Lexar’s SL600 SSD Promises Speed and Portability for Photographers
Lexar’s new SL600 portable SSD promises speeds up to 2,000 MB/s and comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
The Lexar SL600 utilizes USB 3.2 gen 2×2 performance, promising up to 2,000 MB/s read and write speeds. While the footnotes on Lexar’s product page explain that actual performance may vary — as is always the case with storage devices — the company doesn’t disclose specs for minimum read/write speeds.
To achieve the best possible speeds and reach, or at least get near the 2,000 MB/s, users must have a computer or host device that is certified to support the 20 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard. If a device doesn’t have USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and instead has USB 3.2 Gen 2, speeds will be effectively cut in half. This is especially relevant for Mac users, as Apple devices, even those with Thunderbolt and USB 4 support, don’t have USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology.
Lexar markets the drive for photographers, videographers, and content creators, citing the drive’s portability, design, performance, and ruggedness. The drive includes USB Type-C and Type-A cables and offers shock and vibration resistance. The SL600 includes a carabiner loop at one end so that users can easily attach it to their backpack.
The SL600 is 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches (112.6 x 59 x 10.6 millimeters) and weighs 64 grams (2.3 ounces). Like any practical portable SSD, the SL600 is USB-powered.
“We understand that many creative professionals need solutions that expedite their workflows and make their jobs easier. The Lexar Professional SL600 Portable SSD does just that by offering blazing fast read and write speeds that allow creatives to spend more time focusing on their craft rather than waiting for files to transfer,” says Joey Lopez, Lexar’s Director of Marketing.
The Lexar SL600 comes in three capacities. The 1TB and 2TB versions are available now from retailers for $90 and $140, respectively, although their list prices are actually $130 and $175. The 4TB version is not yet available but Lexar says it will start shipping next quarter, so sometime this spring. Pricing for the 4TB SL600 SSD has not yet been disclosed.
If PetaPixel has the chance to test the SL600, it may make its way into the “Best Portable SSDs in 2024” guide. The SL600’s price and performance are certainly compelling, and the company’s memory cards are well respected.
Image credits: Lexar
