SanDisk PROFESSIONAL G-DRIVE PROJECT Desktop Hard Drive User Manual

June 12, 2024
SanDisk PROFESSIONAL

SanDisk-LOGO

SanDisk PROFESSIONAL G-DRIVE PROJECT Desktop Hard Drive

Product Information

Welcome to G-DRIVE PROJECT

The G-DRIVE PROJECT is a high-capacity desktop hard drive that offers fast data transfers and reliable performance. With its premium enclosure and customizable features, it is designed to meet the demands of professional users.

Key Features

  • High-capacity and Fast Data Transfers: Backup or add extra storage with high-speed data transfers up to 260MB/s read and write using the Thunderbolt 3 port.
  • 7200RPM Ultrastar Enterprise-class Hard Drive: Provides power and enhanced reliability for demanding workloads and mission-critical content.
  • Clear Cable Indicators: Easily identify cable connections for efficient setup.
  • Premium Enclosure: Anodized aluminum housing for durability and a sleek appearance.
  • Brightness Customization: Choose between three modes of brightness for the LED light.

What’s in the Box

  • G-DRIVE PROJECT Desktop Hard Drive
  • Thunderbolt 3 Cable (WD Part Number: M032-000043)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Power Cable
  • 19VDC Power Adapter

Technical Specifications

The G-DRIVE PROJECT is pre-formatted with APFS and is compatible with various operating systems.

Operating System Compatibility

The G-DRIVE PROJECT is compatible with the following operating systems:

  • Operating System 1
  • Operating System 2
  • Operating System 3

Additional Technical Specifications

For detailed technical specifications, please refer to the user manual index section of the product manual.

Product Usage Instructions

Handling Precautions

When handling the G-DRIVE PROJECT, exercise caution as the device may have heated up during use. Ensure the device is placed on a stable surface and avoid subjecting it to extreme temperatures.

Brightness Customization

To customize the brightness of the LED light on the G-DRIVE PROJECT, follow these steps:

  1. Press the button on the device to cycle through the available brightness modes.
  2. Select “Off” to turn off the LED light.
  3. Select “Default” for standard brightness.
  4. Select “Bright” for maximum brightness.

Connecting the G-DRIVE PROJECT

To connect the G-DRIVE PROJECT to your computer, follow these steps:

  1. Connect one end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to the Thunderbolt 3 port on the G-DRIVE PROJECT.
  2. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to the Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer.

Data Transfers and Backup

To backup or transfer data using the G-DRIVE PROJECT, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure the G-DRIVE PROJECT is connected to your computer following the previous instructions.
  2. Copy or move files from your computer to the G-DRIVE PROJECT to backup or add extra storage.
  3. Monitor the transfer progress and ensure it completes successfully.

Please refer to the user manual index section for more detailed instructions and information on using the G-DRIVE PROJECT.

ACCESSING SUPPORT

KEY FEATURES

High-capacity and Fast Data Transfers

Quickly backup or add extra storage to your computer for your HD photos, videos, and music with high-speed data transfers up to 260MB/s read and 260MB/s write (18TB and 22TB** model) using the Thunderbolt™ 3 (40Gbps) port.

7200RPM Ultrastar® Enterprise-class Hard Drive Inside

For all your demanding workloads and mission-critical content, you can rely on the power and enhanced reliability of the 7200RPM Ultrastar™ enterprise-class hard drive inside.

PRO-BLADE® SSD Mag Slot

Offload, make copies or edit content from a PRO-BLADE SSD Mag through the new PRO-BLADE® SSD Mag slot at blazing fast speeds. (PRO- BLADE SSD Mag sold separately.)

Clear Cable Indicators

Easily identify each port type with the color identifying system from SanDisk® Professional. Match the color around the port to the color on the corresponding cable to quickly connect your devices.

**Pairs with iPad*****

G-DRIVE® PROJECT works great with compatible iPad tablets*** that have a USB Type-C™ port to enable efficient creative work-flows when using your favorite production apps.

Premium Enclosure

With a premium, anodized aluminum housing, the G-DRIVE PROJECT pairs beautifully with your high-end computer and gives you durable strength you can feel.

