SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE PRO Thunderbolt 3 Desktop Hard Drive 12TB
- 12TB, 7200RPM Ultrastar enterprise drive
- Up to 230MB/s read and write
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 (20Gbps) and one USB-C (5Gbps)
- Daisy chain up to 5 additional devices
- Mac ready (HFS+), Windows via reformat
- 5-year limited warranty
- All-aluminum enclosure, 2.6 pounds
Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A high-capacity desktop drive for Mac editors who want enterprise-grade storage and Thunderbolt daisy chaining. Transfer speed is hard-drive class, far below the port's bandwidth.
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ASIN: B098SMDXTDCategory: External Hard Drives
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Overview
Editing video or archiving photo libraries from a Mac is the job of the G-DRIVE PRO, with an enterprise Ultrastar hard drive inside an aluminum desktop case. Two Thunderbolt ports pass the connection along a daisy chain, and a USB-C port covers computers without Thunderbolt.
Large capacity and Thunderbolt daisy chaining make it a sensible storage hub for an editing desk. It is a spinning disk, so its transfer speed comes nowhere near the Thunderbolt bandwidth, and Windows users must reformat it first.
Who it's for
Made for studios and home editing desks archiving large projects. Travelers working from a laptop bag need a small portable drive instead.
Pros and cons
- Enterprise-class drive inside
- Thunderbolt and USB-C both supported
- Daisy chain for more devices
- Plug and play on Mac
- Hard drive speed, not SSD speed
- Needs a reformat for Windows
- Power adapter not listed
- Desktop size, not for travel
Performance notes
Throughput is limited by the spinning hard drive, not the Thunderbolt link, so the extra bandwidth mainly serves daisy-chained devices. Speeds vary with the host device, usage conditions and drive capacity, as the listing notes.
Specifications
| Brand | SanDisk Professional |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness | 8.27 x 5.12 x 1.81 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 12 TBhigher than 91% of 144 external hard drives |
| Write speed | 230 MB/s |
| Read Speed | 230 MB/shigher than 95% of 40 external hard drives |
| Hard Disk Rotational Speed | 7200 rpmhigher than 64% of 57 external hard drives |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Space Grey |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hardware Connectivity | 2 Thunderbolt 3 (20Gbps), 1 USB-C (5Gbps) |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 5-year limited |
| Other details | |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 incheshigher than 73% of 118 external hard drives |
| Hard Disk Description | Desktop |
| Hardware Platform | Mac (HFS+), Windows via reformat |
| Daisy chain | Up to 5 additional devices |
Closest rivals on specs
WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive 10TB- Digital Storage Capacity 12 vs 10 TB (+20%)
LaCie d2 Professional Desktop Hard Drive 10TB- Digital Storage Capacity 12 vs 10 TB (+20%)
WD Easystore Desktop External Hard Drive 14TB- Digital Storage Capacity 12 vs 14 TB (-14%)
Frequently asked questions
Does the SanDisk G-DRIVE PRO work with Windows PCs?
Yes, after a reformat. It ships ready for Mac in HFS+.
Can I use the G-DRIVE PRO on a computer without Thunderbolt?
Yes. It has a single USB-C (5Gbps) port alongside the two Thunderbolt 3 (20Gbps) ports.
Is the G-DRIVE PRO an SSD?
No. It holds a 7200RPM Ultrastar hard drive, rated up to 230MB/s read and write.
Does the G-DRIVE PRO need its own power?
The listing does not mention a power adapter or bus power, so check the power requirement before setting up.