MSI’s new magnetic SSD snaps to your phone and hits 40Gbps
MSI has announced the Datamag 40Gbps, a portable magnetic SSD with a USB4 40Gbps interface. This new model builds on the 20Gbps model MSI introduced in October 2024, and it will be available for buyers in the coming months.
While the previous Datamag was capped at around 1,600 MB/s, MSI says the new USB4 update boosts speeds to 4,000 MB/s reads and 3,600 MB/s writes. That puts it in the same class as speedy USB4 magnetic drives like the Corsair EX400U (curr: $179.99 on Amazon for the 2 TB model). Users will need a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 device to enjoy the full speeds, but the drive will work with any USB-C device, including the newest iPhones.
The drive's enclosure is made of aluminum and measures just 2.6 × 0.5 inches, making it easy to slip into a pocket or small camera bag. At just under 3 ounces, it is also a touch lighter than the Corsair EX400U, which checks in at 3.2 ounces, so it should have the edge as far as portability is concerned. With that being said, MSI includes metal rings in the box, so even if you don’t have a MagSafe or Qi2 phone, the drive can still snap onto almost any device, including laptops and cameras.
Magnetic drives like the Datamag 40Gbps are excellent for mobile creators. With the included magnetic rings, users can snap the drive directly to the back of a device, reducing cable clutter and making it easier to work in the field. iPhone users can also record ProRes videos directly to the SSD to bypass internal storage limitations. According to MSI, the 4TB model can hold up to 143 minutes of 4K/120 fps footage, which could be useful for budding photographers and videographers.
The Datamag 40Gbps will be offered in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB capacities. MSI has not provided a definite release date or pricing details yet, but the SSD is expected to launch globally soon.