Brightness Customization

Choose between three modes of brightness (Off, Default, and Bright) to easily brighten, dim, or turn off the power saving LED light with the push of a button.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

  • G-DRIVE PROJECT Desktop Hard Drive
  • 1x Thunderbolt 3 Cable (WD Part Number: M032-000043)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Power Cable
  • 19VDC Power Adapter

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

SanDisk Professional products are precision instruments and must be handled with care. It may be damaged by rough handling, shock, or vibration. Always observe the following safety precautions:

  • Avoid touching the SanDisk Professional device’s
  • Do not block any of the enclosure’s ventilation
  • Do not use this product as a portable
  • Handle the SanDisk Professional device using its edge or
  • Do not remove, damage, or cover any device
  • Ensure the SanDisk Professional device does not exceed maximum operating
  • Exercise caution when handling a SanDisk Professional device as the device may have heated up.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY

The SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE PROJECT is pre-formatted APFS, compatible with:

  • macOS 15+
  • iPadOS 14+
  • Windows® 10+ (via reformat)

FRONT FEATURES

Reference illustration 2.1 below.

  1. G-DRIVE PROJECT Front LED —The front LED can be dimmed or brightened with the rear LED Dimmer Button and provides the activity status for the G-DRIVE PROJECT
  2. PRO-BLADE SSD mag Slot LED —This LED indicates the PRO-BLADE SSD mag slot
  3. PRO-BLADE SSD mag Slot —This front slot provides compatibility with a PRO- BLADE SSD mag device (sold separately).SanDisk-PROFESSIONAL-G-DRIVE-PROJECT-Desktop-Hard-Drive-FIG-1

REAR CONNECTIVITY

Reference illustration 2.2 below.

  1. Power Button: used to turn the device on or
  2. Power Port: connect the included power supply to this 19VDC power
  3. LED Dimmer Button: this feature provides the option to switch the LED light between three modes: Default, Bright, or
  4. Kensington ® Security Slot; use this slot to secure your device with a Kensington Security Lock (sold separately).
  5. Thunderbolt 3 Ports: these two ports support Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C™ 2 Gen 2. Use the port on the right-hand side to connect the G-DRIVE PROJECT to the host computer system. Use the port on the left-hand side to daisy-chain another Thunderbolt 3 device.SanDisk-PROFESSIONAL-G-DRIVE-PROJECT-Desktop-Hard-Drive-FIG-2

SIDE ANCHORS

Reference illustration 2.3 below.

  1. Anchor Points for Custom Mounting & Accessories: These four (2 on each side) anchor points are designed to be used for customization, such as attaching the SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE PROJECT to a DIT cart, a mounting plate, adding a handle, or other gear for your production needs.

NOTE: Included screws are not designed for attaching accessories or anchoring – anchor screws not included. Anchor points will accept a ¼”-20 screw. The screw length will vary based on the type of mount.

SanDisk-PROFESSIONAL-G-DRIVE-PROJECT-Desktop-Hard-Drive-
FIG-3

MAIN ACTIVITIES

CONNECTING THE G-DRIVE PROJECT

Before you begin, make sure your computer system is turned on with your operating system fully loaded and ready for hardware and software installation.

  1. Use the included data cable and connect one end to the Thunderbolt 3 / USB Type-C port on the rear of the G-DRIVE PROJECT device—the port with the laptop icon.
  2. Connect the other end of the data cable to your computer system (host).
  3. Connect the included power cable to the G-DRIVE PROJECT device and plug the other end into a surge protector or wall outlet.
  4. The G-DRIVE PROJECT device will automatically mount on the desktop if you are running macOS.
  5. Congratulations, you have connected the G-DRIVE PROJECT device to your computer system.

G-DRIVE PROJECT-LED BEHAVIOR

The following table describes the various system and device LED behaviors for G-DRIVE PROJECT.

