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MSI Datamag: 30-second review
The MSI Datamag is a rare portable SSD that combines real-world speed with a genuinely useful design twist. The 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface keeps transfers moving fast and in testing the drive very comfortably met and exceeded its rated read and write speeds.
It’s quick to launch projects, back up big shoots and handle transfer tasks without fuss and is a notable step above 10Gbps rivals that top out under 1,000MB/s.
The standout feature is the magnetic mount. Snap it to an iPhone or any MagSafe-compatible case or use the included stick-on rings to park it on laptops, rigs or consoles. Cable management is easy thanks to the included short and long USB-C leads plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older gear.
The compact square shell uses aluminum as a heat spreader and the finned edges help the drive stay cool in sustained work. In extended stress runs I saw consistent throughput and no throttling.
Two quick caveats: you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for full speed and there’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a tough metal portable drive rather than a truly ruggedized model.
Value and availability fluctuate by area nevertheless it usually compares properly for the efficiency on provide – particularly contemplating the five-year guarantee that provides some further peace of thoughts.
If you need a compact quick drive that mounts neatly on a telephone or workstation with out further fuss, the Datamag is a straightforward decide for on a regular basis use. You possibly can pay extra for flagship USB4 drives which might be a shade faster or spend much less on 10Gbps choices however few match the general mix of velocity, thermals and magnetic attachment comfort.
MSI Datamag: Pricing and availability
- How much does it cost? 2TB: $160 / £160 / AU$269
- When is it out? Available now
- Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia
The MSI Datamag 20Gbps isn’t always stocked at all retailers, so start with your local MSI website and its The place to Purchase web page or verify your nation’s approved retail companions for present choices.
It’s usually simpler to seek out in Australia and the UK whereas US availability varies by capability and retailer.
Within the MagSafe-friendly transportable SSD area of interest there are only some direct rivals and amongst 20Gbps-class drives the Datamag is aggressive, however some virtually as quick fashions do undercut it on value.
MSI Datamag: Specs
|
Model No. |
S78-440Q870-P83 |
|
Controller |
Phison PS2251-U18 |
|
Capacities |
1TB / 2TB / 4TB |
|
Capacity tested |
2TB |
|
Tested sequential performance (Read/Write) |
1642 / 1514 MB/s |
|
Connection |
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) on USB-C |
|
IP Rating |
None |
|
Dimensions |
66 x 66 x 13 mm (W x H x D) |
|
Weight |
81g |
|
Power source |
USB-bus power |
|
Warranty |
5-year limited warranty |
MSI Datamag: Design
- MagSafe compatible
- USB-C with USB-A adapter
- Aluminum heatsink
The Datamag looks and feels purpose-built rather than being just another generic plastic-wrapped portable SSD. MSI uses a compact square footprint with trimmed corners and a radial brushed top that keeps fingerprints in check and gives the logo a low-key finish.
The aluminum enclosure doubles as a heat spreader and the ribbed edge detailing is more than cosmetic, helping the drive shed heat during long writes. It’s a tidy pocketable shape that doesn’t snag cables in a bag and the single USB-C port sits flush so it’s easy to pack.
The headline design trick is the magnetic mounting system. On an iPhone or any MagSafe compatabile phone (and that now includes the Pixel 10 thanks to Pixelsnap) it snaps on securely and for non-magnetic surfaces MSI contains two stick-on steel rings in black and white. That makes the Datamag helpful on diversified rigs, claptops, consoles and different units since you may park it precisely the place you need it and maintain the cable strain-free.
MSI additionally bundles each lengthy and brief USB-C cables plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you may go entry it on older units, or simply have a little bit of versatility whenever you run out of ports. The lanyard loop within the nook is a small however good contact for tethering for further safety.
At 66 x 66 x 13mm (2.60 x 2.60 x 0.51 inches) and 81g (0.179lb), the Datamag carries a reassuring heft with out feeling cumbersome. The sq. puck format spreads weight throughout a telephone properly, so it stays put throughout handheld capturing and the rounded edges maintain it snug towards a palm.
There’s no acknowledged IP ranking, so deal with it as a strong steel transportable slightly than a real rugged drive. General the design is easy, sturdy and really sensible.
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MSI Datamag: Performance
- Great performance
- No throttling
|
Rated sequential read |
1600 MB/s |
|
Rated sequential write |
1500 MB/s |
|
ATTO peak read |
1660 MB/s |
|
ATTO peak write |
1860 MB/s |
|
Sustained read in Windows |
1642 MB/s |
|
Sustained write in Windows |
1514 MB/s |
|
Thermal throttling in 30-minute read/write test |
None |
Aside from magnetic wizardry, performance is the Datamag’s calling card and the 20Gbps USB interface and Phison PS2251-U18 controller deliver impressive throughput.
In the ATTO benchmark I saw peaks of 1,660MB/s reads and 1,860MB/s writes, while sustained transfers in Windows managed 1,642MB/s read and 1,514MB/s write. That’s comfortably above the rated 1,600 / 1,500MB/s and well ahead of 10Gbps rivals like the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung T7 that top out near 1,000MB/s. In comparison, higher-tier 20Gbps options such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro can read a touch faster at around 1,900MB/s and of course USB4 drives are even faster.
The aluminum body with finned edges helped keep temps in check and I saw no throttling in a 30-minute mixed read and write run. For large media copies, camera offloads and scratch disk use the Datamag feels snappy and dependable under load.
MSI Datamag: Final verdict
MSI’s Datamag is a portable SSD that feels ready for real-world workloads. It’s fast in everyday tasks, doesn’t slow down on long transfers and stays cool thanks to the metal shell.
The square pocketable design is easy to carry every day and the magnetic mount and included rings make it quick to attach to a phone or other equipment.
Pricing is decent for the class and the five-year warranty is a great bonus. If you want speed with a smart attachment system, the Datamag delivers dependable 20Gbps performance in a compact easy-to-mount package.
Should I buy the MSI Datamag?
|
Value |
Well priced considering the features |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Design |
Sturdy metal build with magnetic attachment |
4 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Excellent read / write speeds with no throttling |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Overall |
A very unique and handy drive with performance to match |
4.5 / 5 |
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