For photographers and content creators, efficient storage and backup solutions are crucial for handling large volumes of data, especially when working with high-resolution images (RAW files) and 4K video footage.
The PNY RP60 External SSD has emerged as a reliable companion in this regard, offering top-tier performance and durability that meet professional needs.
What is the PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External SSD?
The PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External SSD is a high-performance, portable flash storage device for fast and reliable data transfer.
Built with advanced USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology, it offers impressive read and write speeds, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need to quickly store and access large files.
This external SSD is compact and lightweight yet rugged enough to withstand the demands of travel and fieldwork. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator, the PNY RP60 provides the speed, durability, and portability needed to handle your most demanding projects easily.
Features and Specs:
- External USB-C SSD
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20GB/s)
- 2000MB/s Read Speed
- 1800MB/s Write Speed
- IP65 Water and Dust Resistant
- Durable up to 3m/9.8ft
- Compatible with Windows/Apple Devices
What’s in the Box?
- PNY RP60 Device
- USB-C to USB-C flat cable (32cm long)
- Product Registration Code
- Acronis True Image Data Protection Software
*As an Amazon Associate, johnmakphotography.com earns from qualifying purchases. This referral program helps us maintain the website at no additional cost to you.
Versatile Connectivity and Compatibility
The PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External SSD stands out with its flexible connectivity options. It supports USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C cables (see image below), ensuring that you can easily connect the SSD to a wide range of devices, whether they have the latest USB-C ports or older USB-A ports.
The dual connectivity options make transferring data across different systems convenient without needing additional adapters. However, the official box includes only one USB-C to USB-C cable.
In terms of compatibility, the PNY RP60 is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of devices. Whether you’re using a Windows laptop, desktop, or tablet, an Android phone or tablet, or Apple devices like the MacBook, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, iPad, or iPhone, this SSD integrates effortlessly into your workflow. Its broad compatibility ensures that the PNY RP60 is ready to provide reliable external storage no matter what device you’re working on.
In this PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External SSD review, I share my experiences with the PNY RP60 during a recent sailing trip, highlighting its speed, ruggedness, and versatility as an external storage device.
Transfer Speed Performance of the PNY RP60: Real-World Scenarios
One of the standout features of the PNY RP60 External SSD is its USB-C Gen 2×2 (USB 3.2) connectivity, which supports transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/s for reading and 1800MB/s for writing. These specifications were tested during my sailing trip. I needed to quickly offload large RAW files and 4K video footage from multiple devices, including my iPhone 14 Pro, Insta360 ONE RS, and Sony a7III.
I first noticed how swiftly I could transfer files to the SSD. The high-speed connectivity significantly reduced the time it took to copy gigabytes of data, allowing me to focus more on capturing and less on waiting. This speed is not just a number on paper; it translates into real-world efficiency, mainly when working with large files common in photography and videography.
However, achieving these top speeds depends on the capabilities of the devices and storage media you’re working with. Below, we’ll explore different scenarios affecting transfer speeds and how the PNY RP60 performs in each.
Real-World Scenario 1: Transferring from a High-Speed SD Card to the PNY RP60
- If you’re copying data from a high-performance SD card, such as a UHS-II V90 or CF Express card, which can reach speeds up to 1725MB/s, the SD card’s maximum output will limit the transfer speed. In this case, even though the PNY RP60 is capable of much higher speeds, the data transfer will be capped at the speed of the SD card, potentially taking longer to move large files such as RAW images or 4K video footage.
Real-World Scenario 2: Transferring from the PNY RP60 to a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4
- When connected to a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4 ports, the PNY RP60 can operate at maximum speed. Thunderbolt 4 supports data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, far beyond the SSD’s 2000MB/s (16Gbps) read speed. This ensures that you can transfer large files like 500GB of 4K video or a vast collection of RAW images in just under 5 minutes, leveraging the full potential of the SSD.
Real-World Scenario 3: Transferring to a PC or Laptop with USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 Ports
- The transfer rate will be significantly slower if you’re using a computer with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 port, which typically supports speeds up to 5Gbps (around 625MB/s). In this scenario, the bottleneck is the port on your device, meaning that the PNY RP60 won’t be able to perform at its maximum speed. Transferring 500GB of data could take much longer, potentially over 13 minutes, depending on the actual speed of the USB port.
