YouTube is apparently taking new steps against ad block users. In recent days, there have been several reports that the comments sections and/or descriptions of videos have been rendered completely disabled when an ad blocker is detected as active for users. Android Authority has compiled some of these complaints and concluded that this isn’t a bug but rather a deliberate move against the use of ad blockers. What’s particularly annoying is that YouTube Premium users are also affected by these measures—even though they’re already free of ads thanks to their paid subscription, they might be using ad blockers for other websites and experiencing collateral damage. Incidentally, it’s not only external ad blockers that are affected but also web browsers with built-in ad block features. As soon as affected users change their browsers or switch off their ad blockers, they’re able to see comments and descriptions under YouTube videos again. Not the first time YouTube has repeatedly tried to discourage users from using ad blockers. From targeted attempts to block certain ad blockers such as uBlock Origin in the Chrome browser to hours-long ads that can’t be skipped, all to annoy ad block users. In some cases, users have also been served black screens when ad blockers are detected. This time, not all users seem to be affected—but there are enough reports to suggest that it’s a widespread problem. It’s best to check which ad blockers you have installed and whether there are any restrictions when you try to play YouTube videos. From YouTube’s point of view, it makes sense to encourage ad blocker users to whitelist their ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium so as not to jeopardize these sources of revenue. However, the methods being employed are questionable and user-unfriendly. Further reading: I block ads on YouTube and I’m not ashamed of it Read...

We love Anker around here for their high-quality power banks, hubs and docks, charging cables, and other accessories. That’s why I’m excited about this deal: you can now grab a speedy 30W Anker Nano USB-C charger plug for a mere $10 on Amazon. That’s a massive 50% discount down from its original $20 price! Man, that’s a good deal. Despite its ultra-compact size, this Anker charger will get the job done just fine. Thanks to GaN technology, this Anker model is capable of reaching fast charging speeds without all the heat or power inefficiencies of yesteryear models, all while staying small and portable with foldable prongs. Replace your old power adapter with this. You won’t regret it. What’s great is that it reaches 30 watts of power delivery, which is more than fast enough for smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and more. In fact, Anker claims it can recharge an iPad Air to 50% in about 45 minutes, and an iPhone 17 Pro in about 20 minutes. Just plug it into a wall outlet and let ‘er rip. You deserve a cheap but fast charger like this. The only downside is that it only has a single USB-C port, so it can’t charge multiple devices at once. If you’d prefer something like that, you may want to opt for this 3-port 65W Anker charger for $26 instead (originally $40). It’s just a tad bit bigger but features two fast USB-C ports and a slower USB-A port, plus it still has the foldable prongs. But if you want to absolute cheapest thing, get the 30W charger for $10. Note that this price is for the white model. The black model is also on sale, but that one’s gonna cost you a little more at $12. Still a great deal, though! Get either one for cheap while you can. Save 50% on this tiny Anker Nano USB-C charger plugBuy now via Amazon Read...

Windows 11 users will soon be able to move and resize their taskbar. Microsoft is finally acquiescing to one of the most common user requests of the past many years, reports Windows Central. While Microsoft has not yet officially confirmed this important change to its operating system, renowned Windows expert Zac Bowden claims to have learned this from reliable sources. Once Microsoft goes through with it, you’ll be able to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the left, right, or top of the screen. Hooray! This will finally give Windows 11 a feature that’s been part of all Windows versions for around 30 years. It was only with the introduction of Windows 11 that Microsoft removed this option—much to the displeasure of many Windows users. What does the change entail? Microsoft initially insisted on a completely unmovable Windows 11 taskbar, but later allowed users to at least move it to the left. With this change, you’ll have more options for the taskbar: vertically along the left or right edges of the screen, or horizontally across the top or bottom edges of the screen. Microsoft will have to adapt the numerous features that are integrated into the taskbar—such as Copilot, Start menu, notifications, and the power menu—so that they also work seamlessly in these different arrangments and not just along the bottom edge. Moreover, Windows 11 users won’t just be able to move the taskbar, but will also be able to resize it. Doing so should mean that any icons on the taskbar will dynamically grow larger or smaller with the taskbar. When will Microsoft release the customizable taskbar? According to reports, Microsoft plans to bring back the movable and resizable taskbar sometime in 2026. The wish of so many Windows 11 users could therefore come true as early as summer 2026. This concession from Microsoft is urgently needed. Windows 10 continues to enjoy great popularity among Windows users, while Windows 11 causes annoyance and frustration with its many patch days and ever-new problems. