The SanDisk Extreme Pro V3 2TB external SSD has delivered approximately 2,400 MB/s sustained write speeds in independent testing, substantially outperforming competing USB4 portable drives. Benchmarks published by German technology publication ComputerBase on November 4, 2026, show the new SSD maintaining considerably higher transfer speeds during prolonged writes than similarly positioned models from Corsair and LaCie.
The results establish the Extreme Pro V3 as one of the fastest external SSDs tested by the publication, with its most significant advantage appearing when transferring large amounts of data continuously. ComputerBase measured sustained write speeds of approximately 2,400 MB/s, compared with around 1,500 MB/s for competing USB4 drives, representing a performance advantage of roughly 60%.
SanDisk advertises maximum sequential read speeds of 4,000 MB/s and write speeds of 3,800 MB/s for the Extreme Pro V3. The company also specifies average sustained write performance of up to 3,100 MB/s, although ComputerBase’s testing did not reach that figure. Nevertheless, the measured 2,400 MB/s remained unusually consistent during prolonged transfers.
The sustained-write test involved repeatedly copying 10GB compressed files from a RAM disk until the external SSD reached capacity. ComputerBase then deleted half the stored files, allowed the drive 30 minutes for internal maintenance, and repeated the process to assess performance under different storage conditions.
While the Extreme Pro V3 maintained high write speeds through much of the testing, its performance was not completely uniform. As the drive filled, brief reductions brought transfer speeds down to approximately 1,100 MB/s. These drops were temporary rather than a sustained collapse in performance.
The comparison included the Corsair EX400U, EX400U Survivor and LaCie Rugged SSD4, all of which reached approximately 1,500 MB/s at best during sustained-write testing. The SanDisk drive’s advantage is particularly relevant for users frequently transferring large game installations, moving extensive media libraries or backing up substantial amounts of PC data.
ComputerBase also evaluated practical storage workloads, including reading a 32GB Shadow of the Tomb Raider installation folder and transferring collections of Steam game files. Such workloads help distinguish advertised sequential throughput from performance involving actual game data. External storage performance has also been a consideration for portable gaming accessories, including the DockCase Mount Ling 2 Pro tested with Switch 2 and Steam Deck, which demonstrated considerably lower storage transfer speeds.
Beyond performance, the Extreme Pro V3 introduces a significantly smaller design than its predecessor. The new model measures 110 × 58 × 10 mm and weighs approximately 65g, compared with the previous Extreme Pro USB4 model’s 140 × 69 × 12 mm dimensions and 172g weight. That represents a reduction of approximately 62% in weight.
Despite the smaller enclosure, ComputerBase recorded temperatures below 50°C during sustained workloads lasting up to 15 minutes. The drive maintained its high write performance without thermal throttling during the tests, suggesting that its compact enclosure provides adequate cooling under the conditions examined.
The Extreme Pro V3 also carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, supports 256-bit encryption through SanDisk’s software and includes a five-year warranty. It connects through USB-C using an included cable, with its highest advertised transfer speeds requiring a suitable USB4 connection.
The reviewed 2TB model is currently listed at approximately €570 in Germany, making it substantially more expensive than the previous-generation Extreme Pro USB4, which ComputerBase identified at prices starting around €420. SanDisk also offers a 4TB version, while an 8TB model is planned for the second half of 2027.
ComputerBase’s testing highlights the trade-off behind the Extreme Pro V3’s premium pricing. Its sustained write performance is substantially stronger than the competing USB4 drives examined, and its smaller enclosure delivers that performance without observed thermal throttling. However, its approximately €570 price makes the 2TB version a costly option, with the clearest performance benefit going to users who regularly write hundreds of gigabytes rather than those primarily storing or launching games.
