these a LOT, and I have yet to get a defective one or have one fail on me. Amazon has a LOT of positive reviews as well. I can highly recommend them. I've used the 16, 32 and 64GB models. They're ruggedly built with a swiveling metal cover.

I use a couple of 64GB models for my carry-around files and tools, and I've cracked them open to transplant the innards into my old Lexar JumpDrive cases which I prefer for carrying on a key ring as I've described previously in this article (God I wish Lexar would bring this case style back!): viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47940&p=300818

Since I've looked inside, I can tell you they're rugged inside with a reinforced USB connector that doesn't break off easy. I've accidently put a lot of sideways pressure on them and not snapped them or even bent them.

Silicon Power Blaze B30 USB 3.0 Swivel Flash Drive on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Silicon-Power-Bl ... B00H7PBXU2

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Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2016 2:09 am
by normalicy
These are my current go-to for flash drives. I don't think I use as many as you, but I've used a half dozen with good luck. Speed has never been a concern to me, so I don't even know how they do, but they are durable and stay on my keychain without me having to worry about snapping.

Kingston Data Traveler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SOL9ZSA

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2016 10:11 am
by FlyingPenguin
I use those Kingston Data Travelers for bootable flash drives (MEMTEST86, Windows installers, recovery drives, etc) because they're so small and I can fit two of them in the slot for one flash drive in my flash drive wallet.

However, so you know, despite the fact that they are supposedly USB 3.0, they barely exceed USB 2.0 speeds. One of the slowest 3.0 drives I've ever used.

Doesn't matter for what I use them for.

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2016 1:28 am
by normalicy
I rarely work with a computer that has USB 3.0 to even know.

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2016 8:37 am
by Losbot
Got a spare Lexar JumpDrive case laying around? ;)
What's another good USB drive to hang on a key-ring? I used to just keep one on a lanyard throughout the day. I might go back to that, since I don't carry keys on me.

I have just my car key and that's it. No key-chain. I don't carry house keys on me either. I hide a house key in my car in case of a power outage but I always enter through the garage at home.

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2016 8:59 am
by FlyingPenguin
That Kingston Data Traveller Normalicy linked to really is easy to clip onto a key ring. I use them when I have to carry plans something to the office supply place to have printed on large paper. Since I use a D-Ring on my keychain, it's easy to snap it on. It's all metal, and the hole is very strong so it's not going to get torn off the keys.

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Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2016 2:43 pm
by normalicy
Yeah, I really like how well it fits in with my keys. You don't even notice it is there.

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2016 4:20 pm
by FlyingPenguin
They're narrow enough that I can fit two in the slot for a single flash drive in my flash drive wallet:

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BTW, that's a nice wallet. I use it on my workbench instead of just having all the flash drives sitting on a shelf like I used to. It holds 12 normal size flash drives:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0183G0LI8

Re: Silicon Power USB 3.0 Flash drive mini review

Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2016 4:28 pm
by normalicy
Nice. I should do that. Currently, I have pen basket holding mine.