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Very comfortable fit, even for spectacle wearers Lightweight (290 grams) Stylish white design with RGB High-quality workmanship Wireless via Lightspeed, Bluetooth and USB Good gaming sound with surround support First-class microphone Long battery life Cons Sounds rather flat for music straight out of the box Large, bulky design May fit loosely on smaller heads No 3.5 mm jack connection No simultaneous BT and wireless connection Incompatible with Xbox Consoles Our Verdict Overall, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed with its microphone catapults itself into the top tier of gaming headsets. The combination of an outstanding microphone, versatile settings and the comfort of a wireless headset without an additional microphone makes the G522 highly recommendable in this category. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Logitech G522 Lightspeed Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Logitech G522 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset promises premium features at a moderate price, and that in a stylish white color variant (in addition to classic black). This model is the successor to the G733 and aims to impress PC and PS5 gamers with wireless Lightspeed technology, Bluetooth connectivity and outstanding sound. You can look forward to immersive gaming sound, a decent microphone and long battery life, all without any cable clutter. One thing is clear from the outset: the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is aimed at gamers who want both comfort and performance without paying a high-end price. Below, we clarify whether the headset lives up to this claim and whether it can impress technically as well as visually. For even more great picks check out our roundup of the best wireless gaming headsets. Considering its price, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed delivers respectable audio performance that comes dangerously close to some much more expensive headsets. Friedrich Stiemer Logitech G522 Lightspeed: Design and comfort The white version of the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is a real eye-catcher. With its slim, modern design and side-aligned Lightsync RGB lighting (eight zones, 16.8 million colors), it makes a visual statement. The configurable color effects are particularly impressive on the white housing. Despite its predominantly plastic construction, the headset does not look cheap at all. On the contrary: the workmanship is robust and high-quality. As an alternative to the white version tested here, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is also available in black, but the white version clearly emphasizes the gaming look. Logitech has made noticeable improvements to comfort compared to its predecessor. Generously sized ear cups with soft dual-layer memory foam padding completely enclose the ear and leave enough room even for glasses wearers or gamers with ear jewellery. The very comfortable fit is particularly noteworthy: even after hours of use, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed remains one of the most comfortable headsets we have ever tested. One reason for this is its low weight of around 290 grams, combined with the flexible, padded headband system. The headband uses an elastic suspension band (made of washable fabric) under the rigid frame, similar to previous Logitech G headsets. It can be hooked into two positions to accommodate different head sizes. Many users with normal to large heads will find the contact pressure just right: firm enough for a secure fit, but never too tight. The breathable fabric covering the padding and grooves in the headband also ensure that you sweat less and hardly feel the headset. Friedrich Stiemer However, gamers with small heads should be aware that the headset will probably sit a little loosely even at its tightest setting and that their ears might bump against the inside. Thanks to its generous design, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed also looks quite bulky on the head. Those looking for a petite headset may find its clunky appearance distracting. In normal use, however, the size is hardly noticeable. This is because in video calls, the “gaming headset look” is only visually noticeable; comfort remains unaffected. A potential disadvantage of the white version is that dust and dirt are more visible than on dark headsets. Regular cleaning helps here, as everything white shows dirt more clearly. Logitech focuses on sustainability when it comes to materials: the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is made partly from recycled plastic and even low-carbon aluminium, which does not detract from its durable impression. In summary, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed impresses with its high level of comfort and stylish design. The white color variant is a refreshing eye-catcher in the gaming corner and fits perfectly with Logitech’s G5 series in the same color, such as the G502 X Plus gaming mouse and the G515 TKL keyboard, allowing you to arrange a harmonious setup on your desk. So you’ll be entertained not only acoustically, but also visually. Friedrich Stiemer Logitech G522 Lightspeed: Technology and features When it comes to features, the manufacturer has pulled out all the stops with the Logitech G522 Lightspeed, in a positive sense. The wireless gaming headset offers tri-mode connectivity, i.e. wireless 2.4 GHz Lightspeed operation, Bluetooth and wired USB mode. The included USB-A dongle enables lag-free 2.4 GHz connections on PC, Mac and PlayStation 5; however, Microsoft’s Xbox is not supported. Alternatively, the G522 can be paired via Bluetooth 5.3. This is particularly handy for