Verdict
The Kingston XS1000 is a small however mighty exterior SSD for all of your file switch and knowledge storage wants with respectable sequential efficiency at a great value level, even when it received’t flip many heads within the course of.
Execs
- Compact design
- Respectable sequential efficiency
- Aggressive value level
Cons
- Removed from the quickest transportable SSD
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Small type issue The Kingston XS1000 is available in at a really tiny 69.5mm x 32.6mm (2.7-inches x 1.28-inches) and weighs lower than 29g. -
Robust sequential efficiencyVia USB 3.2, you may count on sequential speeds of as much as 1,050 MB/s which is on the quicker facet of what you’ll see from a current-generation transportable SSD. -
As much as 2TB storage You’ll be able to choose up the Kingston XS1000 in both 1TB or 2TB configurations which must be greater than sufficient to your wants.
Introduction
Kingston has a long-standing popularity for placing out among the higher performing NVMe and exterior SSDs in latest reminiscence and the XS1000 appears to be no exception.
Sporting good sequential efficiency, and a extra humble value than the model’s extra premium choices such because the XS2000 to go well with most individuals.
For context, this newly launched drive is available in at round half the worth of the Kingston XS2000 as you will get 1TB (£60.99 / $64.99 / AU$106.76) for across the similar value as you’d pay for 500GB from the older mannequin. This does come on the value of efficiency, although, and that’s as a result of the older transportable flagship can do almost double the sequential efficiency, topping out at 2,000 MB/s.
Over the past a number of years there was a shift in direction of USB 3.2 and USB-C connections for ultra-slimline and transportable drives boasting much better efficiency than your common desktop SATA. Whereas nonetheless nowhere close to as quick as at present’s NVMe Gen 4.0 or Gen 5.0 tech, the Kingston XS1000 stays a legitimate choice for storing and enjoying video games in addition to retaining knowledge safe.
Design
- Pocket-friendly design
- Max storage choice restricted to 2TB
- Makes use of USB 3.2 connection as an alternative of USB-C
The large promoting level of the Kingston XS1000 all comes down to simply how glossy and small it’s, being completely pocket sized with a weight of just below 29g. That is compounded by its bodily dimension of 69.5mm x 32.6mm (2.7-inches x 1.28-inches) which is even smaller than the present crop of M.2 drives made by the corporate such because the Kingston Fury Renegade.
The chassis is fabricated from a mix of black plastic and metallic with the general aesthetics saved simple. It’s brushed with a matte end and has the Kingston brand adorned in white on the highest.
It’s all fairly primary right here, and for the general sticker value that’s not fully shocking. The transportable SSD utilises USB 3.2 as an alternative of USB-C so it must be appropriate with most PCs. You’ll be able to choose up this mannequin in both 1TB or 2TB configurations. At current, there doesn’t look like a 4TB variant within the works.
That is in distinction to the older XS2000 mannequin which boasted not solely a 4TB model, but in addition a waterproofing ranking of IP55 in addition to mud and shock resistance with an included rubber sleeve. No such issues are included with the KS1000, so that you’ll should be further cautious when taking this new exterior SSD out on the go together with you.
Efficiency
- As much as 1,050 MB/s sequential efficiency
- Good file switch occasions
- Aggressive price-to-performance
Kingston claims that the XS1000 is ready to carry out at as much as 1,050 MB/s sequential learn and write respectively, and in my testing I’ve discovered that this declare largely holds true.
Via CrystalDiskMark, the exterior drive carried out with a complete of 997.25 MB/s write and 977.68 MB/s learn which is simply 5% slower than the whole claimed most efficiency. That is stable, and considerably quicker than a conventional SATA mannequin. The outcomes are related in AnvilPro because the Kingston XS1000 scored a complete of 4,697.69, too.
Random efficiency of the Kingston XS1000 is equally stable as effectively with 195.99 and 259.43 learn and skim respectively. All informed, this stage of efficiency is right for a docked Steam Deck, a gaming laptop computer, or any variety of transportable gaming PCs, or as a alternative for an older SATA mannequin. It’s notably spectacular given the tiny type issue and using USB 3.2 as an alternative of USB-C which extra units are prone to help even in 2023.
File switch speeds aren’t horrible both. That’s as a result of 22.7 GB of information made the bounce from an inside Gen 4.0 drive onto the Kingston XS1000 in 1 minute and 12 seconds (or 72 seconds). Whereas not fairly 1GB/sec, that’s nonetheless pretty quick, and good for those who’re seeking to backup doubtlessly 1000’s of recordsdata at anybody time. This check file consisted of 1000’s of paperwork and pictures, so issues are pretty stable when all is claimed and accomplished.
Newest offers
Must you purchase it?
You desire a competitively priced and small type issue high-speed exterior SSD
The Kingston XS1000 is aggressively priced for each 1TB and 2TB configurations whereas dwelling as much as its potential of round 1,000 MB/s sequential learn and write respectively.
You want absolutely the quickest exterior SSD or higher capability
Whereas as much as 1,050 MB/s is prone to be sufficient for most individuals, it’s removed from the quickest within the type issue. That’s as a result of the older XS2000 is able to as much as 2,000 MB/s which rivals some Gen 3.0 NVMe fashions and is offered at 4TB, too.
Last Ideas
The Kingston XS1000 does precisely what it units out to do by offering good efficiency at a value that’s laborious to argue in opposition to. You aren’t getting main sequential charges, nor the largest quantity of storage seen on the type issue, however for most individuals, that is prone to be all you want for a gaming setup or as a helpful backup drive.
How we check
When testing an SSD, we use each artificial benchmark checks, whereas additionally figuring out file transfers through each Steam and Home windows explorer.
We additionally issue within the likes of value, design and temperature when reaching a closing rating.
Used industry-standard benchmarks to judge efficiency.
Transferred over recordsdata to check real-time efficiency.
FAQs
The Kingston XS2000 has a quicker efficiency, greater capability choices and extra sturdy design with water and dirt resistance.
Sure, that is an exterior SSD so it’s straightforward to plug right into a laptop computer or PC so long as you have got a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.
