The 16GB Sandisk Extreme has led my USB 3.0 Flash drive group test since it was released back in Jun '12. Often with flash based devices, write speed scales linearly with capacity and the Extreme is no exception. The sequential write speeds for the different capacities are: 16GB = 62 MB/s, 32GB = 117 MB/s and 64GB = 188 MB/s. In the 64GB category there are several alternatives to the Extreme including the new Corsair Flash Voyager GT Turbo, Kingston HyperX and Patriot Supersonic Magnum. In the 16 GB category there are also a few viable alternatives but in the 32GB category I have yet to come across a drive that even comes close to the Sandisk Extreme from either a value for money OR performance perspective.
[Mar '13USBFlashPro]
The Lexar S23 is an extremely interesting value proposition. The sequential read/write speeds of 100/30 MBps are very respectable considering the exceptionally low price point for this drive. The most interesting feature of this drive by far is its random 4k random write speed of 1.1 MB/s, this figure is actually the third highest I have ever seen on a 16GB flash drive. Overall the S23 is not a stellar performer and looses to several faster USB 3.0 Flash drives but it is, however, a superb value for money proposition, the best I have seen in 2013 by some margin. [Jun '13USBFlashPro]
We highlight the best USB flash drive in terms of balanced performance and value for money using current prices, sequential read, sequential write , 4k read and 4k write speed. The speeds are combined to form a single effective speed which measures performance for tasks such as copying photos, music and videos. Effective speed is adjusted by current price and capacity to yield value for money. Finally thousands of individual user ratings are used to validate our benchmark figures. [USBFlashPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.