Final Score: 89 out of 100
The DataMag 20Gbps 1TB is an excellent first try at giving enthusiasts what they desire, what they want, and what they need. For most buyers this is a device that will not drain your wallet. It will not (overly) drain your battery. It will not even burn your hand when attached to a phone or tablet. Instead it will offer as good performance as it can and make your portable device’s USB bus the weakest link in the performance chain.
That is a lot to like. So much so that if MSI had simply run a bit of a tighter leash on Phison the DataMag 20Gbps 1TB would be destined for not only greatness but could seriously be a considered a “LaCie Killer”. Sadly, because this is such a good device the enshittification of Phison’s lack of basic ODM abilities is glaringly obvious. Put simply, there is a bit of a growing pain associated with this particular model. We are of course referring to the fact that Phison “forgot” to add in heat pads when they built this model for MSI. While not necessary this oversight may move the DataMAG 20G outside of some buyer’s comfort zone. Which is a shame, as heat pads are cheap and only needing to remove four screws is an equally easy endeavor. It however is not something that everyone will want do.
While this does reflect poorly on MSI, it reflects even more poorly on Phison as a reputable ODM. MSI may lack experience, but Phison does not. They should have included two ~25x60mm heat pads in their final bid to MSI’s Request For Quote. They did not and Phison has now been firmly placed on our personal ‘sus’ / “may contain copious amounts of Chinesium” list of ODM’s that get… “extra special” attention before recommending them to any of our clients. Good job Phison for setting the bar lower than you found it. Ugh.
Rants over corporate greed aside, this issue clearly moves the DataMag 20Gbps 1TB out of the no-brainer, BUY IT NOW cult-classic in the making class it should be in. Instead it is best described as diamond in the rough. One that is excellent in ‘as is’ condition, but can be transformed into a best in class device with very little effort. Either way the DataMag 20Gbps series is sure to satisfy your need for speed, your need for value, and your need for how much data you can store on it. So be on the lookout for it as it worthy of further consideration. So much so that we sincerely are looking forward to the second revision of this blueprint… and will be paying a close and careful eye on the ‘Sophomore edition’ that is equally likely to happen in the near’ish future. One that builds upon the excellent bones of the DataMag 20Gbps and not only “fixes” the self-inflicted issue but makes legitimate argument for why serious professionals should want to opt for MSI over LaCie.
The Review
MSI DataMAG 20Gbps 1TB Review
The DataMag 20Gbps 1TB delivers impressive performance and value but is held back by Phison’s execution, notably the lack of basic heat pads. With minor tweaks, it shines, showing promise for future versions to rival top brands like LaCie.
