SK Hynix T31 Tube Lies of P Edition Review

As a tech enthusiast and content creator who spends countless hours recording and editing gameplay footage, I can confidently say that the SK Hynix T31 Tube Lies of P Edition has been a game-changer for me. This little powerhouse has proven to be reliable for long-term operations, handling eight hours’ worth of raw videos without a hitch, although it took 12 hours for the render to finish – a small price to pay for such smooth performance!

The SK Hynix T31 Tube is a portable SSD drive that is fit in a thumbstick. It’s considered one of the best in its category. With an advertised max transfer speed of 1000MB/s when used on a USB 3.2 interface, it’s easy to see why. Recently, SK Hynix reached out to us to review the new SK Hynix T31 Tube Lies of P Edition, coming off a collaboration with Neowiz, and we’re here to confirm the hype: it’s a great SSD.

Similar to how Pinocchio’s character shines in its namesake tale, the SK Hynix T31 Tube Special Edition stands out as a multifunctional storage device that delivers solid performance. Our tests suggest that this unique version performs equally well compared to the standard model. The distinctive feature of this special edition is an intricate design of Pinocchio’s mechanical arms, beautifully printed on the surface of the flash drive.

The package we received came with two 1 TB T31 Tubes and a sticker pack filled with Lies of P decals that are perfect for folios or on your laptop’s surface. Personally, I used it to decorate the inside covers of my TCG binders, but you can probably find more fun ways to use the stickers inside. It depicts various members of the Stalkers in the game, along with some cool logos and graffiti.

As one of our favorite games of 2023, this was a treat for us to review.

In terms of the storage devices, they function as described. Due to the limitations of our laptop’s hardware, which has a 3.1 USB port, 3.2 flash drives can only achieve a maximum transfer speed of 500 Megabytes per second when used separately. However, when transferring data between two T31 Tubes on the same device using a 3.1 USB port, we can reach up to 300 Megabytes per second, and occasionally even spike up to 500 Megabytes per second.

In the video provided, you didn’t see us conduct an additional test using a computer equipped with a 3.2 USB port. Surprisingly, we achieved approximately 800 MB/s and 600 MB/s transfer rates when testing two T31 Tubes.

Although it didn’t quite meet the 1000 MB/s stated, the T31 Tube devices demonstrated a robust performance by consistently moving files at 800 MB/s. There were hardly any instances during the transfer where the speed dipped.

Can you treat the T31 Tube like an SSD Hard Drive?

Additionally, we explored the possibility of treating T31 Tubes as though they were Solid State Drives (SSDs). This trial was centered around two key components:

Using the T31 Tubes as the storage device for video editing software and directly writing on it while rendering,
Using the T31 Tubes to extend a PS5’s storage.

Initially, I employed both T31 Tubes for storage purposes, given that they arrived just in time when I was seeking a new storage solution for my videos. However, I later opted to designate one as permanent storage for my content creation and the other as an expansion of my PS5 storage. The extra 1 TB space on my PS5 is incredibly beneficial.

Performance in video editing

Regarding performance, I’m pleased to share that editing videos with the T31 Tube is comparable to working with an external SSD of similar type. While nothing surpasses having an M.2 SSD within your device, this option serves as a convenient and swift solution if you’re looking for a temporary performance boost for your setup.

In simpler terms, I utilized the T31 Tube as my storage device where I saved my unedited video clips. Then, I directly transferred these files into Capcut and also exported and rendered the final output back onto the T31 Tube. Despite Capcut advising a longer rendering time for this method, I persisted, driven by curiosity.

While I wouldn’t necessarily call it the best approach, I can confirm that employing the T31 Tube in this manner is feasible. For optimal performance and ease of file handling, I’d still suggest internal storage for both rendering and import purposes. However, if you require additional space or find moving files around to be a complex task, the T31 Tube offers a reliable solution.

In an exceptionally extensive test, I accumulated eight hours of raw footage from my Plucky Squire gameplay and saved it onto a flash drive SSD. Subsequently, I allowed the video editing equipment to process the videos directly into the flash drive. Unfortunately, I don’t have a reliable reference point for this trial, but it proceeded smoothly, albeit the rendering took 12 hours to complete.

In essence, I think shorter videos won’t require as much strain. However, the key point to note is that the SK Hynix SSD flash drive we have here is robust enough for extended uses, making it a dependable choice similar to other SSD drives available in the market.

Performance in expanding PS5 storage

The T31 Tube functions ideally as a compact storage device, making it an excellent choice for your PS5 due to its portability. Moreover, the transfer speeds are incredibly swift, a fact I can vouch for having moved all my saved game data from the console to this thumbstick.

Unfortunately, the T31 Tube doesn’t feature SuperSpeed USB compatibility, meaning it can’t be utilized for formatting as an extended USB storage device, thus restricting its functionality. However, functioning as a speedy thumbstick for moving game clips from your console to your computer, this device remains quite useful and appealing.

What are the Downsides?

Of course, with so much power packed into such a compact gadget, it’s inevitable that there will be a few drawbacks.

Initially, its size sets it apart. Although it’s portable, when compared to other flash drives, it appears quite large. Nowadays, many laptops are designed to be compact, and you’ll find that most USB storage devices are also getting smaller. As a result, while the T31 Tube is relatively small for an external SSD, it’s larger than typical thumbsticks.

Using the T31 Tube on your computer allows for easy connection, but it may obstruct other ports nearby. In my case, the Nitro V 15, I can’t accommodate two T31 Tubes on the same side due to space constraints, disrupting my customary arrangement. Additionally, even when placed at the back of the PS5, two T31 Tubes won’t fit comfortably. Despite the generous space provided by Sony on the PS5’s rear, this issue persists.

While it’s not a major concern, you should keep in mind that due to its size, you may need to create space if you intend to utilize this device on a laptop. However, you can resolve this by employing USB extension hubs, although be aware that they might slightly reduce speed. Interestingly, many external hard drives now use smaller USB heads for their cables to avoid such issues, but unfortunately, the T31 Tube has its limits in terms of size reduction.

Following that, it lacks USB-C compatibility. Although many devices still rely on traditional USB hubs, USB-C is increasingly prevalent in modern gadgets, which restricts the T31 Tube’s connectivity options. I would prefer an SSD flash drive compatible with my Samsung S21 Ultra to facilitate effortless transfer of my recordings from my phone to my computer.

In summary, cramming so much power into such a small gadget occasionally results in quite warm instances. Unfortunately, I can’t measure the temperature of this device, but it heats up quickly when you’re transferring files. Fortunately, it remains cool when simply inserted and not actively being used, which is beneficial since continuous heating would pose a more significant issue.

As a fan excitedly sharing the deal, I’m here to let you know about the SK Hynix T31 Tube P Edition that’s currently on sale at NewEgg. Normally retailing for $249.99, you can grab it right now for just $149.99! But hurry, as a limited edition product with only 300 units available, it might sell out quickly, so act fast like a lightning-speed thumbstick to secure yours before they’re all gone!

2024-10-27 12:38

SK Hynix T31 Tube Lies of P Edition Review

Can you treat the T31 Tube like an SSD Hard Drive?

Performance in video editing

Performance in expanding PS5 storage

What are the Downsides?

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