What’s the difference between the Crucial X6 and Crucial X8?

Crucial currently has two similar external portable solid state drives on the market. So, what are the major differences between the X6 and X8?

You can find out in this comparison guide between these Crucial SSDs.

Quick Summary

When you compare similar capacities, the 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB X8 SSDs are 94.44% faster than the 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB X6 SSDs at maximum sequential reading.

The Crucial X8 is also the only one of the two to come with a USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to USB-A adapter. Last but not least, you will also get better drop protection with the X8 when compared to the X6.

The only advantage the X6 has, aside from being more affordable, is that it is the only one to offer a 4 TB capacity option.

X6 vs. X8 Comparison Chart

You can take a look at a comparison table for the two portable storage drives below.

What’s in the Box

Unlike the X6, the X8 comes with a USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to USB-A adapter, which will let you use the SSD with a USB Type-A port at potentially reduced transfer speeds. You will need to purchase the adapter separately if you are getting the X6.

Both products do come with an USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to Type-C USB cable and quick starter guide in addition to the actual SSD unit.

You can find a breakdown of what’s included in each box below:

Crucial X6:

• Crucial X6 Portable SSD
• USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to Type-C USB cable (10 Gb/s)
• Quick Start Guide

Crucial X8:

• Crucial X8 Portable SSD
• USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to Type-C USB cable (10 Gb/s)
• USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to USB-A adapter (5 Gb/s)
• Quick Start Guide

Capacity Options

When it comes to available capacities, the X6 offers a 4 TB option while the X8 doesn’t.

Both versions of the Crucial SSD portable SSD are available in 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB variants.

You can check out a breakdown of the options below:

Crucial X6 Portable SSD:

• 500 GB
• 1 TB
• 2 TB
• 4 TB

Crucial X8 Portable SSD:

• 500 GB
• 1 TB
• 2 TB

Model Number

You can also take a look at the model number for each capacity for both drives below:

• 500 GB X6: CT500X6SSD9
• 1 TB X6: CT1000X6SSD9
• 2 TB X6: CT2000X6SSD9
• 4 TB X6: C41000X6SSD9

• 500 GB X8: CT5000X8SSD9
• 1 TB X8: CT1000X8SSD9
• 2 TB X8: CT2000X8SSD9

Interface

Crucial X6 and Crucial X8 Portable Solid State Drives both use the USB 3.2 Gen-2 (10 Gb/s) as the interface.

Backwards Compatible Interface

The two storage drives in this versus guide are also backwards compatible with the following interfaces:

• USB 3.2 Gen-1 (5 Gb/s)
• USB 3.1 Gen-1 (5 Gb/s)
• USB 3.0 (5 Gb/s)

The USB 3.2 Gen-2 is twice as fast at maximum transfer speed when compared to the USB 3.2 Gen-1, USB 3.1 Gen-1 and USB 3.0.

Platform Compatibility

Both the Crucial X6 and Crucial X8 are compatible with the following platforms:

• MacOS
• Android
• iPad Pro
• PS4
• PS4 Pro
• Xbox One
• Xbox One S
• Xbox One X
• Windows

Keep in in mind that you may need to purchase the USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C to USB-A adapter for compatibility if you are getting the X6. As we stated above, the same adapter is included with the X8.

Maximum Sequential Read Speed

Overall, the Crucial X8 is faster at maximum sequential reading than the Crucial X6.

When you compare the same capacities, the 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB X8 SSDs are 510 MB per second faster (or 94.44% faster) than the 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB X6 SSDs.

You can check out the maximum sequential read speed specifications below:

• 500 GB X6: Up to 540 MB per second
• 1 TB X6: Up to 540 MB per second
• 2 TB X6: Up to 540 MB per second
• 4 TB X6: Up to 800 MB per second

• 500 GB X8: Up to 1050 MB per second
• 1 TB X8: Up to 1050 MB per second
• 2 TB X8: Up to 1050 MB per second

Drop-proof

The X8 is better protected against drops than the X6.

According to Crucial, you can drop the X8 at up to 7.5 feet on a carpeted floor without losing any data. In the same scenario, you can drop the X6 at up to 6.5 feet.

Other Resistances

Both the X6 and X8 also offer the following resistances:

• Extreme Temperatures
• Shock
• Vibration

Warranty

The Crucial X6 Portable Solid State Drive and Crucial X8 Portable Solid State Drive each comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Resources:

• https://www.crucial.com/content/dam/crucial/ssd-products/x6/flyer/crucial-X6-productflyer.pdf
• https://content.crucial.com/content/dam/crucial/ssd-products/X8/flyer/crucial-X8-productflyer.pdf