MSI has released its Datamag 40Gbps SSD, which is a magnetically-attached portable SSD that combines great speed with everyday convenience inside a 66mm (L) x 66mm (W) x 13mm (H) aluminium frame. It provides a noticeable speed upgrade over the Datamag 20Gbps, which will come in handy for those dabbling with large media files. While not as fast as modern internal drives, the Datamag 40Gbps should suffice anyone’s daily needs.
Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, the Datamag 40Gbps leverages the latest USB 4 40Gb/s interface to reach transfer rates of up to 4,000MB/s in read and 3,600MB/s in write, making it one of the fastest portable solutions in its class. It’s faster than any PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD, though not to the level of high-end PCIe 4.0 drives. Still, this USB-powered storage solution is more than enough for all consumer use cases. That said, note that speed will vary depending on the host device, since a proper USB 4 implementation is required to take advantage of its maximum transfer. This is mainly a concern for smartphones and tablets, which may only feature USB 3.2 or USB 2.0 interfaces.
This speed is complemented by dedicated software that provides handy features such as remaining capacity and backup/restore functions. It also makes the initial configuration easier on mobile devices, allowing you to back up your pictures and files automatically with a couple of clicks.
The Datamag 40Gbps is compatible with Windows, macOS, iPhones (including iPhone 16/15 Pro Max), Android devices, cameras, and gaming consoles. MSI offers two USB Type-C cables – a short Type-C-to-C plus a longer Type-C-to-A, so you can get going straight away. Do note however that the Type-C-to-A cable is to be used only as a last resort since it can’t handle the full speed of this SSD.
The Datamag 40Gbps is built for creators and professionals who take their work on the go. As such, it features a magnetic-attachment system that snaps securely to laptops, tablets, phones, or any metallic surface for that matter, locking it in place and out of the way. Better yet, this magnetic attachment is compatible with iPhones’ MagSafe system, so you don’t have to worry about holding it while recording directly to it.
Yep, this compact SSD is a great choice if you like to record long 4K 120fps ProRes videos, helping you unlock the full capabilities of your iPhones. As for devices that have a plastic outer shell, you can always use the bundled magnetic ring that sticks to said devices and offer a strong base for the Datamag’s magnets.
The MSI Datamag 40Gbps external SSD will be available at £112.99 for the 1TB capacity and £174.99 for 2TB, backed by a five-year warranty. The brand didn’t share pricing for the 4TB variant.
