Explore Silicon Power’s game-changing 2TB thumb drives, MS70 and DS72. Unmatched performance, durability, and affordability in portable storage solutions.
Silicon Power Redefines Portable Storage: MS70 and DS72
In the rapidly evolving landscape of flash storage, Silicon Power has stepped into the spotlight with the introduction of two groundbreaking portable SSDs in a thumb drive form factor. The MS70 and DS72, unveiled in October 2023, not only showcase impressive performance but also mark a significant milestone as reasonably-priced 2TB thumb drives in the retail market.
1. Meeting Market Demands: Traditionally catering to the entry-level market, Silicon Power’s latest move challenges its norms. The company’s strategic entry into the high-capacity high-performance USB flash drive (UFD) segment signals a response to the growing demand for larger storage capacities within the thumb drive form factor.
2. Impressive Performance Specifications: The MS70, equipped with a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A interface, boasts capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB. Meanwhile, the DS72, featuring both Type-C and Type-A interfaces, offers the same capacities. With claimed performance speeds of 1050 MBps reads and 850 MBps writes, both models secure their positions in the high-performance UFD segment.
3. Differentiation through Design and Capacity: Silicon Power aims to stand out by focusing on two critical aspects—available capacity points and a compact case design. Despite the thumb drive form-factor, the MS70 maximizes the potential of its USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connector, promising impressive speeds while maintaining a compact and attractive design.
4. Construction and Durability: The MS70’s casing, crafted from a combination of rubber and aluminum, exudes sturdiness. The design incorporates rubber edges and a protective cap for the connector, ensuring durability without compromising on size. In comparison to competitors like the Transcend ESD310C, the MS70 impresses with its robust build.
5. Aggressive Pricing Strategy: Silicon Power adopts an aggressive pricing strategy, offering the MS70 at around 5¢ per GB for the highest capacity SKU. This affordability, combined with the absence of bundled software or value-additions like lanyards, aligns with the targeted market—consumers seeking high-capacity, high-performance thumb drives without unnecessary frills.
6. Controller and NAND Details: While the teardown of the sample was not feasible, insights from CrystalDiskInfo reveal that the MS70 is powered by the Phison U17 controller. Silicon Power confirmed the use of SK hynix 3D TLC NAND in the sample, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining similar performance standards with potential variations in NAND in future production.
7. The Path Forward: Silicon Power’s foray into the 2TB thumb drive market positions them as pioneers in the industry. The MS70 and DS72 not only meet the demand for larger capacities but also redefine expectations in terms of performance and affordability.
In conclusion, Silicon Power’s latest offerings represent a bold stride in the portable storage arena, offering consumers a winning combination of capacity, speed, and durability at a compelling price point. As the market continues to evolve, Silicon Power’s innovation sets a new standard for what’s possible in the world of portable SSDs.
What is USB flash drive (UFD) ?
Yes, UFD is a common abbreviation for USB flash drive. It’s a portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. They’re typically small, lightweight, and have a USB connector that plugs into a computer or other device.
Here are some of the benefits of using USB flash drives:
- Portability: They’re small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around with you.
- Durability: They’re solid-state devices, so they’re less likely to be damaged than traditional hard drives.
- Capacity: They come in a variety of capacities, from a few gigabytes to several terabytes.
- Speed: They’re much faster than traditional hard drives, so you can transfer files quickly and easily.
- Convenience: They’re easy to use and don’t require any special software or drivers.
Here are some of the common uses for USB flash drives:
- Storing files: You can use them to store any type of file, including documents, photos, music, and videos.
- Transferring files: They’re a great way to transfer files between computers or other devices.
- Booting a computer: You can use a bootable USB flash drive to install an operating system or troubleshoot a computer that won’t boot.
- Running portable applications: There are many portable applications that you can run from a USB flash drive, such as web browsers, media players, and office applications.
Overall, USB flash drives are a versatile and convenient storage solution. They’re a great way to store and transfer data, and they’re perfect for anyone who needs a portable storage solution.
What is a Portable SSD?
A portable SSD is a storage device similar to a USB flash drive, but with some major differences. Here’s a breakdown:
What it is:
- Solid-State Drive (SSD): Like internal SSDs in computers, it uses flash memory chips to store data, meaning no moving parts like traditional hard drives.
- Portable: Designed to be small and lightweight for easy travel and use with multiple devices.
Advantages over USB flash drives:
- Speed: Significantly faster read and write speeds, meaning quicker file transfers and app loading times.
- Durability: More resistant to shock and drops due to no moving parts.
- Capacity: Can offer higher storage capacities than most USB flash drives, perfect for larger files like games or video collections.
- Energy efficiency: Consumes less power compared to hard drives, ideal for laptops and mobile devices.
Advantages over internal SSDs:
- Portability: Easily disconnect and connect to different devices like laptops, tablets, cameras, etc.
- Universality: Compatible with various operating systems and devices with USB ports.
- Data backup: Great for backing up important data from any device.
Downsides:
- Cost: Generally more expensive per gigabyte compared to flash drives and standard HDDs.
- Physical size: Slightly larger than flash drives, though still pocket-friendly.
Who uses them?:
- People who need fast and reliable storage on the go for work, photography, video editing, gaming, etc.
- Content creators who frequently transfer large files.
- Travelers who value portable storage for backups and entertainment.
Overall:
Portable SSDs offer a perfect balance of speed, durability, and portability, making them a great choice for those who need fast and reliable storage on the go. While they cost more than standard flash drives, their performance and longevity make them worthwhile for demanding users.
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