Question 1

Would this work with an iMac (USB 2.0, OS 10.6) that is 7 years old?

Accepted Answer

Hi. USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0, meaning it will read fine in a usb 2.0 port, but it won't go as fast as it would in a 3.0 port. As far as using it in an imac, I don't see any difference in how the operating system will read the drive. The hardware should be compatible. that's what makes it so useful. I hope this helps!

Question 2

I'm thinking of using this in a mini laptop that has only a 32GB SSD. Would like to use this for a substitute HDD.

Would the heat be too much of a problem to put faith in this as additional/reliable storage?

Accepted Answer

I think the question of heat is a good one. (I used to work in mission assurance at JPL, and I understand some of your concern.) I have found that the device, used in a USB socket as it normally would be, is sometimes hot and sometimes not. I attribute the difference to the internal cooling on the socket, and that is not something I can verify. My own laptop keeps the device warm, my company one does not. Quite cool, in fact.

Maybe if you can thermally bond your socket to something to help cooling, it would be OK as an SSD.

BTW, JPL's rule (for space) was no silicon should be above 100 C. To calculate the Si temp one has to know the thermal conductivity to the case, and I have no idea if you can get that level of info.

My solution to my concern is to do a backup daily using SyncToy.

Hope this helps.

Question 3

How much available space? I know it won't have the full 128GB available hopefully at least 120GB is?

Accepted Answer

My device says 124,XXX,XXX,XXX bytes  . . . .    115 GB

You pays your money and you takes your choice!

Very handy!

Question 4

Is it waterproof or water resistant?

Accepted Answer

Hmmm, I've never taken it swimming, nor has it been through the wash. However, if you look around the web, you will find that most thumb drives, sd cards and the like are "waterproof" or "water resistant". The quotes are due to the fact that in most cases these devices are always in devices that need to stay out of the water. Although, a camera in a case, may go under the water the device stays dry on the inside, thus the usb or sd card would also be dry. That said, I wouldn't let any thumb drive or flash card stay wet for too long. As far as I know all metal will "oxidize" or react with water over time. I hope this helps.

BTW...this is a fast drive. I did a 5 gig movie copy from a usb3.0 port on my computer in 45 seconds. The same copy to a fast SDHC UHS 3/1 80mbs card took 2 minutes. Again, this was USB3.0 port to USB 3.0 Sandisk fit drive.

Question 5

Is it backward compatible to use 2.0?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the description says it is backward compatible to USB 2.0.  Actually, backward compatibility with USB 2.0 is part of the USB 3.0 specification standard, ........  but you can't be sure until you actually use it.

Question 6

Is this the older version or newer version of the device?

Accepted Answer

I was unaware that there *were* multiple versions, but the "[New Speed]" mention in the item title does suggest "new & improved".  I'm certainly happy with mine, except for the fear of losing it due to its small size.  I mostly keep it plugged into my laptop -- only sticks out slightly more than a low-profile wireless mouse adapter.

Question 7

What is the WRITE speed?

Accepted Answer

One online review site tested the read speeds at 142.7 MB/s max and the write speed at just below half that figure, 68.16 MB/s max.  A YouTuber's test showed reads at just under 120 MB/s and writes at around 58-60 MB/s.  I believe both these tests were for the older version but this version shouldn't be that much different.

Question 8

Which model number is this that you are selling?

SDCZ43-128G-G46 is the Older Version

SDCZ43-128G-GAM46 is the Newest Version

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.  This model number is SDCZ43-128G-G46.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

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