The MSI DataMag 40Gbps SSD arrives with a bold design twist: a built-in magnetic ring that snaps onto any metal surface, turning it into a portable yet stationary storage hub. While not the fastest USB4 drive on the market, it delivers solid performance for those willing to overlook a few tradeoffs. The question remains whether its convenience justifies its price—or if it’s better suited as a secondary drive rather than a primary workhorse.
At first glance, the DataMag stands out with its polished aluminum body and a lanyard loop for easy carrying. The magnetic ring, positioned on the rear, allows it to adhere to routers, desks, or even the side of a monitor—though Apple’s aluminum Macs remain off-limits. Weighing just 2.8 ounces, it feels substantial without being cumbersome. Inside, a Phison U21 controller paired with 3D TLC NAND ensures reliability, backed by a five-year warranty or a 750TBW endurance rating per terabyte—a generous figure for an external SSD.
The Speed Dilemma
The DataMag’s performance is where things get interesting. In synthetic benchmarks, it excels with queued read speeds that rival competitors, thanks to its USB4 interface. However, real-world transfers tell a different story. During a 450GB write test, the drive’s speed plummeted to USB 10Gbps levels after just 50GB, a limitation likely tied to its 1TB capacity and NAND constraints. Larger capacities—like the upcoming 2TB model—may mitigate this issue, but for now, it’s a noticeable bottleneck.
Where the DataMag shines is in multi-threaded workloads, such as video editing or large file transfers where sustained throughput matters more than raw speed. For everyday use, however, it may struggle with smaller files or frequent write operations compared to rivals like the Adata SE920 or LaCie Rugged SSD4.
Who Should Buy It?
The DataMag isn’t for everyone, but its strengths make it appealing for specific users. Creatives who need a secondary drive for backups or media storage will appreciate its magnetic convenience and solid build. Gamers might find it useful as a portable SSD for quick saves or temporary file storage, though its write speeds could be a hindrance during large updates. Budget-conscious buyers will also note its pricing—$170 for 1TB and $296 for 2TB—isn’t unreasonable for USB4, though discounts may appear as third-party retailers catch up.
For those already invested in Thunderbolt 5 or PCIe 5.0 setups, the DataMag serves as a stepping stone. It’s not a replacement for high-end internal SSDs but fills a niche for users who prioritize portability and magnetic mounting over absolute speed. If MSI delivers on its promise of a 4TB model, the drive’s value proposition could improve further.
Final Verdict
The MSI DataMag 40Gbps SSD is a well-built, visually striking addition to the USB4 storage market. Its magnetic design is a standout feature, but its performance tradeoffs—particularly with smaller capacities—mean it’s best suited for secondary use. For primary storage needs, faster alternatives exist. Yet for those who want a blend of convenience and decent speed, it’s a compelling choice—especially if the larger capacities arrive with improved endurance.
