MSI has revealed its newest portable SSD, the DATAMAG 40Gbps, aiming to give creators, prosumers, and tech enthusiasts a speed-boosting tool that’s both nimble and cleverly designed. With transfer rates approaching internal NVMe drives plus a magnetic mounting twist, it’s more than just fast—it’s built for real-world portability and workflow.
What’s New & Stand-Out Features
- Blistering Transfer Speeds: The DATAMAG uses a USB4 40 Gbps (≈ 40 Gigabits per second) interface, offering up to 4,000 MB/s read and ≈3,600 MB/s write speeds. That means moving large video files, game libraries, or huge photo sets becomes much less of a drag.
- Capacity Options: Users can choose from 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB variants, offering room for many projects without needing multiple drives.
- Magnetic Mounting Design: A standout physical feature: the drive includes metal rings that let you magnetically attach it to laptops, tablets, or devices with metal surfaces. There’s also a “hanging ring” option so you can tether it for easier access while on the go. This keeps the SSD from dangling or getting tugged by cables.
- Lightweight & Durable Build: The enclosure is made from aluminum alloy, both to shield the internals and help dissipate heat. The whole unit is quite portable (≈ 85 g), meaning it won’t weigh down your pack or laptop bag.
Who It’s For: Use Cases & Practical Benefits
This SSD is especially interesting for:
- Content creators who shoot high-resolution or high-frame-rate footage (4K, ProRes, etc.) and want a reliable external drive when traveling or working on location.
- Laptop / tablet power users who may not have large internal drives and need extra fast external storage without slow USB transfers.
- Gamers who move frequently or want to carry large game files without compromise.
The magnetic ring design helps reduce cable strain, keeps things tidy, and reduces risk of accidental disconnects—small but pragmatic touches that matter in real workflows.
Trade-Offs & Considerations
Every product has limits and things to watch out for:
- Cost vs. existing solutions: Drives with similar speeds tend to be premium, so expect the DATAMAG 40Gbps to come with a price tag reflecting its performance.
- USB4 & Device Support: To fully utilize 40 Gbps, your laptop, tablet, or host device needs a compatible USB4 port. On older or slower USB-C devices, you’ll get lower speeds.
- Thermal behavior: High write speeds and continuous transfers generate heat. The aluminum shell helps, but in hot environments, performance might still throttle or slow slightly.
Why It Matters: Context & What It Signals
MSI’s move shows a few broader trends:
- Demand for “on-the-go pro storage” is rising—filmmakers, streamers, and hybrid workers want mobility without sacrificing speed.
- The magnetic mounting design points to a push for more physical ergonomics in mobility tech—mini touches that reduce friction (literally and figuratively).
- USB4 is steadily becoming more practical in consumer devices, not just as a spec on datasheets but a real feature people can leverage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a high-speed portable SSD and often move large files, the MSI DATAMAG 40Gbps is one of the more compelling new options in 2025. The combination of top-tier data rates, solid build, magnetic convenience, and generous capacity make it a strong candidate—especially for creatives and mobile power users.