Intel’s Thunderbolt 5 technology is heralded as the pinnacle of USB-C cable innovation, boasting 120Gbps of single-direction bandwidth, 240 watts of power, and the capability to support external SSDs, eGPUs, and high-resolution, high-refresh-rate monitors—all through a single cable.
Sabrent has harnessed this cutting-edge technology to introduce the world’s first Thunderbolt 5 external hard drive: the Rocket XTRM 5.
Rocket XTRM 5: The Fastest Thunderbolt External SSD
Sabrent’s Rocket XTRM 5 Thunderbolt External SSD Drive is poised to be the fastest on the market, bridging the gap between external and internal SSD speeds. This advancement is particularly exciting for users who seek rapid external transfer speeds without resorting to the risky RAID 0 configuration.
With Thunderbolt 5’s 80Gbps connection, the Rocket XTRM 5 promises exceptional performance, making it a compelling choice for portable video editing and other data-intensive tasks. Moreover, the drive is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 systems, ensuring versatility across various devices.
Capacity Options
The Rocket XTRM 5 will be available in three capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. These options cater to a range of storage needs, from moderate to extensive, making the drive suitable for various users, including professionals and enthusiasts.
Leveraging Thunderbolt 5 Technology
The Rocket XTRM 5 utilizes Intel’s new Thunderbolt 5 technology. However, to fully exploit the drive’s transfer speeds, users will need a Thunderbolt 5-compatible computer, which are not yet widely available. For instance, the new Razer Blade 18 boasts Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, whereas Apple has yet to announce any products featuring this technology. Despite Apple’s historical use of Thunderbolt in their systems, the timeline for Thunderbolt 5 integration remains uncertain.
User Experience and Anticipation
One user shared their experience with the Sabrent Rocket XTRM-Q 8TB, used with an M1 MacBook Pro. They praised the drive’s build quality, speed, and capacity, marveling at how an 8TB Thunderbolt 3 SSD fits in the palm of their hand. With Thunderbolt 5 on the horizon, similar advancements in form factor and performance are eagerly anticipated.
Pricing and Availability
While specific pricing and availability details for the Rocket XTRM 5 have not been announced, it is expected to be priced similarly or higher than the Rocket XTRM-Q, which runs at around $700.
Given the advanced technology and performance capabilities, users should be prepared for a premium price tag. However, the exact release date is still uncertain, as the widespread adoption of Thunderbolt 5 in computers is necessary to fully leverage the drive’s potential.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 marks a significant milestone in external storage technology. With Thunderbolt 5’s exceptional bandwidth and power capabilities, this external SSD is set to revolutionize data transfer speeds and ease of use.
While the market awaits broader Thunderbolt 5 compatibility in computers, the Rocket XTRM 5 promises to be a game-changer for professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance in a portable form factor. Keep an eye out for further announcements on pricing and availability as this innovative product gets closer to launch.
