My internal SSD is full because I have too many damn VMs... What is the goto external SSD these days? Samsung has a nice T5 500G drive for around $179.
I was in the market for SSD as well, until someone recommended to just get a thumb drive. Picked up a 128gb drive for about 80 bucks I think.
just a thought... If you just need storage why not get a traditional platter disk. If you are using usb 3.0 or lower the cable is the slow link so an SSD will not be any faster. USB 3.1 and 3.2 are avail but if you machine is a year or more old it is unlikely you have either of those. 7200rom platter disc up to 6gb/sec... USB 3.0 is 5gb/sec (these are optimal speeds). 500 gig 7200 RPM seagate for 49.99 USB 3.0 enclosure 9.99 https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178573 https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...13&cm_re=2.5_enclosure-_-17-182-313-_-Product
Depends on the use case. Are you archiving VM's that aren't in use or is the plan to run some VM's from that location?
The Samsung 850 EVOs are good, but the NVMe + adapter are a better choice (depending if the hardware allows it ...)
I'm working under the assumption that since he asked specifically for external drives that he can't go the NVMe route are he'd already be there. That would be my first choice as well if it was possible.
USB2 provides 0.5A and USB3 0.9A. If you chose a "newer" SSD model that 0.9 A should be enough (for running VMs). For example, Intel 530 SSD ~ 1A vs newer (with V-NAND) 850 EVO ~ 0.7A to 1.1A (depends on the size, firmware, generation and application). Also, a higher capacity SSD (more DRAM) will use more "power" then a lower capacity SSD. USB-C has 3A (forgot to add this ...)
My company wouldn't cough up for a SSD. They are sending me this. https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Portable-External-Platinum-STEH2000100/dp/B0195XZJ9E