In an era where game install sizes are ballooning and load times can make or break an experience, the need for high-speed external storage has never been greater. Lexar’s SL660 Blaze Gaming Portable SSD enters this competitive arena, promising top-tier performance in a package designed for gamers on the move. It’s a bold claim, aiming to be the go-to drive for console and PC players alike who refuse to compromise on speed or style.
The SL660 Blaze immediately sets itself apart with a design that screams “gamer.” Encased in a gunmetal gray, sandblasted aluminum shell, it feels both premium and rugged enough to withstand being tossed in a backpack. The angular design and integrated RGB light bar, which pulses with a subtle color cycle, are clear differentiators from the sea of minimalist black rectangles on the market. Lexar even includes a detachable stand for showcasing the drive on your desk and a carabiner loop for true on-the-go functionality. While the aesthetic is subjective, the build quality is not; this drive feels solid and built to last, offering superior drop and shock resistance compared to its plastic-bodied rivals.
Of course, a gaming SSD lives and dies by its performance, and this is where the SL660 Blaze truly shines—with a significant caveat. It utilizes a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, boasting theoretical speeds of up to 2000MB/s read and 1900MB/s write. When connected to a compatible port, the results are spectacular. Games load in a fraction of the time it takes on a traditional external HDD, and even rival the speeds of some internal SATA SSDs. Transferring massive video files or game directories takes mere seconds. However, the Gen 2×2 port is still relatively uncommon, found mostly on high-end PC motherboards. When plugged into a more standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port—the kind found on most modern laptops, Macs, and consoles like the PS5—your speeds are effectively halved to around 1000MB/s. It’s still incredibly fast, but you’re not getting the full performance you paid for.
Beyond raw speed, the drive includes Lexar’s DataVault Lite software, providing 256-bit AES encryption to keep your files secure. This is a welcome addition, making the drive a versatile tool for both play and sensitive work. The package also thoughtfully includes both a USB-C to USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A cable, ensuring broad compatibility out of the box. During sustained transfers, the aluminum body does get noticeably warm to the touch, which is typical for high-performance NVMe drives as the metal acts as a heatsink to dissipate thermal energy and prevent throttling.
The Lexar SL660 Blaze Gaming Portable SSD presents a compelling, if niche, value proposition. Its price is firmly in the premium category, competing directly with top-tier offerings from SanDisk and Samsung. Its ultimate worth depends heavily on your hardware. If you are a PC enthusiast with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port and a deep appreciation for RGB-lit, gamer-centric design, this drive is a top-tier performer that delivers on its promises and looks great doing it. For console gamers or users with more common 10Gbps USB-C ports, it remains an excellent, high-quality drive, but you’re paying a premium for speed you can’t currently access, making more affordable Gen 2 alternatives a smarter financial choice.
Where to Buy:
Lexar SL660 Blaze Gaming Portable SSD Quick Summary
Key Scores:
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Value:
83% -
Design:
92% -
Performance:
96% -
Quality:
90% -
Popularity:
88%
Top Pros
- ✅ Achieves blazing-fast speeds on supported USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports.
- ✅ Premium sandblasted aluminum build feels rugged and durable.
- ✅ Stylish RGB lighting adds a unique aesthetic for gamers.
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Key Cons
- ❌ Full performance requires a relatively rare USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port.
- ❌ The gamer-focused RGB aesthetic may not appeal to all users.
- ❌ Priced at a premium compared to non-gaming portable SSDs.
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