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To get the Samsung T9’s highest rated sequential speeds, connect it to a host port and cable that both support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps), with UASP enabled. A USB-C connector alone does not guarantee that capability. Samsung rates the T9 for reads up to 2,000 MB/s, but those figures are maximums under specific connection conditions—not a promise for every computer or file transfer.
What you need for the T9’s maximum rated speed
Samsung’s requirement is a complete connection: the host device, cable, and UASP support all matter. If any part of the path lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps), the drive can still work through backward compatibility, but the setup does not meet Samsung’s conditions for its maximum sequential speeds. Samsung states that host and cable must support Gen 2×2 and UASP must be enabled in its T9 announcement.
- Host port/controller: Confirm in the computer or motherboard documentation that the specific port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at 20Gbps. Do not infer speed from a USB-C-shaped port.
- Cable: Start with the genuine USB Type-C cable supplied with the T9. If it is unavailable or damaged, use a replacement explicitly rated for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 data. USB-C describes the connector, not the cable’s data rate.
- UASP: The host must support and enable USB Attached SCSI Protocol. Samsung’s Portable SSD Installation Guide warns that performance may be lower without UASP, including over a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection.
Samsung recommends using its supplied genuine cable and cautions that non-genuine cables may cause recognition problems or reduced performance; see the T9 product page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSamsung’s T9 speed ratings—and what they mean
Samsung’s 2023 announcement gives capacity-specific maximum sequential ratings. They are manufacturer specifications, not independent results for every workload or setup.
#1 Best Overall
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
| Capacity | Sequential read, up to | Sequential write, up to |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | 2,000 MB/s | 1,950 MB/s |
| 2TB | 2,000 MB/s | 1,950 MB/s |
| 4TB | 2,000 MB/s | 2,000 MB/s |
Samsung lists these ratings in its 2023 product announcement and cautions that results vary with host configuration, cable, and system environment. Its listed test system used an ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-E GAMING WIFI motherboard, Intel i9-10900K processor, 8GB DDR4 memory, and Windows 11 Pro; this does not guarantee the same result on another system. A real transfer can also differ from a sequential-speed rating depending on the workload and file sizes.
Check your setup in this order
- Connect directly to a documented Gen 2×2 port. Check the exact port or controller specification in your computer or motherboard documentation. A port marked USB-C is not enough to establish 20Gbps support.
- Use the supplied Samsung cable. If you need a replacement, verify that its specifications explicitly include USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 data capability, rather than relying on its connector type.
- Check UASP support. Confirm that the host supports UASP and that it is enabled. Samsung notes that lacking UASP can reduce performance even when the connection is USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- Review the whole connection path. If performance is below expectation, compare the host port/controller, cable, and system configuration with Samsung’s requirements before buying or changing hardware. There is no universal benchmark result established for every host, operating system, workload, or file size.
- Check drive status and firmware in Samsung Magician. Samsung describes Magician as offering firmware updates and drive-health functions. Check the current T9 support page and applicable release notes; an update should not be assumed to improve throughput. See also Samsung Magician Software.
When a hardware upgrade might help
If your existing computer lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, its current connection cannot meet the T9’s maximum-speed interface requirement. A compatible desktop PCIe expansion card may be an option, but compatibility depends on the specific system. Before buying one, check the motherboard’s available slot, operating-system support, controller and port specifications, and the card’s stated 20Gbps capability. No particular card or setup is established as universally compatible.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Rank #3
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Rank #2
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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