DataTraveler SE9:
Please click on the picture to open it in a new window
The third module we will take a look at is called DataTraveler SE9. The packaging is a bit different in color than the two previous modules had. The package has dark shades in it but the module looks very much like the DT109 we saw on previous page. Like both the previous modules we saw, also SE9 comes with 5 year warranty. Our sample unit has 4GB capacity but DTSE9 is also available at 8GB and 16GB capacities.
Please click on the picture to open it in a new window
The DTSE9 is sized and made in the same mold as DT109. There are two main differences between thse two modules is the material they’ve made from. Unlike DT109 which is made from plastic, the DTSE9 is made from some sort of metal. It has the same keyring hole like DT109 had. Also, DTSE9 does not support urDrive like the DT109 did. I did not find DTSE9 4GB available in Finland, but the 8GB model costs 9,4€.
Testing:
Following system was used during the tests:
Lenovo Thinkpad T61
Intel Core 2 Duo T7700
2x2GB DDR2 800MHz
500GB Seagate 7200rpm HDD
Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M
We used Atto DiskBenchMark to test our USB-Flash sticks using the integrated USB controller in our Thinkpad T61. As a comparison we have similarly priced stick from A-Data called C008/4GB.
When we observe the test results we can clearly announce DT109 as the fastest of these modules. There’s a significant difference in write speeds against the other drives while read speeds are similar than with DTSE9.
First we thought that the DTSE9 is the same stick as DT109, but apparently it isn’t so. DTSE9 doesn’t perform as well as DT109 did. DT109 gets only 8.3M/s write speeds while DT109 manages to push very nice 16.3M/s. Read speed is similar to DTSE9.
DataTraveler Micro is the slowest of these three modules. Write speed is a tad slower than with DTSE9 and there is 6MB/s difference also in read speeds. Apparently small size comes with its cons.
We used A-DATA C008/4GB as a reference module. In write test it is the slowest and in read test it beats only the DataTraveler Micro with a negligible difference.
Conclusion:
All the modules reviewed today belong to the budget sector of Kingstons USB-Flash Media products. You can get any of these modules for under 10€ here in Finland. None of the modules is fully able to saturate the maximum speeds allowed by the USB2.0 slot. In read tests there is some difference between the modules but they all manage to push quite good results. In write tests only DT109 managed to push respectful results while the results with the rest were less interesting. Considering the general use scenario of these inexpensive flash drives it is easy to recommend all of them to anyone who needs a module for whatever need. With Kingston you won’t be disappointed! However, if you want a faster module you should consider buying one which uses USB3 interface. As always check Newegg and Amazon for good prices.
DT109:
Pros:
+ Price
+ urDrive (if you need it)
+ Write Speed
+ Read Speed
Cons:
- None
DTSE9:
Pros:
+ Price
+ Read Speed
Cons:
- Write Speed
DataTraveler Micro:
Pros:
+ Price
+ Physical Size
Cons:
- Write Speed
- Read Speed
Recent Comments