Real-World Scenario 4: Transferring Data Between Two PNY RP60 SSDs
- If you’re transferring data between two PNY RP60 SSDs using a device with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, you can achieve optimal speeds with both drives operating at their maximum potential. This scenario would allow for the fastest possible data transfer, making it ideal for quickly duplicating large projects or backing up extensive libraries of media files.
While the PNY RP60 is capable of extremely fast data transfers, the actual speed you’ll experience depends on the capabilities of the devices you’re connecting it to. High-performance connections like Thunderbolt 4 will allow the SSD to shine, while older or slower ports may limit its potential. Regardless of the setup, the PNY RP60 remains a powerful tool for moving large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, especially when paired with the right hardware.
Seamless Editing Experience
Editing directly from the PNY RP60 External SSD on my iPad Air M1 was a smooth and lag-free experience. The USB-C Gen 2×2 interface ensured no noticeable delay or stutter, even with large RAW files or 4K video. This is crucial when you’re in a creative workflow and must adjust your content quickly.
The drive’s ability to handle high-resolution files without compromising speed makes it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who often work with demanding file formats. Whether you’re color grading 4K video or retouching high-resolution images, the PNY RP60 delivers consistent performance.
Protection: Durable Silicone Shell for Peace of Mind
Beyond speed, the PNY RP60 External SSD also impressed me with its rugged design. On a sailing trip where conditions can be unpredictable, it was reassuring to know that the SSD could handle a bit of rough treatment. The device’s sturdy build and resistance to minor spills meant I didn’t have to worry about damaging it with wet hands or placing it near potentially hazardous objects.
This durable casing is engineered to withstand drops from heights up to 3 meters (9.8 feet), ensuring that your data remains secure even in an accidental fall. This level of durability is crucial for professionals working in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments.
The silicone shell absorbs shocks and impacts and offers a secure grip, reducing the risk of dropping the drive, even when handling it with wet or gloved hands. This makes the PNY RP60 an ideal choice for those requiring robust and dependable storage.
Ultra-Portable Design: Perfect for Creators on the Move
One of the standout features of the PNY RP60 is its ultra-portable design, which is a game-changer for photographers and content creators who are always on the move. This SSD is exceptionally compact and lightweight, allowing it to easily slip into a pocket, camera bag, or backpack without adding any noticeable bulk.
Its small footprint means you can carry it anywhere, making it an ideal travel companion whether heading out for a location shoot, embarking on an adventure, or just moving between workspaces. Despite its diminutive size, the PNY RP60 packs powerful storage capabilities, ensuring ample space for your projects wherever you go without compromising on performance or portability.
Minor Drawbacks
While the PNY RP60 External SSD excels in many areas, I found the included USB-C cable slightly inconvenient due to its flat design. A round cable would have been easier to handle and connect, especially in tighter spaces.
Another minor drawback is that the silicon shell protecting the SSD is quite sensitive to dust and microfibers, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
It would also be beneficial to have encryption software accessible on both Mac and PC. I sometimes save my work on a desktop PC, and having compatibility across both systems would be very convenient.
However, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the drive’s overall performance and usability. It’s also worth noting that the box doesn’t include a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Warranty and Added Value
The PNY RP60 External SSD comes with a 3-year warranty, which is standard for SSDs of this caliber.
Additionally, PNY’s collaboration with Acronis offers users a comprehensive software suite for backing up their operating systems, applications, and data. This added feature enhances the drive’s value, giving users more control over their backups.
Where to Buy
The PNY RP60 External SSD is available on Amazon.com, offering a range of options to suit your needs. This SSD comes in several capacities, including 1TB and 2TB, allowing you to choose the right size for your storage requirements.
Its impressive read and write speeds make it reliable for fast data transfer. The drive is backed by a 3-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability and performance.
Buy on Amazon
On Amazon, you can also explore other products from PNY, such as their memory and graphic cards, USB drives, and other external storage solutions, all designed to meet various tech needs.
Conclusion: A Reliable Storage Solution for Creators
In summary, the PNY RP60 External SSD is an outstanding storage solution for photographers and videographers who need fast, reliable, and portable storage. Its high-speed USB-C Gen 2×2 connectivity, rugged design, and versatile compatibility make it a perfect tool for managing large files and working on the go.
Whether you’re backing up your data, editing high-resolution content directly from the drive, or simply needing a dependable storage solution, the PNY RP60 delivers.
For content creators looking for a durable and efficient external SSD, the PNY RP60 is a top contender that will meet the demands of even the most intensive workflows.
* Read our full affiliate disclosure here for more information on our collaborations and partners.
