WD P40 Game Drive 1TB
Score: 76/100
Lexar SL500 1TB
Score: 74/100Rankings
The WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD delivers near-flagship 2 GB/s performance in a sturdy aluminum case with RGB flair, ideal for gamers and creators, though it can throttle thermally and lacks encryption.
The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD delivers a sleek, credit-card-sized form factor with impressive advertised speeds and solid durability (IP54, 2 m drop). It's ideal for creators needing a lightweight, encrypted drive, though actual transfer rates may fall short of the 2000 MB/s claim without a compatible host.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,000 GBbest | 1,000 GBbest | |
2,000 MB/sbest | 2,000 MB/sbest | |
2,000 MB/sbest | 1,800 MB/s | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 78.5 g | 43 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | — | 4.8 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 107 mm | 83.8 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 50.8 mmbest | 53.3 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 2000 MB/s | 1800 MB/s |
Security(1) | ||
Hardware Encryption | false | true |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Supported Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Windows, macOS, Android, Harmony OS |
Storage(1) | ||
NAND Type | TLC | 3D TLC |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 78.5 g | 43 g |
Length (mm) | 107 mm | 83.8 mm |
Width (mm) | 50.8 mm | 53.3 mm |
Height (mm) | 13 mm | 7.6 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the P40 for its near-flagship speeds, solid aluminum construction, and strong random performance, while noting thermal throttling and Windows-only RGB control.
Everyday users love the lightning-fast transfers and rugged feel, but complain about heat buildup, lack of RGB on macOS, and the drive's bulk.
Professional reviewers commend the SL500 for its premium, compact design, solid durability, and competitive pricing, noting that it delivers very fast transfers when paired with a suitable Gen 2×2 or USB 4.0 host. They point out that real-world performance often lags behind the 2000 MB/s claim and that users without the appropriate port will not experience the drive's full speed potential.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's pocket-sized form factor, reliable build, and sufficient speed for on-the-go 4K editing, as well as the added security of encryption. Common complaints revolve around the gap between advertised and actual speeds, the absence of a USB-A adapter, and the lack of MagSafe support.
“Transfers my Steam library in minutes”
“Looks amazing on my desk with the RGB”
“Survived a drop from my desk with no issues”
