Introduction

I would like to thank Mach Xtreme & CaseKing.de for providing the review sample.

About Mach Xtreme Technology
MX Technology is a new brand in the memory business, which was established very recently in January 2010. Even though Mach Xtreme has yet to celebrate its first birthday, all the staff members have an extensive background and long history within the IT industry. Mach Xtreme offers not only memory kits of all different flavors, but also SSDs and USB 3.0 flash drives as well. Most of their publicity is due to their colorful and urban branding, which is clearly visible all over their website. We have the pleasure to take a look at their second USB 3.0 flash drive today. It simply carries the identifier "GX". The reviewed series is available in 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB flavors.

Specifications:

• Model Name: MXUB3MGX-16G
• Capacity: 16GB
• Interface Type: USB 3.0
• Dimension: 90.0 x 18.5 x 8.0mm (LxWxH)
• Lightweight: 25g
• Max. Read Performance: Up to 140MB/s* / [MX TurboFlash Mode]
• Max. Write Performance: Up to 30MB/s* / [MX TurboFlash Mode]
• Low Power Consumption: DC 5.5V / Idle: 1.0W Active: 4.0W / Bus Power 900mA
• Shock Resistant: 1,500G
• Vibration: 20G
• Altitude: 80,000ft
• Operating Temp.: 0℃ ~ +70℃
• OS Support Windows 7 / Windows Vista / Windows XP / Windows 2000
• Certifications: RoHS / FCC / CE / Windows 7
• Other features: Supports MX TurboFlash utility / Compact Size
• Warranty: 2 Years

Packaging

Mach Xtreme has changed their packaging and are using a black cardboard with futuristic font in front, while the "spray paint" logo of theirs can be found on the back. The stick is clearly visible as a clear plastic dome has been glued on the cardboard to form the retail package. You will not get anything else with the GX series flash drive - no little lanyard or key chain.

A Closer Look

Taking a look at the stick itself, it is very slim and long. The one side has the model name "MX-GX" printed on it, while the other has the Mach Xtreme company name along with USB 3.0 all over it. The case of the flash drive is made of sturdy Aluminum, while the rear end is plastic.


As mentioned before, the MX-GX is rather long and slim. One could say that it is twice as long as a traditional USB 2.0 device. Overall, I would rather go for a slightly wider unit if it is not as long, but thanks to the shape of the MX-GX, any neighboring plugs on a notebook or PC will still be accessible.


Taking a closer look at the rear, the plastic cap is actually semi-transparent and a green activity LED is embedded into this end. There is also a loop hole so that you can place the MX-GX on your key chain or use a lanyard of your own if you wish. An Aluminum cap covers the connector. There is no way to place this cap on the back of the stick when in use, so you better keep an eye out for it, or you may loose it.


The connector is nothing out of the ordinary, with CE and FCC logos lasered into one side, while the serial number has been placed on the other side of the metal plug.