The team at ProGrade recently sent us their latest Pro Mini SSD—the PG10.5 Pro—and it’s anything but ordinary. This pint-sized powerhouse slots seamlessly into ProGrade’s modular workflow, delivering blistering performance in a durable, portable package.
Ultra-Fast Transfers
Equipped with USB 4.0, the PG10.5 Pro advertises up to 4,000 MB/s read and 3,500 MB/s write speeds. In real-world testing on a Mac Mini M4, it consistently outpaced every other external drive in our arsenal—including 2 TB SSDs—making even multi-gigabyte RAW shoots a breeze. A quick run through Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test confirmed those headline numbers, with sustained rates that easily absorbed 400 90 MB RAW files from a Sony a7R without a hiccup.
Key Features at a Glance
- Sustained Performance: No more bottlenecks during bulk imports—your card reader feeds straight into the SSD, and you’re off to the races.
- Pocket-Sized Durability: At just 70 mm², the PG10.5 Pro tucks into any camera bag. Its magnetic base snaps onto ProGrade hubs (or the included adhesive plate on your laptop), while X-ray and shock protection means it can handle life on location.
- Rugged Connectivity: Bundled with a certified USB-4 cable, it works flawlessly on Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.2, and USB 3.1 Type-C ports.
Who Should Buy It?
- Aspiring Photographers: If you’re upgrading from basic HDDs or slower SSDs, this drive will revolutionize your import and editing workflow.
- On-Location Pros: Its rugged build and magnetic mounting make it ideal for field work—no more juggling loose drives.
- ProGrade Ecosystem Users: Already invested in ProGrade card readers? This SSD completes the seamless pipeline everyone loves.
Pros & Cons
- + Pricey but Worth It: You’ll pay a premium, but after weeks of heavy use, it’s still going strong—no dropped frames, no slowdowns.
- + Broad Compatibility: Works with the latest Thunderbolt and USB-C hosts.
- – Budget Considerations: If you only handle small files or rarely shoot in bulk, a cheaper SSD might suffice.
Bottom Line:
For photographers and content creators who demand top-tier speed, rock-solid reliability, and a workflow-friendly design, the ProGrade PG10.5 Pro Mini SSD is an investment that pays dividends in productivity. It may cost more than basic drives, but when every second matters, “do it once, do it right” has never felt more appropriate.
