Sharge Disk Pro 2TB Review: Fast Writes, Cooling, Hub
▼ Summary
– The Sharge Disk Pro is a portable SSD with a built-in USB/HDMI hub, active cooling fan, and a distinctive translucent design.
– It excels in sustained write performance for professional use, though it is not the fastest overall in its 10 Gbps speed class.
– Its primary drawbacks are a high price and a hub USB-C port that is too recessed to fit many standard cables.
– A physical switch allows the SSD to be powered off independently so the hub can be used alone, and a button activates a turbo cooling mode.
– The drive has a magnetic back and includes rings for attachment to devices, but its attached cable is very short.
For professionals and frequent travelers seeking a versatile storage solution, the Sharge Disk Pro 2TB offers a compelling blend of speed, utility, and innovative design. This portable SSD integrates a 10 Gbps solid-state drive with a built-in USB hub and active cooling fan, all housed in a compact, translucent shell. While its premium price tag is significant, it delivers standout sustained write performance and unique features that make it a powerful tool for users with port-limited laptops.
The device distinguishes itself in a crowded market by combining core functions. Beyond fast storage, it includes an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, and a USB-C port that supports up to 100W input. A physical switch allows you to power down the internal SSD while still using the hub, a clever feature for conserving energy. The integrated fan activates automatically under load to maintain optimal temperatures, with a manual “Turbo Mode” button available for demanding, extended write sessions. This active cooling system proved highly effective in testing, enabling the drive to maintain impressive write speeds over long durations.
Design is another strong point. The translucent front panel reveals internal components, offering a distinctive look, while a metal backplate contains a strong magnet. This allows the drive to snap onto modern smartphones or attach to devices using the included adhesive metal rings. Despite packing extra ports and a cooling fan, the Disk Pro remains remarkably compact at 90 x 61 x 11 mm. However, the design has one notable quirk: the attached short cable docks into the hub’s USB-C port when stowed, which is surrounded by a plastic housing. This recessed design means many third-party USB-C cables with thicker connector ends will not fit, a potential inconvenience for users who frequently utilize the hub.
Performance testing reveals a drive that excels in key areas. In synthetic benchmarks using CrystalDiskMark, it delivered sequential read and write speeds near the 1,000 MB/s limit of its 10 Gbps interface. Its results in the PCMark 10 storage trace test were competitive, landing among the top performers in its speed class. Where the Disk Pro truly shines is in sustained sequential writes. When subjected to a continuous 15-minute write test, its speed began near 930 MB/s and remained consistently above 900 MB/s, a result significantly better than many rivals and clearly benefiting from its thermal management. This consistent performance validates the “Pro” moniker for workloads involving large, continuous file transfers.
The primary drawback is cost. The 2TB model reviewed carries a price around $385, which positions it at the high end for a 10 Gbps external SSD. This premium is partly attributable to broader market trends where NAND flash prices have risen industry-wide. When compared directly, alternatives like the Crucial X9 Pro 2TB (when available) or the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offer lower cost per terabyte. The Crucial X10 Pro provides 20 Gbps bandwidth for less money, though that extra speed requires a compatible port. The value proposition of the Sharge Disk Pro hinges on its integrated features; you are paying for the convenience of a all-in-one travel hub and the assurance of strong sustained performance.
Ultimately, the Sharge Disk Pro is a niche product that executes its vision exceptionally well. It is not the absolute fastest drive in its category, nor is it the most affordable. Its brilliance lies in combining reliable, cache-sustaining write speeds with genuine multiport utility in a single, travel-ready package. For the mobile professional whose laptop has only one or two USB-C ports, this device can function as a docking station, a charger, and a high-performance backup drive. If your priority is versatility and consistent performance over pure lowest cost, the Disk Pro stands out as a uniquely practical and well-engineered choice.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)