smartphones, tablets or the Nintendo Switch when on the go. The headset already supports the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard (LC3 codec) for low latency and better audio quality, provided that playback devices support this. In Bluetooth mode, it should be noted that the microphone quality is slightly lower than in Lightspeed or USB cable mode due to the system. However, it’s still sufficient for listening to music on the go or using Discord on your mobile phone. For critical voice recordings, it is better to use the dongle or USB cable anyway. The latter is included as a USB-A to USB-C cable and serves both as a charging cable and an audio cable (USB class-compliant sound card). However, there is no analogue 3.5-millimeter jack connection, which means that the Logitech G522 Lightspeed cannot be used purely in analog mode. Friedrich Stiemer Logitech G522 Lightspeed: Battery life One highlight of the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is its enormous battery life. Logitech promises up to 40 hours with RGB lighting activated and an impressive 90 hours without lighting. We were able to confirm these values in practice: In Lightspeed mode with the lighting switched on continuously, the battery lasted around 38 hours. This is an excellent value, far exceeding that of its predecessor, the G733 (around 20 hours with RGB). Without lighting effects, you can enjoy several days of gaming marathons before the battery runs out. Friedrich Stiemer Although there are competing headsets with even longer runtimes (such as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless with around 300 hours of runtime; see review), the Logitech G522 Lightspeed sets the standard in the mid-range. A practical feature that increases the battery’s longevity: Logitech’s G-Hub software allows you to optionally activate a charging limit of 80 percent to conserve the battery. And if the battery does break down after years of use, it can be replaced with just a little skill. Logitech is collaborating with iFixit and plans to provide replacement batteries and instructions. This shows that sustainability and longevity have been taken into account here. Logitech G522 Lightspeed: Sound quality For the audio drivers of the Logitech G522 Lightspeed, the manufacturer relies on both tried-and-tested and new technology. 40-millimetre Pro-G speakers ensure good sound quality. However, these are embedded in a new acoustic module: completely enclosed in the ear cups, which is designed to minimize resonance-related distortion and produce a more symmetrical sound. According to Logitech, this has improved bass response and clarity while reducing power consumption by around 35 percent. The frequency response remains classic at 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In practice, the drivers do indeed deliver a powerful, low-distortion sound, but more on that in the sound test below. A positive feature is that the headset supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 for virtual surround sound (license via the Windows app “DTS Sound Unbound”) as well as native spatial sounds such as Windows Sonic or PS5 Tempest 3D on consoles and PCs. This means you’re equipped to locate your opponents acoustically with pinpoint accuracy for competitive gaming. The Logitech G522 Lightspeed is easy to use and well designed. All controls are easily accessible on the left ear cup: a power slide switch (with LED status indicator), below which is a recessed button for switching between Lightspeed and Bluetooth mode, followed by an easy-to-use volume wheel and a two-stage microphone mute button. The latter is particularly clever: when you press it to mute, it extends slightly and a red ring becomes visible – so you can immediately see and feel that you’re muted. In addition, a small red LED lights up at the tip of the microphone as soon as the mic is deactivated. So if you forget to “unmute” yourself, embarrassing silences in voice chat are a thing of the past. The detachable microphone connects via a trapezoidal 3.5-millimeter plug and can be flexibly adjusted. Friedrich Stiemer Last but not least, Logitech offers exemplary software support. In Logitech G Hub (PC/Mac) and the Logitech G mobile app, you can configure the headset extensively: everything is available, from RGB lighting control (various effects or synchronization with other Logitech devices) to the 10-band equalizer and “Blue VO!CE” microphone filters. Also, up to three audio profiles can be conveniently stored directly on the headset. Once set up, you can save a gaming, music and chat profile, among others, and use them on another console or device without having to restart the software. This device-independent profile storage is a great feature, especially for cross-platform users. All in all, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed excels in versatility and user-friendliness. From connectivity options to battery and audio technology, pretty much everything that demanding gamers appreciate has been thought of. Sound quality review Let’s get to the most important thing: how does the Logitech G522 Lightspeed sound? The short answer: very good, especially for gaming, with slight compromises for music in the factory settings. In gaming mode, the headset impresses with a clear, spatial sound image. Footsteps, gunshots and ambient noises can be precisely located; tracking down opponents in FPS games is easy thanks to the clean stereo stage and spatial sound capabilities. Whether competitive shooters like CS2 or cinematic single-player epics, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed delivers clearly defined details and convincing surround sound. Activating DTS