The SE760 is ADATA's latest portable SSD enclosure. Unlike the SE800 we reviewed a while ago, the SE760 uses a sandwiched design internally, which pairs a USB-to-NVMe adapter PCB that has an M.2 slot with a standard full-size M.2 SSD. This adds tremendous flexibility as both components can be manufactured separately, in high volume, which helps reduce cost. The disadvantage is that such a design is physically larger than integrating all components on a single custom-design PCB, which is what the SE800 does.

Performance of the SE760 is much better than the SE800 even though the model numbering would suggest otherwise. Thanks to support for the fast 10 Gbps USB 3.1 interface, which has now been renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2, we see transfer rates that greatly exceed those of 2.5" SATA SSDs. PCIe x4 NVMe SSDs on a native M.2 port inside your PC will still be faster, though. The reason for that is that the external SSD has to funnel data through several interfaces: CPU - PCIe - USB Host controller - USB-C cable - USB-to-PCIe Bridge - M.2 NVMe SSD.

Still, until more widespread proliferation of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), I can't think of a better solution to upgrade your storage, especially if you don't have the know-how of installing a new drive into your computer (it's easier than you think) or simply don't have the physical space for it. PCs and modern game consoles can use externally attached USB storage as they would internal storage; i.e., you can install games/apps on it and even run them from USB—an easy way to expand storage.

I would definitely like to see a longer cable included as the current one is quite short. Most desktop computers have their 10 Gbps USB port(s) at the back, so a 25 cm cable means you'll be crawling under your desk several times. Unlike the Crucial X8, the ADATA SE760 does include an activity indicator, which also serves as the power LED—simple, yet effective. Finally, adding an official IP water-proof/resistance rating would definitely help strengthen confidence in the drive while giving it a unique selling point. Looking at the disassembled SE760, it should be easy enough, just installing a rubber gasket should be sufficient, like on the SE800. I'd also like to see bigger capacity options, building a 2 TB or 4 TB model should be easy for ADATA. There's plenty of physical space inside the case for even a double-sided SSD.

With $170, pricing of the ADATA SE760 is in-line with expectations. The SX6000 Pro the SE760 is based on currently retails for $140, add $30 for the USB-to-NVMe bridge, its PCB, and the enclosure. However, this also means that you could buy a decent enclosure yourself and pair it with any NVMe SSD of your liking at the same price. Given ADATA is manufacturing all components in volumes, I think a slightly lower price should be possible. This would also strengthen ADATA's position against the Crucial X8, which is slightly faster, yet more affordable because of the QLC flash chips. On the other hand, the SE760 will do better if you write a ton of data onto it in one go.