WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB

Last updated: August 3, 2023

WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB

Our Review Process

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We looked at the top Xbox SSDs and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Xbox SSD you should buy.

Overall Take

This Xbox SSD is a versatile choice and is compatible with many devices, including PlayStation. It has a stylish look that aligns well with the console. The SSD has an extended capacity of two terabytes.

In our analysis of 23 expert reviews, the WD_BLACK D30 Portable External Xbox SSD, 1 TB placed 1st when we looked at the top 6 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Expanded capacity up to 2TB to store up to 50 games (As used for storage capacity, 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.) (Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.) Stylistically designed to sit alongside your console. Accelerated speeds up to 900MB/s to help minimize long load screens (Based on read speed and internal testing. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.) Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

Practical design, if physically larger than required. Works on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with designated console models.
The D30 is a solid enough external SSD and is ready to go from the box for a range of tasks.
Fast peak read/write speeds. Chunky outer design says “gamer” without using RGB lighting. Casing made with game use thermal stress in mind.
Plug-and-play. Great build quality.
Industrial design with no obnoxious RBG lighting scheme. Breakneck transfer speeds on PCs with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port. Decent speeds on PCs with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port. Xbox One and PS4 games can be stored on and played directly from the WD_BLACK D30 on Xbox X | S and PS5 consoles.

What experts didn't like

Slow write performance, particularly sequential and sustained. Mediocre all-around performance.
A short cable is annoying and console owners, as per other drives, will have to be ok with storing and not launching games.
Poor speeds when transferring large game installs. Xbox Series X/S can’t make use of its full speed. Less effective all-round than some good quality SATA SSDs.
Expensive for the storage size.
Due to limitations placed by Microsoft and Sony on the Xbox X | S and the PlayStation 5, games that are optimized for those systems can be stored on the WD_BLACK D30, but you must transfer them to the console’s main memory before playing. If your computer doesn’t have USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, you won’t get the best Read/Write speeds this drive is capable of delivering.

Overview

If you have an Xbox, you may be looking for a memory and storage solution. A good option is getting an external SSD (solid state drive), which can offer you considerably more storage for your games and other activities.

The most important thing to consider is compatibility first and foremost, as the SSD must work with the Xbox series you have. Many SSDs are versatile, so they can work with multiple gaming systems such as Xbox and PlayStation, in addition to Macs and PCs. However, there may be some which are more limited in their compatibility, so it’s always best to double check.

Next, you’ll want to consider exactly how much storage you will need. How many games do you want to own and play at a time? Some SSDs will actually tell you how many games they can store, such as 40 or 50, based on an average game size. You can calculate the storage this way or just look at the total storage capacity. Keep in mind that if you plan on using your SSD for multiple devices, then you may need a larger capacity based on all the different things you want to store on it.

For many gamers, style is just as important as functionality. Will the external Xbox SSD look good with your console or will it stand out like a sore thumb? Check the shape, color, size and design elements of the SSD to see how it will look with your setup. After all, you don’t a storage device to alter the look of your gaming area.

Buying Advice

  • Think about how much speed matters to you when you’re using your Xbox. If you’re using your SSD simply for storage, then transfer speeds may not matter as much. However, if they do affect your playing time, then it’s important to look for a faster option – though those may be less easy on the wallet.
  • Security is a major factor when it comes to making a purchasing decision for more people. For example, does the SSD have a password lock feature or fingerprint scanning technology? Not only that, but is the SSD weatherproof and drop resistant? Cybersecurity matters, but ruggedness and durability are part of security as well. For example, if you move the SSD around from location to location, then these features may be more important than if you only leave the SSD in one place.
  • Some SSD come with a product protection plan or warranty, which can offer peace of mind knowing there is a solution for any problem that may occur. Not all people find this feature a value-add, however, so it depends on your needs, your prior experience with this type of technology and your potential risk factors.
  • Check to see whether the SSD comes with the connector cables you need or if those need to be purchased separately, as that can add on to the cost for the device. Note that some cables are versatile so you may be able to use them with multiple devices – which is an added bonus.
  • Want to take your Xbox games with you wherever you go – such as to a friend’s house to play over there? Opt for an SSD that is pocket-sized. This makes it much more portable and easier to move around without getting damaged in the process.