Kingston HyperX MAX 3.0 64GB External SuperSpeed USB Drive Review

With rated speeds of up to 195MB/sec read and 160MB/sec write, the Kingston HyperX MAX 3.0 is one of the fastest 2.5" external USB 3.0 storage devices around. Is it hardy enough to entice mobile road warriors and fast enough for speed demons?

At some point or another, we have all attempted copying huge amounts of files to external USB 2.0 storage devices either to bring them around or simply for backup. These file transfers were lengthy and you could probably make yourself a cuppa while waiting.

For the past year, SuperSpeed USB (or USB 3.0), has been steadily making its way into the mainstream segment. Many mid-range systems and almost all high-end systems come with USB 3.0 ports, and even laptops are starting to have at least one. With more than ten times the bandwidth of USB 2.0, capable USB 3.0 devices are significantly faster than USB 2.0 ones. With the USB 3.0 adoption rate increasing, many manufacturers are starting to offer a large variety of USB 3.0 flash drives which typically provide about 100MB/sec transfer rates.

Kingston, a long-time player in the flash and memory industry, has gone a step further by introducing the HyperX MAX 3.0 series of external USB 3.0 drives. The HyperX MAX 3.0 is designed for those who want a storage deivce the fastest transfer rates, yet have considerably large capacities. Let's have a quick look at its specifications first.

Kingston HyperX MAX 3.0 Features and Specifications

• Performance: USB-IF SuperSpeed-Certified
• Standardized: complies with USB 3.0 specification standards, compatible with USB 2.0
• Sequential Speed: Read – up to 195MB/sec, Write – up to 160MB/sec
• Shock-resistant: built with Flash components so no moving parts
• Portable: aluminum design is sleek, stylish and rugged
• Silent: runs silently with no moving parts
• Easy: plug & play with no driver required; utilizes USB bus power with no additional bus power required
• Guarantee: 3-year warranty
• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB and 256GB
• Dimensions: 73.49 x 118.6 x 12mm
• Vibration Operating: 20G peak, 10-2000Hz, (20min / axis) x 3 axis
• Vibration Non-operating: 20G peak, 10-2000Hz, (12 cycle / axis) x 3 axis, x 20min
• Operating Shock: 1500G
• Operating Temperature: 0 – 60°C
• Storage Temperature: -20 – 85°C
• Power Consumption: 4.5W
• Dual LED: blue (USB 3.0), green (USB 2.0)

In this review, we will be taking a look at the Kingston HyperX MAX 3.0 64GB version. The HyperX MAX 3.0 comes packaged in a compact box with Kingston's trademark blue color. There is a small window, allowing you to have a peek at the drive contained inside. The drive's rated speeds are also indicated along the bottom edge of the box.

Inside the package, you would find only the HyperX MAX 3.0 drive and a USB 3.0 cable. Neither is there any driver to install, nor bundled software in a CD.

There is a blue LED indicator beside the USB 3.0 connector which lights up whether there is drive activity.

The HyperX MAX 3.0 feels well-built thanks to its aluminium exterior. The underside of the drive is plain; there is only a product label and four rubber feet to prevent the enclosure from being scratched and keep the drive sturdy when placed on a flat surface.