Adam Talks Tech

Gear

My Top SSD Picks

Three drives I would actually buy. Start with who you are. The why and real test numbers are right on each pick.

External SSDs Adam has tested, lined up on a desk
Samsung T9

1 · Everyday and offload

Samsung T9

Who it is forAnyone parking photos, finished projects, or light editing who does not need pro editing speeds.

WhyBest sustained performer I tested in the everyday class. Solid speed for what you pay, and it does not fall off as early as the cheaper T7s.

  • 950 / 870 MB/s Write / read
  • 1:43 to copy 100 GB
  • 8:52 to copy 500 GB
Where to buy →
Oyen U34 Bolt

2 · Most people

Oyen U34 Bolt

Who it is forMac users who edit video or move big projects. This is the default recommendation.

WhyBest sustained USB4 drive I have tested. Stays cool, does not cliff after the cache fills, and it comes in sizes up to 8TB. This is the one on my desk.

  • 2,700 / 2,900 MB/s Write / read
  • 33s to copy 100 GB
  • 2:49 to copy 500 GB
Where to buy →
Oyen U35 Bolt Plus

3 · Need max speed

Oyen U35 Bolt Plus

Who it is forM4 Pro or Max owners with Thunderbolt 5 who regularly move huge files.

WhyHit 6,544 MB/s write in my testing and still flew on a 500GB copy. Only worth it if your Mac can use Thunderbolt 5.

  • 6,544 / 6,366 MB/s Write / read
  • 16.5s to copy 100 GB
  • 1:41 to copy 500 GB
Where to buy →

Alternates

Also good

Not the default three, but strong if you need rugged travel, a slimmer body, or a polished Thunderbolt 5 prebuilt.

Samsung T7 Shield

Rugged travel

Samsung T7 Shield

Tougher body for bags and travel. Same everyday class as the T9, not a daily editing drive.

Where to buy →
SanDisk Pro-G40

Slimmer USB4

SanDisk Pro-G40

Proven since mid-2023. A little slower than the U34 on big transfers, nicer if you want a smaller drive.

Where to buy →
LaCie SSD 5

TB5 prebuilt alt

LaCie SSD 5

Best Thunderbolt 5 prebuilt I tested outside the U35. Ready to go if you do not want to build.

Where to buy →

DIY · Enclosure + NVMe

Build your own

More capacity for the money than most prebuilts. Pick an enclosure for your Mac’s port, then drop in an NVMe.

Enclosures

The shell. Match it to your Mac.

OWC 1M2 40G

Most Macs

OWC 1M2 40G

Why
Cheapest path to serious editing speeds when you choose your own drive. Solid aluminum cooling, and the NVMe swap is easy.
Who for
Creators who want big capacities without prebuilt pricing.
  • About 3,500 MB/s Class ceiling
  • Fits Thunderbolt 3, 4, USB4
Where to buy →
OWC 1M2 80G

Thunderbolt 5 Macs

OWC 1M2 80G

Why
The enclosure I would build around for max speed. Pair it with a fast NVMe and it keeps up with flagship prebuilts.
Who for
M4 Pro or Max owners who want peak speed and do not mind assembling the drive.
  • About 6,400 MB/s With a top NVMe
  • Needs Thunderbolt 5
Where to buy →

NVMe drives

What goes inside either enclosure above.

Either of these NVMes will work great in the OWC enclosures. Speeds will be similar in real use. Check the best price before you buy, and grab whichever one is the better deal that day.

Best for max-speed builds

Samsung 9100 Pro

Why
My first call for the 80G enclosure. In testing it hit 6,400 MB/s write and crushed big transfers.
Who for
Anyone building the 80G enclosure who wants peak sustained speed.
  • 6,400 / 5,800 MB/s Write / read
  • 30s to copy 100 GB
  • 3:46 to copy 500 GB
Where to buy →

Best for most DIY builds

Samsung 990 Pro

Why
Proven, easy to find, and plenty fast for the 40G enclosure. Strong sustained speeds without paying for the fastest stick.
Who for
Most DIY builds, or a sensible mid-tier stick if you are not chasing absolute peak.
  • 3,500 / 3,400 MB/s Write / read
  • 48s to copy 100 GB
  • 5:37 to copy 500 GB
Where to buy →

Affiliate links support the channel at no extra cost to you. Speeds are from my own Mac testing and update as I add drives. Ethics and affiliate disclaimer.