PNY Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Review: Mixed Speed Verdict
A surprising number of buyers describe the PNY Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive (Pack of 2) as both “fast enough for most tasks” and “frustratingly inconsistent.” While its marketing promises transfer speeds up to 10x faster than USB 2.0, real-world use shows a split personality: solid read performance but write speeds that can fluctuate wildly. Based on cross-platform sentiment, this drive earns a 7.6/10—valued for portability and price, but not the top pick for speed-critical workflows.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Great for everyday file storage and portability; avoid if you need consistently high write speeds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, cap-less design with sliding collar | Inconsistent write speeds, especially with large files |
| Reliable sustained read performance (~116 MB/s) | Sliding mechanism can be stiff and hard to operate one-handed |
| Affordable price point, often under $20 for 2-pack | Reports of occasional drive failures over time |
| Backward compatibility with USB 2.0 | Not as fast as premium USB 3.1 alternatives |
| Works across PC, Mac, car stereos, TVs | Write speed drops mid-transfer |
Claims vs Reality
PNY advertises “transfer speeds up to 10x faster than USB 2.0,” aiming at users who regularly move large videos or photo archives. On paper, this suggests a smooth, fast workflow. However, Reddit user feedback often tempers expectations. One noted: “It’s not the fastest but not too bad at about $15.00 US,” underscoring that while faster than USB 2.0, it’s not competitive with higher-end USB 3.1 devices.
Marketing also emphasizes convenience through its sliding collar, “no more lost caps” design. While many appreciate this, some find the mechanism awkward. A reviewer on Trustpilot remarked, “Great USB but the biggest flaw is how tight the snap is when trying to extend the cover,” highlighting that convenience can be undermined by stiff operation.
PNY’s portability claim—usable from “PC & Mac laptop and desktop computers, to car stereos, TVs and more”—is well-supported by user stories. One Amazon buyer shared: “Perfect for car audio… these are great for holding thousands of songs,” showing versatility beyond computer storage.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Portability emerges as a clear strength. Multiple BestAdvisor users praise the “compact size” and “sleek looking” build, likening it to “about the size of a house key.” This benefits students, commuters, and professionals who need lightweight, pocketable storage. A Reddit user confirmed this by saying they use it “with my MacBook” for gaming and file transfers without carrying bulky drives.
Read performance is another consistent highlight. Trustpilot data shows sustained reads at 116 MB/s, which is “constant and reliable” according to one reviewer. For photographers or media editors who often pull large files from the drive, this means dependable access speeds.
Affordability is repeatedly mentioned. eBay listings and community deal posts show prices dipping as low as $16.96 for the 2-pack. A BestViewsReviews analysis notes it’s “a very reasonable price” for the capacity, making it attractive for bulk storage needs or secondary backup drives.
Common Complaints
Write speeds are the most frequent disappointment. System Admin Stuff’s benchmark hit “118 MB/s read and 16 MB/s write” in synthetic tests, with real-world transfers peaking at ~30 MB/s before dropping sharply. A Quora contributor noted large file transfers “start at 60 MB/s, then drop to about 12 for the rest of the way.” This affects video editors, gamers installing from USB, and anyone moving big datasets.
The sliding collar mechanism, while eliminating lost caps, is divisive. Several BestAdvisor users report it “requires force” to engage, and Trustpilot reviewers describe it as “very hard to move.” For mobile users who plug/unplug frequently, this can become a daily annoyance.
Durability is mixed. While many drives work flawlessly for months, one Twitter review mentioned “bought 4 of them and 2 went bad” within a year, citing file corruption. This raises concerns for long-term archival use.
Divisive Features
Backward compatibility with USB 2.0 is praised by those using older hardware, but others see it as irrelevant in 2024. Similarly, the activity light—appreciated by some for confirming data transfer—is seen as unnecessary by minimalists who prefer low-profile designs.
Some users love the cap-less form factor; others dislike the bulk compared to ultra-compact models like the Samsung Fit Plus. This divide often falls along use cases: portable daily carry vs. semi-permanent laptop storage.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show minimal deception in reviews but highlight occasional quality lapses. One verified reviewer called them “junk” when shipped without retail packaging, suggesting possible sourcing issues. Others report drives arriving formatted and ready, with stable performance for months.
Long-term Reddit anecdotes are mixed. One user keeps The Sims 3 installed on it and runs it “as fast as it does from the internal drive” months later, implying solid reliability for gaming. Conversely, a Twitter user’s experience with corrupted files after a year warns that heavy or critical use might require redundancy.
Alternatives
Sandisk’s Ultra line is repeatedly mentioned as a competitor, offering similar sliding designs with more consistent speeds. For users wanting higher performance in a smaller footprint, the Samsung Fit Plus USB 3.1 is recommended in System Admin Stuff’s review for “incredibly fast speeds” and premium build.
PNY’s own Turbo Attaché 4 is suggested for those loyal to the brand but wanting a refined design. It maintains USB 3.0 speeds but may address some mechanical issues.
Price & Value
At the time of writing, Amazon lists the 128GB 2-pack at $17.99, with eBay showing similar or slightly lower prices. Resale value is modest given rapid flash drive depreciation, but bulk lots on eBay indicate demand for low-cost, high-capacity storage.
Community buying tips include waiting for Amazon sales or price matching at Best Buy. Reddit deal hunters often highlight “just $4 more with Prime same-day” for immediate availability.
FAQ
Q: Does the PNY Turbo Attaché 3 actually reach USB 3.0 speeds?
A: Read speeds often approach 116 MB/s, but write speeds are inconsistent—sometimes dropping to 12 MB/s mid-transfer. This is faster than USB 2.0 but slower than top-tier USB 3.1 drives.
Q: Is the sliding collar durable?
A: Many find it sturdy, but some report it’s stiff and hard to operate. Over time, the mechanism may loosen, but initial resistance can frustrate frequent users.
Q: Can I use it for gaming?
A: Yes, several users run games directly from the drive, with performance comparable to internal HDDs. However, inconsistent write speeds may slow installations.
Q: Is it good for car audio?
A: Yes, it works well for storing large music libraries, though some car systems limit readable capacity to 32GB unless reformatted.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Many report years of use without issues, but there are accounts of failures within 12 months, especially with heavy write cycles. Backing up critical data is advised.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a casual user needing affordable, portable storage for documents, music, or light gaming. Avoid if you require consistently high write speeds for professional video editing or massive file transfers. Pro tip from community: watch for Amazon or Best Buy sales, and keep a backup of important files to mitigate rare but reported failures.
