Performance:
The test system used in this review is equipped with an Intel Core i7-6700K CPU, GIGABYTE GA-Z170X-UD3 motherboard, 32GB (16GB x 2) of Crucial Ballistix Sport LT DDR4 memory, Samsung 960 PRO 512GB SSD, GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1060 and a WINDFORCE OC 6G graphics card. For the operating system, I installed Windows 10 Enterprise.
To test the performance of the PioData iXflash, I ran a series of benchmarks using CrystalDiskMark, HD Tach RW and ATTO Disk Benchmark. To get a feel for the "real world" performance, I also copied and pasted 1GB of random files and directories as well as a single 4GB ISO file in Windows Explorer.
CrystalDiskMark 3.0:
First, I ran a few quick tests using CrystalDiskMark. This benchmark tool measures the performance of a storage device by testing its sequential read and write speeds as well as its random read and write speeds using blocks 512K and 4K in size.
According to PioData, the iXflash is capable of reading at 90 MB/s and writing at 20 MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port. Looking at the screenshot above, you can see that the drive had no problems reaching these speeds in CrystalDiskMark's sequential read and write tests.
HD Tach RW 3.0.4.0:
Next, I used HD Tach to test the iXflash's read, write and burst speeds as well as its seek times and CPU usage.
The performance here was very similar to what we saw with CrystalDiskMark. When connected to the computer's USB 3.0 port, the drive had average read and write speeds of 136.1 MB/s and 30.4 MB/s, respectively, as well as a burst speed of 98.2 MB/s.
ATTO Disk Benchmark 2.46:
I also used ATTO Disk Benchmark to test the iXflash's sequential read and write speeds. The test was run using blocks ranging in size from 0.5KB to 8192KB and the total length set to 256MB.
When tested with ATTO, the iXflash's read speeds topped out at about 140 MB/s and its write speeds at 34 MB/s.
"Real World" Benchmark:
To test the "real world" performance of PioData's iXflash, I copied and pasted 1GB worth of randomly generated files and directories. All of the files are between 1KB and 95MB in size and no more than five directories deep. To see how well the drive handled large files, I also copied and pasted a 4GB ISO file.
| 1GB of Files | 4GB ISO File | |
| Write: | 1:13 | 1:58 |
| Read: | 11 seconds | 31 seconds |
The iXflash performed as expected, taking a minute and 13 seconds to write 1GB worth of test data and another 11 seconds to read it back.
Final Thoughts:
The PioData iXflash is a great choice for consumers looking to backup or extend the storage of their iPhone or iPad. The drive is compact, well constructed and is equipped with both USB 3.0 and Lightning connectors. This dual connectivity lets users plug the iXflash directly into their Apple device as well as any computer with a USB port. Performance does vary a bit depending on which connector you use. However, when plugged into a computer with a USB 3.0 port, the iXflash was able to read at speeds as high as 140 MB/s and write at more than 31 MB/s.
In addition to it having both USB 3.0 and Lightning connectors, what really sets the iXflash apart from the competition is the mobile app that PioData has developed for iOS. The app includes a number of useful features including the ability to do touch backups as well as a camera that stores pictures and videos directly to the drive instead of using your device's internal memory. With the app, you can also use the iXflash as a portable media library and load it up with music and movies, including those in formats not normally supported by Apple.
The PioData is available now in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities and can be purchased from RunTechMedia.com or through some of the sellers listed on Amazon.com. Prices currently range from $20 up to $150, with the 64GB version reviewed here retailing for about $50.
