Sharge has introduced a new accessory known as the Disk Pro, which is an external SSD drive equipped with a built-in cooling fan. This product aims to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of the SSD by addressing heat management issues commonly associated with high-performance drives. The Disk Pro is currently available on Kickstarter in three capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, with prices set at $189, $289, and $469, respectively.
As SSD technology advances, the drives become more susceptible to overheating during operation. Excessive heat can compromise the reliability and longevity of these devices, often leading to performance degradation when temperatures exceed 70 degrees Celsius. This is particularly challenging for external SSDs that are encased in slim designs with limited airflow. The Disk Pro’s integrated fan can operate in two modes: Turbo Mode, which runs continuously at 10,000 RPM to maintain an operating temperature around 50 degrees Celsius, and Auto Mode, which adjusts the fan speed up to 7,000 RPM as needed and turns off when temperatures drop below 25 degrees Celsius.
Sharge claims that the Disk Pro supports read and write speeds up to 10 Gbps and can be magnetically affixed to the backs of smartphones or gaming consoles. It includes a built-in USB-C cable, an HDMI port for 4K/144Hz and 8K/30Hz video outputs, and additional USB-C and USB-A ports that can collectively provide 80 watts of power to connected devices. A switch allows users to disable the SSD when only hub functionalities are needed, potentially extending the drive’s overall lifespan.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/784634/sharge-disk-pro-active-cooling-ssd-kickstarter