The G-Drive ArmorATD stands out as a robust, semi-rugged external hard drive that offers competitive pricing within its category. Previously evaluated under the SanDisk Professional banner, the drive may still be encountered with that branding. It distinguishes itself by supporting the HFS+ file system natively, allowing for immediate compatibility with Apple’s Time Machine without additional configuration. While Windows and Linux users can utilize the device, they will need to reformat it to exFAT or ext4 respectively.
Designed for durability, the ArmorATD measures 3.4 by 5.1 inches with a thickness of less than one inch. It features a silver-gray enclosure protected by a removable black rubberized sleeve. The drive includes a USB-C port utilizing the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface, which is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 or newer ports on Macs. The package includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables. Although it is a spinning drive and therefore more susceptible to physical damage than solid-state options, it is engineered to survive drops from up to 3.3 feet and carries an IP54 rating for splash resistance, though it is not submersible.
Performance testing recorded read speeds of 133 MB/s, closely matching the manufacturer’s claim of 135 MB/s and slightly outpacing competitors like the WD Passport Ultra. These speeds are consistent with typical 5,400-rpm drives, which generally range between 120 and 130 MB/s, suggesting minimal real-world performance differences among similar mechanical drives. Despite some user complaints regarding quality changes following Western Digital’s acquisition of G-Drives, the review found no such issues. The drive is available in capacities ranging from 1 TB to 6 TB, with the 2-TB model being tested.
For users requiring extreme speed, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 represents the top tier of Thunderbolt 5 storage solutions. Priced at approximately $1,700 for 4 TB at Adorama and $1,600 at B&H Photo, it is among the most expensive SSDs available. The
Who needs Thunderbolt 5 speed? The G-Drive gets the job done for way less money. Solid budget pick for backups.
Finally, a drive that natively supports HFS+! No more fussing with Time Machine formats on my Mac. Love this feature.
Thunderbolt 5 is blazing fast, but $1,700 for 4TB feels steep. Can we really justify that premium yet?