Table 1:

LED Behavior Description Status
Off Device is powered off. Press and hold power button for 2 secs to power

OFF.
Off| Power Saving Mode: G-DRIVE PROJECT is connected to

a client device which goes into sleep, suspend mode, or powers off.

|
Off| G-DRIVE PROJECT is

connected to a client device and user manually ejects the drive.

|
On| G-DRIVE PROJECT is

connected to power and a client device, and powered ON.

| Press and hold power button for 2 secs to power ON.
On| Wake-up: G-DRIVE PROJECT

is connected to a client device which went into sleep, suspend mode, or powered

|
LED Behavior| Description| Status
---|---|---
 | off, then the client device wakes up.|
On for 20 minutes| G-DRIVE PROJECT is

connected to power, but not to the client device.

| Turns on initially but turns off automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Fast Blinking Rhythm| G-DRIVE PROJECT is

connected to power and a client device, and is transferring data.

|
Faster Blinking Rhythm| G-DRIVE PROJECT is

connected to a client device and the temperature is above the recommended threshold.

|

INSERTING A PRO-BLADE SSD MAG

To insert a PRO-BLADE SSD MAG into a compatible device, make sure the notched corners on both devices are aligned with each other. To insert a PRO-BLADE SSD MAG into the G-DRIVE PROJECT, follow these steps.

  1. Align the PRO-BLADE SSD MAG to a slot on the G-DRIVE
  2. Slide the PRO-BLADE SSD MAG into the G-DRIVE PROJECT slot until firmly seated

PRO-BLADE SSD MAG-LED BEHAVIOR

The following table describes the various device LED behaviors for the PRO- BLADE SSD Mag slot when a PRO-BLADE SSD Mag is inserted into a G-DRIVE PROJECT.

Table 2:

LED Behavior Description Status
Off PRO-BLADE SSD Mag is not inserted. Off
On PRO-BLADE SSD Mag is On
  inserted, and the G-DRIVE
  PROJECT is connected to
  power.
Fast Blinking Rhythm Transferring data between the PRO-BLADE SSD Mag and
G-DRIVE PROJECT.
Faster Blinking Rhythm PRO-BLADE SSD Mag is

connected to the G-DRIVE

|
LED Behavior                           Description Status

PROJECT but operating above recommended temperature.

SAFELY DISCONNECTING THE DEVICE

A great feature of G-DRIVE PROJECT is its ability to be connected and disconnected while your computer is running. The macOS and Windows operating systems have a means for safely disconnecting and removing the device without turning off the system:

  • macOS: Users running macOS can simply drag the device icon to the Trash before disconnecting it.
  • Windows: Windows has a Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the system tray which, when used, ensures that all data is saved to the device and is also flushed from system cache before disconnecting the device.

CAUTION: Do not disconnect the device while it is transferring data! Disconnecting the G-DRIVE PROJECT from the computer during data transfer may damage the device or cause data loss.

INITIALIZE G-DRIVE PROJECT FOR MACOS

G-DRIVE PROJECT was factory-formatted for use or “Initialized” for macOS. You can re-initialize to quickly erase the contents of the drive. Here are the steps

CAUTION: Initializing or Re-Initializing a device will erase all data on the device. Do not continue if you wish to retain your information.

NOTE: Safely disconnect and remove any PRO-BLADE SSD mag from the PRO- BLADE SSD mag slot before beginning this process.

  1. First, open the Disk Utility program located on your hard drive under Applications/Utilities/Disk The window below will appear. Your G-DRIVE PROJECT will be displayed in the left-hand column.

  2. Select the G-DRIVE PROJECT by clicking its drive icon in the left-side column. Information about the device will be displayed at the bottom of the window.

  3. Select the Erase tab to view the formatting options. By default, the product is formatted as APFS.

  4. Choose the Format option that you

  5. Click the Erase button in the lower right corner of the window. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to erase the G-DRIVE PROJECT

  6. Click on the Erase button to continue. A progress bar in the lower right corner of the window will show the progress of the disk’s

  7. After the device is re-initialized, you should automatically see the Time Machine dialog box.
    Click the Use as Backup Disk button if you want to use the drive with Time Machine.
    Click the Don’t Use or Decide Later button if you do not want to use Time Machine at this point.

  8. This should complete the initialization process, and the G-DRIVE PROJECT should now be erased.

REFORMATTING THE G-DRIVE PROJECT

G-DRIVE PROJECT is set up at the factory for use with macOS systems but can be reformatted for use with Windows 10 and higher.

CAUTION: Reformatting the device will erase all of its contents. If you have saved files on the device, back them up to another file storage location before reformatting it.

NOTE: Safely disconnect and remove any PRO-BLADE SSD mag from the PRO- BLADE SSD mag slot before beginning this process.

For instructions on formatting your device for Windows, please visit SanDisk Professional Support, and review Answer ID 30566.

