The Necessity of SSDs for Gamers: A Look at Corsair’s Latest Offerings
In the realm of gaming, speed is paramount. While internal solid-state drives (SSDs) are a well-known upgrade for enhancing computer performance, the question arises: do gamers truly require portable storage solutions? Corsair believes they do and has unveiled an innovative range of USB4-powered portable SSDs at CES.
Introducing the EX400U Series
The newly launched EX400U series from Corsair boasts a sleek and minimalist design reminiscent of a compact mint tin or, less flatteringly, a miniaturized Mac Mini. This aesthetic choice may not be coincidental; these drives are designed to be compatible with MagSafe technology, allowing them to magnetically attach to the back of your iPhone. Measuring slightly over 64mm in width—just marginally larger than a standard MagSafe charger—and 12mm in thickness, these drives are both stylish and functional.
The only visible external features include a single USB-C port that supports USB4 as well as Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. According to Corsair’s press release, these devices can achieve impressive data transfer speeds—up to 4000MB/s for reading and 3600MB/s for writing. Such performance should significantly outpace older external drives while also standing toe-to-toe with other USB4 options available on the market today.
Pricing for the EX400U series starts at $140 for the 1TB model, $200 for 2TB, and escalates to $360 for those needing an expansive 4TB capacity. These products are set to hit shelves on January 23rd.
Exploring the Xeneon Edge Touchscreen Monitor
While storage is essential in any setup, my attention was particularly drawn towards another exciting product—the Xeneon Edge touchscreen monitor from Corsair. This compact device measures just 14.5 inches diagonally and features an impressive resolution of 2560×720 pixels tailored specifically for widgets and interactive controls.
This new iteration resembles more than just an accessory; it functions similarly to full-fledged monitors by utilizing either USB-C DP-Alt mode or HDMI connections. This versatility means users can display videos or other content directly from their PCs or various sources without hassle.
Moreover, its mounting options add flexibility; it can be positioned horizontally or vertically—or even replace a radiator within your PC case! Imagine showcasing RGB lighting through transparent panels while ensuring optimal cooling—a dream scenario for many tech enthusiasts!
Scheduled availability is anticipated sometime during Q2 (before July), although pricing details remain undisclosed at this time. For reference purposes, its predecessor—the iCue Nexus Companion screen—was priced around $100 but measured only five inches diagonally; thus one could speculate that this larger model will likely command a higher price point.
Conclusion
As gaming technology continues evolving rapidly alongside user demands shifting towards portability without sacrificing performance quality—Corsair’s latest offerings exemplify how brands adapt creatively within this competitive landscape. With cutting-edge designs like those seen in their EX400U SSDs paired with innovative peripherals such as Xeneon Edge monitors—it’s clear that gamers have much more than mere hardware upgrades awaiting them in upcoming releases!
