The WD Black P40 Game Drive Review: A High-End External Storage Solution for Gamers

The WD Black P40 Game Drive is a high-end external storage solution designed specifically for gamers. With its sleek and compact design, fast file transfer speeds, and compatibility with both console and PC, this drive is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their gaming experience. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, and value of the WD Black P40 Game Drive.

Design and Features

The WD Black P40 Game Drive boasts a seriously sleek and compact design, making it easy to slip into a pocket and take on the go. The drive is constructed with a durable ribbed aluminum case, and its lightweight design makes it easy to transport. The top of the drive features a white WD Black logo and basic model information, while the underside is home to two small RGB strips that illuminate with a customizable rainbow effect.

The drive connects to your system via a Type-C port, and an 11-inch Type-C cable is included in the box. A handy USB Type-A to Type-C adapter is also included, making it easy to connect to systems with limited Type-C ports. Console owners should note that, as an external storage device, this drive cannot play PS5 or Xbox Series games installed on it, but it can be used to play PS4 and Xbox One titles via backwards compatibility.

Performance

The WD Black P40 Game Drive delivers fast file transfer speeds, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to quickly transfer files between their console and PC. In our testing, we found that the drive averaged a read speed of 1,048.90 MB/s and a write speed of 978.68 MB/s in a 32GB sequential test using CrystalDiskMark 8.0.5. While this is on the lower end of the advertised speeds, it did not noticeably impact performance when used to play a selection of PC games during our testing.

However, we did note that the drive has a tendency to become very hot to the touch over periods of extended use. This is unlikely to affect console users who are copying the odd game or two, but PC users who frequently transfer large files (such as video) should be aware of the potential for reduced speeds due to thermal throttling.

Should You Buy the WD Black P40 Game Drive?

If you’re a gamer looking for a high-end external storage solution that offers fast file transfer speeds and a compact design, the WD Black P40 Game Drive is an excellent choice. However, if you’re on a budget or can make do with a hard drive, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, if you’re looking for the cheapest option, this drive may not be the best choice.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for alternative external storage solutions, consider the following options:

• Seagate Game Drive for PS5: A more affordable option that offers similar performance and features.
• Toshiba Canvio Flex: A budget-friendly option that offers a range of storage capacities and a compact design.

The WD Black P40 Game Drive offers fast file transfer speeds and a compact design, making it an excellent choice for gamers.

The drive features customizable RGB strips that illuminate with a rainbow effect.

The drive connects to your system via a Type-C port and includes a handy USB Type-A to Type-C adapter.