COMPLIANCE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION

LIMITED WARRANTY – EXCEPT AUSTRALIA

Warranty Information

This SanDisk Professional device is covered by a 5-year limited warranty (or 5-year warranty in regions not recognizing “limited”) from the date of purchase, subject to the applicable warranty terms and conditions, as defined in www.sandisk.com/wug.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

Please go to www.sandiskprofessional.com and select “support” for more information on making a warranty claim (SanDisk Professional Support Page). If it is determined that your product may be defective, you will receive an RMA (Return Material Authorization) and product return instructions. You are responsible for any expenses associated with a claim under SanDisk Professional’s Limited Warranty. You must send your product in a secure, prepaid package, to the address provided with your RMA number. Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims

LIMITED WARRANTY – AUSTRALIA

Warranty Information

SanDisk Professional warrants to the end user, that this product, excluding content and or software supplied with or on the product, will be free from material defects in manufacture, will conform to SanDisk Professional’s published product specifications and be fit for normal use for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase, provided that the product is legally placed on the market. When making a claim under this Limited Warranty, SanDisk Professional may at its option repair this product or provide you with an equivalent product; and if unable to repair or replace the product, will refund the purchase price. The full terms of SanDisk Professional’s warranty and warranty period are available at: www.sandisk.com/wug.

Warrantor Details

Western Digital Technologies, Inc., 951 SanDisk Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, U.S.A.

Tel : 1 800-275-4932 (US local toll free) or 1 310-449-4599 (US)

How to make a warranty claim:

Before you return the product you must first obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Please either:

  1. Contact SanDisk Professional at 1 800 262 504 (M-F | 9 am – 6 pm New South Wales Time) or email SanDisk Professional (support@sandiskprofessional.com) and provide proof of purchase (showing date and place of purchase and name of the reseller) and product name, type and number; or
  2. Contact the dealer from whom you originally purchased the product.

Please go to www.sandiskprofessional.com/support for more information on making a warranty claim (SanDisk Professional Support Page). If it is determined that your product may be defective, you will receive an RMA number and product return instructions. You are responsible for any expenses associated with a claim under SanDisk Professional’s Limited Warranty. You must send your product in a secure, prepaid package, to the address provided with your RMA number. Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.

Australian consumers only:
Notwithstanding the terms of this Limited Warranty, SanDisk Professional’s products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the products repaired or replaced if the products fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Regulatory Compliance – FCC

FCC CLASS B INFORMATION

NOTE : This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving
  • Increase the separation between the device and receiver.
  • Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the device.

Regulatory Compliance – Canada

Canada ICES-003 (B) / NMB-003 (B) Statement

Safety Compliance – US and Canada

Safety Compliance

Approved for US and Canada. CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1-14: Audio/ Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment Part 1: Safety Requirements.

Regulatory Compliance – CE

CE Compliance for Europe

Hereby, Western Digital declares compliance of this equipment to the applicable Council Directives of the European Union, including the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) as amended by Directive 2015/863/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://www.wdc.com/products/EUDoC.

  • PO Box 13379, Swords, Co Dublin, Ireland
  • PO Box 471, Leatherhead, KT22 2LU, UK

Regulatory Compliance – Austria

Regulatory Compliance – Korea

Regulatory Compliance – Russia

Regulatory Compliance – Japan

Regulatory Compliance – China

Regulatory Compliance – Taiwan

Information furnished by SanDisk is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no responsibility is assumed by SanDisk for its use nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of SanDisk. SanDisk, the SanDisk design, the SanDisk logo, SanDisk Professional, the SanDisk Professional logo, G-DRIVE, PRO-BLADE, and Ultrastar are registered trademarks ortrademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. iPad, Mac, macOS, and Time Machine are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. USB-C and USB Type-C are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. Kensington is a registered trademark or trademark of the ACCO Brands Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Thunderbolt is a registered trademark or trademark of the Intel Corporation in the US and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.

1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. 1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. Compatible with iPad devices with USB-C port and iPadOS 14+. Based on internal testing; compatibility may vary based on host device and other factors. © 2023 Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Western Digital Technologies, Inc. is the seller of record and licensee in the Americas of SanDisk® products. Western Digital 951 SanDisk Drive Milpitas, California 95035 U.S.A.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>

Related Manuals