A Comprehensive Performance Test of SanDisk's Affordable USB 3.0 Flash Drive

The SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive offers a mix of performance, portability, and reliability for those seeking a cost-effective way to transfer large files. In this review, we take a deep dive into its real-world performance, highlighting how it holds up in different testing conditions with industry-standard benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5. Whether you're storing documents, videos, or software, this drive promises solid performance at a budget price point. But does it deliver on that promise? Let's find out.

Performance Testing with CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5

To thoroughly evaluate the performance of the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive, we ran a series of tests using CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5, a popular benchmarking tool trusted by tech enthusiasts and professionals. The tests were conducted with the following settings:

For the first round of testing, we used the Default [+Mix] profile with Read&Write [+Mix], and a Mix Ratio of R70%/W30%. This is a common configuration to simulate how the drive performs in general-purpose use, where read and write operations are mixed. With 5 test iterations and a 1GiB test size, we measured the drive's read and write speeds in MB/s.

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  Overview of the overall settings and parameters for the first test.

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  Close-up on the Mix Ratio parameter configured for general-use @ R70%/W30%

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  The yielded results were as expected.

For the second round of tests, we adjusted the Mix Ratio to R90%/W10%. This configuration prioritizes read operations, which is closer to typical usage for most users, such as opening files or reading documents. By maintaining the 5 test count and the same 1GiB test size, we get a better understanding of how well the drive performs when it’s predominantly reading data.

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  Overview for the second test, highlighting an increased focus on read performance with mixed usages. Test count still set to 5.

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  The Read & Write Columns didn't change that much actually, though we saw a significant increase in the Mix Column.

The final test used the Real World Performance w/ Read&Write [+Mix] profile, which simulates real-life use cases such as transferring files, running applications, and copying media files. Unlike the previous two tests, this test did not have a specific ratio but measured the drive’s overall read and write speeds based on real-world data transfer rates.

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  Overview for the last set of tests. This time focusing on Real-World Performance.

SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive Design and Build

The SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive features a sleek, compact design that fits comfortably in your pocket or bag. The drive is encased in a durable plastic shell that offers a reliable grip and lightweight feel for easy portability. A red-and-black color scheme provides a professional yet sporty look.

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  Close-up view of the sleek, compact design of the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive, highlighting its durable plastic shell and retractable connector for easy portability.

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  Close-up of the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive showcasing its retractable USB connector, offering added protection and convenience for on-the-go use.

The drive also comes with a retractable USB 3.0 connector, which helps protect the plug from wear and tear when not in use. The absence of a cap makes it convenient but may leave it susceptible to dust or debris.

Speed vs. Price: Is the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Worth It?

One of the standout features of the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive is its affordable price point compared to competitors. When testing against other drives in the same range, it offers a good balance between speed and price.

For the budget-conscious buyer, this USB drive performs admirably in day-to-day tasks. Whether you're using it for basic file transfers, backups, or even media storage, it’s more than capable. However, if you require blazing fast speeds for tasks like editing large videos or running programs directly off the drive, you may want to consider a USB 3.1 or 3.2 option, which could be faster (but at a higher price point).

Final Thoughts on the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive

After running the tests and taking into account the real-world performance, the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable USB drive. While it may not offer the fastest speeds for professional tasks like video editing or running programs, it excels in its ability to handle everyday tasks like document storage and data transfer with decent speed.

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  Packaging so secure, you’ll need a pair of scissors and a little bit of patience to get to your new SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive—hope you’ve got your tool kit ready!

At its price point, the SanDisk Ultra 128GB offers a good balance of performance and cost for users who prioritize value over ultra-high-speed transfers. For users who need more power, there are other options, but for most people, the SanDisk Ultra 128GB is a solid choice.

Pros & Cons

Should You Buy the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive?

If you need a budget-friendly USB flash drive that provides reliable performance for basic tasks like transferring documents, media, and data backups, the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive is a solid choice. Its affordable pricing, coupled with its decent read and write speeds, make it a great option for everyday users.

However, if you're looking for extreme performance for tasks like high-speed video editing, running large programs, or transferring huge files rapidly, you might want to opt for something with USB 3.1 or 3.2 support.

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  Front close-up of the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive in its brand-new, unopened packaging. The sleek and attractive design of the packaging gives a professional, high-quality feel right from the first glance.

Where to Buy

You can find the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Flash USB 3.0 Drive available on major online retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, typically for a price range between $20 to $30 (prices may vary depending on location and promotions).