WD Black P50

Sequential performance.

Needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 interface to get the best out of it.

WD’s Black P50 Game Drive is a fast external drive using USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 but systems supporting the specification are still pretty thin on the ground and then you have the looming shadow of USB4.

Aesthetic appeal ; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speed ; Solid performance ; 5-year warranty

No AES 256-bit encryption ; High power consumption at idle ; No IP rating

Marketed to gamers, WD’s Black P50 Game Drive offers 20 Gbps speeds for those who have the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports. But it’s better suited to creative professionals.

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support offers blazing speeds ; Durable, shock-resistant enclosure ; Five-year warranty ; Separate USB Type-C and Type-A cables included

Expensive ; A bit bulky ; Gen 2x2 ports are uncommon (though drive is backward-compatible)

The WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD is a visually striking, no-compromises repository for massive game files, though you'll need a PC with rare USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support to harness its speeds to the fullest.