AGI isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of portable SSDs, but the EDM38 might just change that. Targeting users who want cutting-edge speeds without breaking the bank, the EDM38 promises USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 performance, a sleek and lightweight build, and capacities up to 1TB. On paper, it’s positioned right in the same high-performance class as Kingston’s XS2000 — but can it hold its ground?
Design & Build
The EDM38 has a straightforward design — gloassy finish, slim profile, and minimal branding. At under 40 grams, it’s very easy to carry around, and it doesn’t scream for attention. There’s no rugged sleeve like Kingston’s, so it’s more of a “handle with care” drive if you’re moving around a lot. The aluminium housing keeps things cool during sustained transfers, but it’s clearly built for desk or bag transport, not rough fieldwork.
Performance – CrystalDiskMark & ATTO Benchmarks
This is where the EDM38 shines.
In pure sequential speeds, the AGI actually edges out the Kingston XS2000 in reads, albeit by a margin too small to notice in real life. Random performance at 4K Q8T8 lands at 230.51 MB/s read and 205.59 MB/s write — again matching Kingston’s performance closely.
ATTO Disk Benchmark:
From 1MB onwards, the EDM38 hits 1890 MB/s read and 1620 MB/s write, holding steady all the way through 8MB block sizes. This is peak USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 territory, and it shows AGI’s controller can fully saturate the interface. In sustained transfers, performance stays consistent with no noticeable dips, meaning it’s just as happy moving a 200GB video project as it is handling small office backups.
Real-World Use
-
Large file transfers: A 50GB Blu-ray backup moved in around 27 seconds in my tests — just about matching the XS2000’s time.
-
Photo & asset dumps: Thousands of small files copy without hesitation, though Kingston’s rubberized casing might make it a safer choice if you’re on the move.
-
High-speed workflows: For content creators using laptops or desktops with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, the EDM38 is a plug-and-play speed boost.
Verdict
The AGI EDM38 is a pleasant surprise — a portable SSD that can genuinely trade punches with the Kingston XS2000 in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world transfers. It’s slightly faster in reads, just as consistent in writes, and cheaper in some markets. The trade-off? A more barebones design and no extra physical protection out of the box.
If you want maximum performance per dollar and don’t mind providing your own case or sleeve, the EDM38 is a fantastic choice. But if you need something to survive the occasional drop on a busy set, Kingston’s XS2000 still has the durability edge.
Pros:
-
Top-tier USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance
-
Lightweight and highly portable
-
Great value compared to some competitors
Cons:
-
No protective sleeve included
-
Limited to 1TB capacity in some regions
-
Needs USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for full speed
