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In recent years, SSDs have become standard equipment for most laptops, from budget-friendly options to high-end gaming machines. However, the ever-increasing size of modern games, often reaching hundreds of gigabytes, like Horizon Zero Dawn and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, can quickly fill up even the most spacious drives. This is where a high-speed external drive becomes a valuable asset, expanding storage capacity and allowing gamers to carry their entire library, especially for handheld consoles like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. Lexar, a well-known name in the storage industry, has recently released its own portable SSD tailored for gamers: the Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB. This review will delve into the features and performance of this drive, assessing its suitability for gaming needs.

Sleek Design and Durable Build

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Packaging

The Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB boasts a premium design, packaged similarly to other Lexar products, such as the Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 6000MHz memory. The black box features a prominent image of the drive, highlighting its attractive RGB lighting. The packaging also emphasizes the drive’s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, capable of reaching speeds up to 20Gbps—a standard currently available on only a select few recent laptops and motherboards.

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Accessories

Unboxing the SL660 reveals a few additional accessories, including a notebook-style carrying case and a stand designed to showcase the dual-sided RGB lighting. Compared to other portable drives like the KINGMAX KE31, the Lexar Blaze SL660 is larger and heavier, encased in a robust metal shell for added durability.

Effective Cooling and RGB Aesthetics

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Close-up

The recessed inner edge houses the RGB LEDs, seamlessly integrated with the translucent plastic diffuser. The metal enclosure not only protects the internal components but also acts as a heatsink, preventing overheating and maintaining consistent performance during extended use. The included stand further enhances cooling by allowing for vertical placement, ensuring optimal airflow on both sides of the drive.

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Stand

This design, while not the most compact, is visually impressive and caters to the RGB aesthetics favored by many gamers. It even surpasses the Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD in terms of visual appeal. This efficient cooling is especially beneficial for extended gaming sessions, ensuring smooth performance without stuttering or lag, particularly in graphically demanding games with large textures and complex effects like Cyberpunk 2077.

Performance and Gaming Experience

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Speed Test

Testing the Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB with a standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connection prevented achieving the drive’s maximum sequential read speed. However, this limitation is not a significant concern for typical gaming usage. Benchmarks show the SL660 outperforming the KLEVV R1 Portable in sequential read and write speeds but slightly trailing in 4K random read/write performance.

Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB – Benchmark

This difference translates to slightly longer loading times in open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC, though the difference is negligible. In actual gameplay, both drives perform similarly, even in demanding titles optimized for SSD performance on next-gen consoles, like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PC. This confirms the SL660’s capability to handle even the most demanding games without issues, even during extended play sessions.

Conclusion

The Lexar Blaze SL660 512GB is a compelling portable SSD for gamers, offering a stylish and durable design, vibrant RGB lighting, and impressive sustained read/write speeds. While its price point might be higher than some competitors, its performance and features make it a worthwhile consideration for gamers seeking a premium external storage solution. You can stay updated on the latest Lexar news and information on their official Facebook page.