Taiwanese manufacturer ADATA, from whom we recently tested two hard drive models, offers the new ADATA HD710 Pro. This robust drive features a durable plastic and rubber outer shell and a substantial 3 TB capacity. Priced at approximately 1500 SEK, it represents a potentially compelling option for users who frequently transport their external hard drives, particularly in demanding environments. This review assesses its performance characteristics after a five-week evaluation period.
HD710 PRO – Durability
The HD710 Pro is a 2.5″ hard drive encased in a rugged enclosure. It is noticeably thicker and heavier than more conventional portable drives like the popular WD MyPassport. The enclosure incorporates rubber and three layers of high-quality plastic, silicone, and shock-absorbing material, providing enhanced protection. In our testing, the drive continued to function normally after intentional drops from a standing height (approximately 1.5-2.0 m). This is a notable achievement for a mechanical hard drive. The HD710 Pro also features an impact detection system that interrupts drive activity upon sensing a shock, indicated by a blue or red LED. This safeguard is beneficial in scenarios where, for example, a laptop is accidentally pulled down while writing data to the drive. While the computer itself may sustain damage, the drive is designed to survive data interruption.
HD710 PRO – IP68 (Waterproof)
The HD710 Pro carries an IP68 rating, signifying its waterproof capabilities. However, this protection is contingent upon disconnecting the USB cable (which can be secured around the case) and ensuring the USB port is properly sealed with the rubber flap. Under these conditions, the drive can withstand submersion without functional impairment. ADATA’s internal testing indicates the drive can endure submersion up to 2 meters for one hour (exceeding the IP68 standard requirements). Note that diving or swimming with the drive is not recommended. Always verify the hatch is securely sealed to avoid compromising water resistance.
HD710 PRO – Performance
While impact and water resistance are valuable features, performance remains a primary concern for most users. We evaluated the drive’s performance against the Western Digital (WD) My Passport V2 2 TB. The Passport, formatted to HFS+ (Mac OS X format, journaled+) and approximately 80% full, achieved 53 MB/s write and 56 MB/s read speeds, as measured by Black Magic Design Speed Test.
The initial performance of the HD710 Pro, tested in its default FAT32 format without any data, yielded the following results:
(Results remained consistent after reformatting to HFS+)
The HD710 Pro achieved 99 MB/s write and 125 MB/s read speeds. After filling the HD710 Pro to approximately 80% capacity, the following results were observed:
The drive maintained 60 MB/s write and 61 MB/s read speeds. While this represents a performance decrease compared to the empty drive, it still translates to roughly 20% faster speeds than the competitor. While the Passport is an older model (approximately two years older), and a 4 TB MyPassport is available for a slightly lower price than the 3 TB HD710 Pro, ADATA’s offering presents a compelling combination of price, functionality, and performance. Notably, the HD710 Pro utilizes a Western Digital Blue-disk internally.
Summary: ADATA has established a notable presence in the Swedish consumer market. While not the least expensive option, the HD710 Pro’s robust design offers drop protection and water resistance, which are valuable assets. Furthermore, its superior performance compared to established competitors positions ADATA favorably. We anticipate evaluating ADATA’s SSD offerings in the future and will provide reviews following comprehensive testing.
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