Silicon Power, a key player in the flash storage market, recently made waves by introducing two groundbreaking portable SSDs in the form of thumb drives. In October 2023, the MS70 and DS72 hit the market, boasting capacities ranging from 250GB to a whopping 2TB. This move not only caters to the company's tradition of addressing the entry-level market but also marks a significant milestone – the availability of reasonably-priced 2TB thumb drives.
Product Overview:
The MS70, featuring a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A interface, offers capacities from 250GB to 2TB. Its counterpart, the DS72, shares the same capacity range but stands out with a dual-interface design supporting both Type-C and Type-A interfaces. With impressive performance claims of 1050 MBps reads and 850 MBps writes, both drives position themselves as high-capacity, high-performance USB flash drives (UFDs) targeting the evolving storage needs of consumers.
Market Dynamics:
Silicon Power's strategy has traditionally revolved around entering established market segments with products that may not necessarily stand out in terms of specifications. However, the MS70 and DS72 defy this trend, drawing attention as some of the first reasonably-priced 2TB thumb drives in the retail market. This move aligns with the growing trend in the high-performance UFD segment, which gained momentum with the introduction of Kingston's DataTraveler Max in late 2021.
Performance and Value Proposition:
This review focuses on the 2TB version of the Silicon Power MS70, exploring its performance and value proposition. USB flash drives have evolved significantly, now capable of delivering speeds exceeding 1GBps, thanks to innovations in 3D NAND and USB specifications. The thumb drive form factor remains appealing due to its cable-free design and compact nature, offering users a portable and convenient storage solution.
Design and Build:
The MS70 distinguishes itself through two key aspects – its available capacity points and a compact case design. Despite its thumb drive form factor, it optimally utilizes its USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connector, promising impressive speeds. The casing, a combination of rubber and aluminum, exudes sturdiness, offering a stark contrast to the relatively flimsy construction of some competitors. The package includes only the thumb drive, reflecting Silicon Power's focus on an aggressive pricing strategy – approximately 5¢ per GB for the 2TB SKU.
Internal Components:
While tearing down the sample proved challenging, CrystalDiskInfo revealed crucial information about the Silicon Power MS70. Powered by the Phison U17 controller and utilizing SK hynix 3D TLC NAND in the reviewed sample, the thumb drive demonstrates a commitment to top-notch components. Silicon Power clarified that future production runs might feature different NAND with similar performance characteristics.
Conclusion:
Silicon Power's MS70 signals a new era for thumb drives, pushing boundaries with its 2TB capacity and high-performance capabilities. As the company continues to evolve in response to market trends, the MS70 stands as a testament to Silicon Power's commitment to delivering innovative and affordable storage solutions. Whether for entry-level users or seasoned tech enthusiasts, the MS70 paves the way for a future where thumb drives redefine portable storage expectations.