M.2 NVMe SSDs have become a staple in the world of computer storage, often chosen for their remarkable performance. As users upgrade their systems, they may find themselves with older NVMe SSDs that are still perfectly functional. Rather than letting these “old” drives gather dust, consider repurposing them as portable external drives with the help of USB-C enclosures.
While SSDs have gained widespread adoption within computers, they remain somewhat rare in the realm of external storage. However, this year has seen an increase in options for those looking to create their own external SSDs. There are several reasons why users opt for this approach, whether to breathe new life into older drives, tailor a storage solution to their specific needs, or simply make the most of available resources.
USB-C Enclosures for NVMe SSDs
Here, we present a range of options to suit various budgets and requirements, from basic to advanced:
1. FARBOKO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
The FARBOKO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, priced at 27 euros, offers more than just a basic casing. It stands out for its additional features not commonly found in typical enclosures. This unit is compatible with M.2 SSD drives up to 80 mm in length (in the 2280 format) and supports various types of M.2 drives, including SATA (NGFF), M-Key, B-Key, and B&M-Key.
Operating on the USB 3.2 Gen2 interface with a USB-C connector, this enclosure provides reliable data transfer speeds. To mitigate potential heat-related performance issues, the casing is constructed from aluminum. What sets this enclosure apart is its built-in hub, which boasts two extra USB ports and an SD card reader, enhancing its versatility.
2. UGREEN M.2 NVMe Enclosure
Priced at 30 euros, the UGREEN M.2 NVMe Enclosure offers robust quality with added protection. This enclosure includes an external rubber protector to safeguard your drive against falls and impacts. While M.2 SSDs are generally resilient, accidental drops can pose a risk, making this accessory a valuable addition.
The UGREEN enclosure is constructed from aluminum, ensuring efficient heat dissipation, maintaining temperatures at a comfortable level, even during heavy usage. This enclosure supports NVMe PCIe drives with M-Key and M&B-Key interfaces. Notably, it does not accommodate M.2 drives with a SATA interface.
Featuring a USB 3.2 Gen2 connection via USB-C, this enclosure delivers optimal performance. It is essential to note that this enclosure supports M.2 PCIe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 2 TB.
3. GiGimundo M.2 NVMe Dual Bay Enclosure
While most M.2 NVMe SSD enclosures support a single drive, the GiGimundo M.2 NVMe Dual Bay Enclosure, priced at 60 euros, is unique in offering space for two drives. Each bay supports M.2 drives up to 80 mm in length (in the 2280 format) with M-Key and M&B-Key interfaces. SATA interface drives are not supported.
This dual-bay enclosure allows for greater convenience and organization, making it suitable for users who need to store different types of data separately. It even includes two sliding buttons for easy power control for each bay. Constructed from aluminum for durability and optimal performance, this enclosure utilizes two USB 3.2 Gen2 connectors with USB-C interfaces, providing speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s.
4. Acasis M.2 NVMe Thunderbolt Enclosure
For users who require lightning-fast transfer speeds, the Acasis M.2 NVMe Thunderbolt Enclosure, priced at 160 euros (with a 20 euros discount coupon), is an ideal choice. This enclosure features a USB-C connector that is Thunderbolt 4 compatible. It also supports Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB 3.2 Gen, and older USB interfaces. Moreover, it accommodates M.2 SSDs with capacities of up to 8 TB.
Designed exclusively for M.2 NVMe drives to maximize performance, this enclosure offers exceptional read speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 2,700 MB/s, as demonstrated with a Samsung 980 Pro 256GB drive. To prevent performance degradation due to excessive heat, the high-quality aluminum casing incorporates effective ventilation, complete with a fan for active cooling.