Corsair EX400

^{USB4 blazing fast transfers | Plug-and-play universal support | Shock-resistant durable design}

Introduction

If you’ve ever wished moving big batches of photos, game installs, or work files could be much faster—and genuinely pocket-friendly—the Corsair EX400U USB4 External SSD demands a close look. A step-up from Corsair’s EX series like the EX100U, the EX400U is designed for users who want both speed and simplicity on the latest hardware. Whether you’re backing up memories, carrying huge projects between home and office, or upgrading console storage—the EX400U is built to deliver practical, everyday speed in a sleek package.

Product Overview

The Corsair EX400U uses a slim, bus-powered design with a USB4 interface, allowing maximum transfer rates without extra cables or power bricks. It’s available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, making it suitable for everything from light backups to extensive media libraries. For the mainstream shopper, it stands out thanks to real plug-and-play ease—just connect and go.

Key Features

• USB4 Connectivity: Leverages the newest USB standard for fast, universal compatibility with modern laptops, desktops, and consoles.

• Latest NAND Flash: Uses high-performance, TLC NAND that balances speed, durability, and cost.

• Advanced Caching & Controller: Equipped with a PCIe Gen4 NVMe controller and dynamic SLC caching for rapid file transfers—even with large, mixed workflows.

• Portable Design: Lightweight, pocket-sized casing with shock resistance for reliable travel.

• Tool-Free Setup: No need to install drivers or open the drive—it's ready out of the box with most operating systems.

Performance & Benchmarks

In real-world tests, the EX400U regularly hits sequential read speeds above 3,800 MB/s and write speeds around 3,200 MB/s when connected to a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports. This means transferring a 30GB 4K video takes under 10 seconds and moving hundreds of photos is nearly instantaneous. Random read/write performance is solid—snappy enough that launching apps or opening files feels immediate, even with heavy multitasking.

Thermal Management

Corsair’s casing design efficiently dissipates heat for everyday transfers, so there's no need for an external heatsink in standard use. However, during extended, continuous file writes (like cloning an entire drive) the SSD may get warm, potentially causing temporary speed throttling. If you’re a power user doing long, non-stop transfers, resting the drive between sessions keeps it running cool.

System Compatibility

You can use the EX400U with almost any USB-C-equipped device, including Windows PCs, Macs, and even many recent tablets. For gaming, it’s officially compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for storing and playing PS4/Xbox One games and transferring newer titles.

Note: To run PS5 or Xbox Series X/S games directly off the SSD, drives need to match or exceed console speed specs—while the EX400U is fast, it’s only set up for expansion, not as primary install storage for those system’s native games. 

No extra heatsink needed, and setup is plug-and-play.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

• Ultra-fast transfers for big files and backups

• Broad device support—works with PCs, Macs, consoles, and more

• No power brick, drivers, or setup headaches

• Durable, travel-friendly build

Limitations

• May throttle speed during long, uninterrupted file writes

• Not a primary install drive for PS5/Xbox Series X native games

• Peak performance depends on USB4/Thunderbolt ports—older USB ports will be much slower

Conclusion

For shoppers needing reliable, high-speed storage that’s portable and truly easy to use, the Corsair EX400U is a smart pick. It’s best for users who routinely handle large files, work across multiple devices, or want fuss-free gaming expansion. Price-wise, it offers excellent value at its speed tier, but make sure your device supports USB4 or Thunderbolt for full performance. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, fast external SSD for real-world tasks, the EX400U should be at the top of your list.