Headphone:X on your PC adds even more depth to the sound—the atmosphere becomes even more immersive, which is particularly noticeable in story-driven games or films. Even at high volumes, the sound remains distortion-free and pleasant. Explosions rumble, voices are clear, and even the slightest sounds are not lost. Friedrich Stiemer Although the Logitech G522 Lightspeed is obviously designed for gaming, many of us naturally want to use our headset for music and multimedia as well. Here, the G522 is somewhat idiosyncratic in its default settings. The bass sounds a bit flat and restrained, while the mids are a bit too prominent and the highs a bit too soft. This means that music initially lacks a bit of punch and brilliance. However, there’s no need to worry: with a few equalizer adjustments, the sound can be improved enormously. Logitech G Hub offers a comprehensive equalizer and numerous presets for this purpose. So if you subtly boost the lower frequencies (20 to 125 hertz) and treble, you’ll get a much more balanced sound. Bass lovers should take a moment to adjust the settings, and then the Logitech G522 Lightspeed will purr right along when listening to songs and film soundtracks. On a positive note, the drivers respond excellently to EQ without distorting – presumably thanks to the new acoustic modules. Conclusion regarding sound: gamers will immediately enjoy themselves, and those who like to listen to music can achieve a well-rounded sound with just a few clicks. Considering its price, the Logitech G522 Lightspeed delivers respectable audio performance that comes dangerously close to some much more expensive headsets. Logitech G522 Lightspeed: Microphone quality The microphone on the Logitech G522 Lightspeed deserves a special mention, as Logitech has really delivered here. The detachable boom mic is boldly advertised by the manufacturer as “the best microphone in the gaming world”, and we can indeed attest to the wireless gaming headset’s surprisingly high voice quality. The microphone records at 48 kHz/16 bit, covers a wide frequency range (70 Hz to 20 kHz) and sounds very clear, natural and with low-noise in practice. In online rounds and Discord chats, you’ll be understood crystal clear with the G522 – your voice comes across as present and in near broadcast quality. Streamers and frequent chatters in particular benefit from no longer needing an external table microphone arm to achieve decent voice transmission. Friedrich Stiemer The “Blue VO!CE” technology also gives you additional tools to improve your voice via software. Noise reduction, compressor, de-esser (to reduce sharp S sounds) and EQ profiles can be activated to mute background noise or adjust the sound of your voice. In our test, the raw signal from the microphone was already very good, but somewhat sensitive to ambient noise (mechanical keyboard strokes could be heard quietly). But this is exactly where Blue VO!CE and the G-Hub filters come in, effectively cleaning up the input. After that, all that remains is the voice, clear and distinct. The microphone thus also meets semi-professional requirements for streaming or podcast recording. The only downside: during testing, we noticed that the microphone sometimes swallows the first letters of a new speech passage. This could be due to the automatic speech recognition or a sensitivity threshold – however, the noise gate can be adjusted in G Hub to remedy this behavior. Is the Logitech G522 worth it? The Swiss manufacturer has scored a major success with the Logitech G522 Lightspeed. The white version reviewed here combines technology and style to create an attractive overall package. The G522 delivers almost everything you would expect from a modern gaming headset, and at a very reasonable price of only $130. In our test, the G522 impressed us with its high level of comfort, first-class sound for games and an outstanding microphone that transmits your voice so clearly that it’s hard to believe you’re talking through a wireless headset. The battery life is respectable – the headset can handle long gaming nights or streaming sessions without needing to be recharged. Of course, not everything is perfect: audiophile music lovers will need to fine-tune the equalizer, and the large headset feels a little loose on smaller heads. But these are minor flaws considering the overall performance. All in all, we can give the Logitech G522 Lightspeed a clear recommendation. For PC and PS5 gamers looking for a comfortable wireless headset with versatile features, the G522 is currently a very attractive option. It easily keeps up with more expensive premium models and surpasses its direct predecessor in all respects. Read...

Listen, even if your laptop has a webcam, there’s a very high chance it’s not going to be a 4K cam, right? Well, how about you get one? This Emeet C960 4K webcam is only $48 at Amazon after a 20% discount. View at Amazon If you want a clear video with a high resolution, this Emeet webcam can give that to you without breaking the bank. The cam will maintain a sharp image and even comes with auto light correction, thus adjusting the video quality based on the environment. The cam also features two built-in omnidirectional microphones that are designed to capture crisp and natural sound, which makes it perfect for conference calls, for instance, but also taking on calls from noisy rooms. The device offers a simple plug-and-play setup via USB-A, so there’s no mystery about how you’re going to get it working. Oh, and there’s even a physical privacy cover. For $48, this Emeet 4K webcam is a fantastic pick, so add it to your cart before the deal runs out. Upgrade your meetings with this 4K webcamBuy now at Amazon Read...

