Imagine coming up with a device so reliable that you send it in space via the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket to test its endurance. OWC did exactly that with its Envoy Pro FX SSD. Their drives are always steadfast and come with high IP ratings. The previously-reviewed Envoy Pro EX also had an IP67 rating. However, the Pro FX brings with it mind-blowing durability.
Military Standard Protection
You’ve probably come across devices with MIL-STD ratings. These are military standard approved test procedures that are conducted on devices to check for their endurance against harsh agents. In the MIL-STD810G routine that the Pro FX boasts, the equipment goes through a series of 29 tests including shock, vibration, heat, cold, gunfire shock, humidity, and more. The drive also claims an IP67 rating, which is one of the highest levels of protection offered by an IP rating. This rating means the device provides complete protection against dust and airborne particles. With all this information, you do not need to worry about dropping the Pro FX, light splashes or extreme temperatures.
The drive also comes with an insane three-year warranty. OWC tripled the warranty from its predecessor, the Pro EX. It’s highly unlikely that this SSD will give up on you considering its impressive build. However, even if it does, you have a whopping three years to file a complaint and get it recovered free of cost.
Heat-Dissipating Mechanism
There’s more about the Pro FX’s remarkable build. The two longer sides of the device have ridges that go all the way from the top to bottom. One might think it’s for aesthetic purposes. I guessed that too and added better grip to the list of reasons why the ridges might be there. But I didn’t realize their primary purpose: heat dissipation. The grooves act as fins for vents to dispel heat and keep the device cool. I had only read about this initially but quickly confirmed the claim upon usage. During my transfer test with the drive involving huge amounts of data, the Pro FX showed no signs of heating up. It remained cool and quiet.
The base of the SSD also has a ridged exterior along with rubber-feet on both the short ends that act as a security feature to prevent the device from skidding on smooth surfaces. One of the short-end rims hosts the USB 3.2 port while the other hosts an LED light for status updates. There are no other ports or controls on the Pro FX. It is a strategically-designed minimal device with no extra fluff. Weighing a total of just 8.6 ounces this SSD is pretty portable. Its grey aluminum chassis measures 2.8-by-0.6 inches, which means it can easily fit in your pocket. Being bus-powered, you don’t have to worry about the drive’s portability at all. It’s built to be used on the go.
Xtremely Fast
The Pro FX comes with a Thunderbolt 3 cable with a tethered USB-A adapter. This extends the drive’s compatibility from USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt ports to USB-A ports as well. Androids, Macs, Windows and Linux PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, Surface devices – you name it. The Pro FX sports generous compatibility.
The X in the Pro FX stands for Xtreme. Supported by Thunderbolt 3 technology, which is essentially a kind of much faster USB-C port, the Pro FX is insanely fast. When I tested the speed by transfering32 GB files, it took just four seconds to transfer a 1 GB file. This translates to 2,500 MBs which is not too low compared to the company’s claim of 2,800 MBs. The previously-reviewed Envoy Pro EX totaled 2,000 MBs, according to my transfer test of that device. So, its successor is undeniably faster.
Overall, the Pro FX gave me no complaints. It is a minimally-designed, portable and durable device that performs very efficiently thanks to its Thunderbolt technology.
Is It Hardcore?
Indubitably.
The Envoy Pro FX is a portable and durable SSD with blindingly fast speed and flexible compatibility. It runs efficiently and quietly maintains a cool temperature.
