M.2 format SSDs have gained significant popularity, driven by their exceptional overall performance and their utility in expanding storage capacity in devices such as the Playstation 5. The Kingston KC3000 represents an evolution of the KC2500 (not an entirely new product). Previously, we referenced the KC2500 in conjunction with the Asus ROG Strix Arion enclosure to achieve peak external hard drive performance via USB-C. According to its specifications, the KC3000 is capable of read and write speeds reaching 7,000 MB/s. However, these speeds are typically realized when the SSD is installed internally within computers or compatible consoles. This review assesses the KC3000’s performance when used in an external USB-C enclosure. (Note: We have not tested this SSD in a PS5; to utilize it in that context, a heatsink-equipped enclosure is generally recommended.) While Kingston does not explicitly recommend the KC3000 for external applications, this evaluation remains relevant for users seeking a cost-effective SSD from a reputable manufacturer for external storage purposes.
Installation within our Asus enclosure was straightforward, followed by formatting for the desired operating system. Given our primarily Apple-centric office environment, we opted for APFS formatting. The results from the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test are presented below:
The observed speeds, while exceeding those of previous external storage solutions (such as those from ADATA), fall short of the theoretical maximum. A bottleneck exists within the data transfer chain. The source of this bottleneck – whether it resides in the USB-C cable, the Mac’s USB port, the enclosure itself, or a combination thereof – remains undetermined. This limitation likely contributes to Kingston’s recommendation against using the KC3000 in external configurations.
This bottleneck raises questions regarding the suitability of high-capacity SSDs like the KC3000 for purely external use. However, the inherent quality and speed of the SSD remain crucial, particularly given that some high-performance SSDs have exhibited overheating issues over prolonged use. Instances of operational failures have been observed (e.g., the KC2500, as well as the 770G from ADATA, which experienced failure after approximately two years of service as a dedicated external drive). Adequate cooling appears essential. It is unclear whether previous device failures were attributable to the SSD’s internal circuitry or to limitations in the cooling solutions provided by enclosures like the Asus ROG Strix Arion and the units’ integrated housings. SSDs deployed in our PS5 consoles, equipped with dedicated heatsinks, have not exhibited similar operational issues to date. However, their usage period is shorter, and they are subjected to less continuous load compared to external drives used for demanding tasks such as offloading work files or serving as Time Machine backup disks. Kingston provides a five-year warranty on its memory products. While replacements are typically provided for defective units, data recovery is not guaranteed.
Overall, evaluating the KC3000 is nuanced given the testing conditions. For users prioritizing a fast external SSD, more cost-effective alternatives exist that offer comparable performance and eliminate the need to purchase a separate USB-C enclosure. Nevertheless, the KC3000 presents an attractive combination of performance and value, with street prices at the time of writing being under 1000 SEK for the 1TB model, and around 1300 SEK for the 2TB version. While its suitability for external use is qualified, the KC3000 is expected to be a strong contender as an internal storage solution.
Kingston provided the review samples for this evaluation. Provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted with the consumer’s interests as the primary focus.