Getting an OLED gaming monitor with premium features doesn’t have to break the bank—especially when a high-quality option is available at an unbeatable price. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your setup, now’s the time to act. Right now, Amazon is offering the Alienware 34-inch Curved Monitor for just $500, a massive 28% discount from its usual price. View at Amazon The monitor’s standout feature is its Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) panel, which delivers true blacks and an infinite contrast ratio, and gorgeously vivid colors. Even better, the curved 1800R panel will help create an immersive viewing experience. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time make this monitor a fantastic pick for gamers, although the Alienware name was the first thing to give that detail away. The monitor also comes with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA AdaptiveSync certification, ensuring smooth, stutter-free gameplay with super-low latency. The Alienware monitor features a ton of ports, including two DisplayPort and an HDMI, as well as several USB ports. Grab this Alienware AW3423DWF curved QD-OLED gaming monitor for $500, its best price, before the deal runs out. Enjoy this 28% discount for this super fast Alienware monitorBuy now at Amazon Read...

TL;DR: Pay $34.97 once for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 instead of $99.99 every year for Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 costs $99.99 per year, but if you would rather avoid another subscription, Microsoft Office Pro 2021 is available as a lifetime license for $34.97, marked down from $219.99. It delivers the core apps most people use every day without ongoing fees. The package includes: Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Publisher And more! While it does not include the newest AI-powered features found in Microsoft 365, it offers the same familiar tools with a stable interface that does not shift with frequent updates. This license is tied to one Windows PC and requires no renewals. Install it once and use it as long as you need. Get Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for $34.97 while the offer lasts. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

TL;DR: $24.99 for Windows 11 Pro plus get three step-by-step training courses covering Windows basics, productivity tools, and advanced features. Most people never learn what Windows can really do, but you do not have to stay in that group. For $24.99, this Windows 11 Pro bundle includes the newest operating system and three structured training courses that walk you through customization, file management, privacy settings, and troubleshooting, so you can use your PC with confidence instead of guesswork. The lessons go beyond basic setup. You’ll learn how to customize your system, manage files and OneDrive more efficiently, use built-in shortcuts to boost productivity, strengthen your privacy and security settings, and troubleshoot common problems without outside help. In total, you get 10 hours of content and more than 150 step-by-step lessons, making it a solid fit for beginners, professionals, or anyone upgrading from an older version of Windows. The bundle also includes training on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, though the Office apps themselves are not included. Whether you want to sharpen your workplace skills or simply stop searching for answers every time you need to change a setting, this package pairs the software with the knowledge to use it confidently. Get Windows 11 Pro and training for $24.99, 89% off. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro + The Essential Windows 11 Pro CourseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

AI company Anthropic is now upgrading the free version of its Claude chatbot with several features that were previously exclusive to paying users, reports Engadget. Free users can now create and edit files like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs directly within Claude. In addition, free users will have access to so-called Connectors, which make it possible to connect Claude to external services like Canva, Slack, Notion, Zapier, and PayPal. The Skills feature is also being opened up to free users, which means users can teach the chatbot to perform recurring tasks according to predefined instructions. The Claude upgrade also includes longer conversations, more interactive responses, and improved voice and image search. It comes at a good time, allowing Claude to differentiate itself from its competitors more strongly. Recently, OpenAI rolled out ads in the free version of ChatGPT—and when Anthropic subsequently promised no ads, it prompted a prickly response from OpenAI’s CEO. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Handsome design Magnetic mounting to any suitable surface Up to 4GBps transfers Cons Slowest USB4 SSD we’ve tested 10Gbps speeds during long writes Our Verdict The MSI DataMag 40Gbps offers handsome design, magnetic attachment, and solid Construction. But it’s merely a good, not fantastic, USB4 performer. