MSI Datamag 20Gbps 2TB External SSD Review

1. Introduction 2. MSI Datamag 20Gbps 2TB3. ATTO/CrystalDiskMark/AS SSD4. Throughput 5. PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark6. 3DMark Storage Benchmark7. Real Life File Transfers8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

It may be hard to believe, but after launching a range of internal SSDs over the years, the Datamag 20Gbps is MSI's first external SSD. The drive is available at launch in three capacities: 1TB, 2TB (the drive we are reviewing), and a flagship 4TB model.

The drive uses a Phison PS2251-U18, a native USB 3.2 Gen.2×2 two-channel UFD controller. A DRAM-less design, it supports up to 4TB of TLC or QLC NAND with a 1200MT/s transfer rate. The controller comes in a 26mm x 60mm package. Although a USB 3.2 Gen.2×2 controller, it doesn't run at the spec's full 20Gbps speed; instead, it tops out at 1,900MB/s for reads and 1,700MB/s for writes (4TB capacity). For the Datamag 20Gbps, MSI has turned the wick down a little, so the drive is rated at up to 1,600MB/s for reads and 1,500MB/s for writes, respectively. The drive uses 3D TLC NAND, but at the time of writing, we couldn't find what brand of flash the drive is using.

MSI rates the Sequential performance of the Datamag 20Gbps as up to 1,600MB/s for reads and up to 1,500MB/s writes. Using the ATTO benchmark, we got test results that bettered the official ratings, with reads at 1,670MB/s and writes at 1,910MB/s. Switching over to the CrystalDiskMark 8 benchmark, we saw test results that once again bettered the official maximums. The best read result we saw was 1,772MB/s (default compressed data profile test, QD8 T1) while the fastest write performance, 2,035MB/s, came from the Peak Performance profile test (QD8 T1 compressed data).

The Datamag 20Gbps fits in the palm of your hand, measuring just 66 x 13 x 6mm, weighing in at 81g, and is constructed from aluminium. However, the one thing the Datamag lacks is an IP rating, so it's unknown whether it is water or dust-resistant. MSI have bundled two metal rings (one Black, one White) with the drive so it can be attached to non-ferrous devices. There are also two USB-C cables, one short (for connecting to mobiles) and one longer one for notebooks/tablets etc, although to be honest, this could do with being a bit longer still and finally a USB-C to A adapter.

We found the 2TB Datamag 20Gbps on Amazon UK for around £145 (inc VAT) HERE.

Pros

• Overall performance.
• Small size.
• Magnetic connection.

Cons

• No IP rating.

KitGuru says: The latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2 native controllers have allowed the design of small-format, fast-performing external drives, the latest of which is MSI's Datamag 20Gbps. The built-in magnet and bundled metal rings allow the Datamag to be attached to phones, game consoles and laptops.

 

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