Avolusion M2 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Gaming Hard Drive (for PS4 / PS5 Game Console or Windows Laptop/PC)
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AI Verdict
A 1TB, 7200RPM, USB 3.0 external mechanical hard drive with a refurbished internal component, designed for expanding PS4/PS5 game storage or PC use.
This 1TB, 7200RPM mechanical drive is a situational fit because its refurbished internal component and two-USB-port power requirement are compromises for its budget price. It works for expanding PS4/PS5 game storage (with PS5 game transfer caveats) and general PC use, but its reliability is a question mark for some users.
If you need faster game loading or more robust reliability, look for an external SSD with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
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Pros
- Expands storage by 1TB for PS4/PS5 game consoles or Windows laptops/PCs
- Features a 7200RPM internal hard drive for faster data access than typical 5400RPM drives
- Offers plug-n-play installation with Windows OS, MacOS, PlayStation, and Xbox (re-format required for game consoles)
- Allows transfer of PS5 games from internal SSD to the drive in 3-5 minutes
- Utilizes USB 3.0 connectivity, providing transfer rates up to 5.0 Gbps
- Lightweight and slim design for portability
Cons
- Requires two USB ports for initial boot-up, despite a bypass solution, meaning you need adequate available ports
- Internal drive is a refurbished 7200RPM enterprise hard drive, not a brand-new component
- Cannot download PS5 games directly to the drive; they must be moved from the console's internal SSD
- Some users report Avolusion drives stopping detection on PS5 after a period of use
- Avolusion drives are often questioned for quality and reliability compared to other brands
Dimension Scores
The 7200RPM mechanical drive and USB 3.0 interface offer faster speeds than typical 5400RPM external HDDs, but are significantly slower than external SSDs.
The use of a refurbished internal enterprise hard drive and user reports of Avolusion drives failing to be detected by PS5 after some time raise concerns about long-term reliability.
1TB is a standard capacity for budget external hard drives, offering a reasonable amount of storage for games and general files.
It works with a broad range of devices including Windows, MacOS, PS4, PS5, and Xbox, though console use requires reformatting and PS5 games have specific transfer limitations.
Best For
- Storing PS4 games to free up internal PS5 SSD space
- Archiving PS5 games that are not actively being played, for quick transfer back to internal storage
- Budget-conscious PC users needing 1TB of external storage for backups or less-demanding files
- Users who need a portable external drive for occasional use with multiple devices
Not Recommended For
- Playing PS5 games directly from the external drive
- Users prioritizing maximum data transfer speeds for large, frequently accessed files
- Anyone unwilling to deal with a refurbished internal component
- Users who need a single-cable power solution without needing two USB ports
Watch Out For
- The internal drive is a refurbished enterprise HDD, which might introduce longevity concerns
- You'll need two available USB ports for the drive to boot up, even with the bypass cable, which can be inconvenient on some setups
- PS5 games cannot be downloaded directly to this drive; you must download to the console's internal SSD and then transfer them, which takes 3-5 minutes per game
- Some users have reported Avolusion external drives unexpectedly failing to be detected by their PS5 after several months of use
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DJWWJ7DN |
| Brand | Avolusion |
| Color | Black |
| Series | M2 Series |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 14 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Avolusion |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | M2BK-1TB-PS |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 4 x 0.5 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 4 x 0.5 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with this drive is that it uses a refurbished 7200RPM enterprise hard drive inside, which some users on Reddit question for long-term reliability and value compared to new drives from other brands. While it's marketed for PS4 and PS5, several users have reported issues with Avolusion drives suddenly not being recognized by their PS5 after a few months, even when the drive still works on a PC. The need for two USB ports for initial power-up is also a recurring point of discussion, even with the bypass cable.
“Man, this thing worked fine for my PS4 games on my PS5 for like 8 months, then poof, gone. My PC sees it, but the PlayStation just acts like it's not even there. So frustrating with all my games on it!”
Common Praise
- Provides 1TB of extra storage for PS4 games without needing to delete anything
- Easy to set up and use with PC and PS4, just plug it in
- The 7200RPM speed feels quicker than older external drives for game transfers
- Its compact size makes it easy to move between different setups
Common Complaints
- The drive stopped showing up on my PS5 after about a year, even though it still worked on my computer
- Having to use two USB ports for power is annoying and limits where I can plug it in
- Can't download PS5 games directly, which means extra steps to manage storage
- Worried about the refurbished drive failing since it's not brand new
Ownership Tips
- The drive can sometimes become undetected by a PS5 after a system update or extended use, even if it functions on a PC.
- Despite the bypass, the requirement for two USB ports for power can be a hassle, especially on laptops with limited ports.
- Transferring PS5 games from the internal SSD to this drive is a consistent process, taking around 3-5 minutes per game.
- The drive can get warm during extended use, which is typical for mechanical drives, but worth noting for placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play PS5 games directly from this external hard drive?
No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from this drive. PS5 games must be downloaded to the console's internal SSD and then moved to this external drive for storage. You can then transfer them back to the internal SSD to play.
Does this drive require two USB ports?
Yes, the drive requires two USB ports to boot up, even though it comes with a bypass USB port that technically occupies one. Ensure your device has two available USB ports.
Is the hard drive inside new or refurbished?
The internal hard drive is a like-new refurbished, top-tier 7200RPM enterprise hard drive. It's not a brand-new component.
Is this compatible with Xbox consoles?
Yes, it is compatible with Xbox consoles, including Xbox One Original, S, and X, and can expand game storage. It may require reformatting.
What is the transfer speed of this drive?
The drive uses a USB 3.0 interface, which supports transfer rates up to 5.0 Gbps. The 7200RPM internal drive also contributes to faster performance compared to 5400RPM drives.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external hard drives, especially for gaming, you need to think about what you're actually storing and how often you'll access it. Mechanical hard drives like this one are cheaper per gigabyte, but they're slower than solid-state drives (SSDs). For PS4 games or archiving PS5 games, this is usually fine. But if you want to play PS5 games directly from external storage, you'll need an SSD. Also, check your device's USB ports; some drives need more power than a single port can provide.
Capacity (1TB)
This tells you how much data you can store. 1TB is enough for dozens of PS4 games or a good chunk of PS5 games if you're just archiving them. Think of it like a digital bookshelf; 1TB is a medium-sized shelf.
Interface (USB 3.0)
This is how the drive connects to your device and determines its maximum speed. USB 3.0 is faster than older USB 2.0, but newer USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt connections are significantly quicker, especially for SSDs. It's like the number of lanes on a highway – more lanes mean faster traffic flow.
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
This refers to the technology inside. Mechanical drives have spinning platters and read/write heads, making them slower and more prone to damage from drops than SSDs, which use flash memory. It's the difference between a record player and a digital music player.
7200RPM
This is the rotational speed of the platters inside a mechanical hard drive. A higher RPM (like 7200 compared to 5400) means the platters spin faster, allowing the read/write head to access data more quickly. It's like a faster engine in a car – it gets you to your data quicker.
Alternatives
If you need faster loading times for games or more robust reliability, search for external SSDs with USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity. For higher capacities without the speed concerns, look for external mechanical drives with a single USB-C power delivery.
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