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: MSI DataMag 40Gbps USB4 SSD Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Magnetically attached SSDs can be handy, especially speedy 40Gbps models such as the MSI DataMag 40Gbps reviewed here. They can be fixed in place on any suitable metallic surface. Alas, that doesn’t include my aluminum Macs, but it does include the router right next to them. What are the DataMag 40Gbps’s features? Well, the name and intro give away part of the story — the magnetic ring on the back of the unit (see below) and that the drive is 40Gbs USB4. It measures a little over 2.5-inches across in both directions, is a little under 0.5-inches thick, and has a lanyard opening on the upper right. Weight is 2.8 ounces, which gives a nice solid heft. The back of the DataMag 40Gbps with its magnetic mounting “ring” and Type-C port on the bottom edge. The DataMag 40gbps sports a Phison U21 controller and stacked/layered/3D TLC (Triple-Level Cell/3-bit) NAND. The company warranties the drive for five years, or until the TBW rating is reached. Said rating is 750TBW (terabytes that may be written) per one terabyte of capacity. That’s on the generous side for an external SSD. The norm is three years and 600TBW or less depending on the NAND involved. How much is the MSI DataMag 40Gbps? The DataMag 40Gbps is currently available in 1TB/$170 and 2TB/$296 capacities — those prices come from the company, which also promises that a 4TB version is on the way. Those are a tad pricey for USB4, but not outrageously so. The drive also hasn’t shown up on Amazon as of this writing, so there may be discounts to be had in the near future. How fast is the MSI DataMag 40Gbps? Short answer: plenty fast, though there were areas where the drive didn’t quite match the competition. Part of the issue was undoubtedly that the drive MSI sent us is only 1TB, meaning it had exactly half the NAND to play with as the Adata SE920, and one-quarter the NAND of the top-rated LaCie Rugged SSD4. Less NAND means less secondary cache and dropping to the NAND’s native write rate sooner. That said, the native write rate of around 830MBps will still get the job done in a suitable amount of time in many cases. Less secondary cache or not, the DataMag 40Gbps was in no hurry to get to its native write rate. In fact, it actually delivered an outstanding queued sequential read score in CrystalDiskMark 8 before dropping off the pace. The DataMag 40Gbps actually delivered an outstanding queued read score in CrystalDiskMark 8 before dropping off the pace. Longer bars are better. The DataMag 40Gbps was also outstanding in the CrystalDiskMark 8 4K tests. Especially with multiple queues in play. Queues are not something a lot of software feature (Windows doesn’t), but… The DataMag 40Gbps was outstanding in the CrystalDiskMark 8 4K tests. Especially with multiple queues in play. Not something a lot of software features. Longer bars are better. It was in our real-world 48GB transfers that the DataMag 40Gbps began to lag a bit more. I wasn’t expecting this to take place with the small file and folder operations; usually a good CrystalDiskMark 8 4K score translates to a good performance with the smaller files and folders. It was in our real-world 48GB transfers that the DataMag 40Gbps began to lag a bit. What we weren’t expecting was that it took place with the small file and folder operations. Usually a good CrystalDiskMark 8 4K score translates to good performance with the smaller files and folders. Shorter bars are better. Being “only” a 1TB drive no doubt hurt the DataMag 40Gbps’s 450GB write time, which was twice that of the competition. Being “only” a 1TB drive no doubt hurt the DataMag 40Gbps’s 450GB write time. Shorter bars are better. Here you can see where the lag in the 450GB write began. About 50GB in, the DataMag 40Gbps’s write speed dropped to USB 10Gbps levels, or around 830MBps. If MSI had sent us the 2TB version of the DataMag 40Gbps, it undoubtedly would’ve done better in the real-world transfer tests. Regardless, it offers a nice boost in sustained throughput over the soon-to-be-reviewed (but already tested) MSI DataMag 20Gbps, and other USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps) SSDs. Should you buy the MSI DataMag 40Gbps? I love the look, like the performance, and appreciate that magnetic attachment. Given competitive pricing I’d give it a nod, but as always — read our other reviews and shop around. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit running off of a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard. The CPU is a Core Ultra i5 225 feeding/fed by two Crucial 64GB DDR5 5600MHz modules (128GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5 are integrated into the motherboard and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. Internal PCIe 5.0 SSDs involved in testing are mounted in an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 adapter card sitting in a PCIe 5.0 slot. We run the CrystalDiskMark 8.04 (and 9), AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 synthetic benchmarks (to keep article length down, we report only the first) to find the storage device’s potential performance. Then we run a series of 48GB transfer and 450GB write tests using Windows Explorer drag and drop to show what users will see during routine copy operations, as well as the far faster FastCopy run as administrator to show what’s possible. A 25GBps two-SSD RAID 0 array on the aforementioned Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 is used as the second drive in our transfer tests. Formerly the 48GB tests were done with a RAM disk serving that purpose. Each test is performed on a NTFS-formatted and newly TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This issue has abated somewhat with the current crop of SSDs utilizing more mature controllers and far faster, late-generation NAND. Read...