StarTech.com M2-USB-C-NVME-SATA USB-C 10Gbps M. 2 NVMe/SATA SSD Enclosure - Tool-Free Aluminum - USB-C & USB-A Cables
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This enclosure leverages USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology to achieve a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s, with UASP support for reduced CPU utilization and faster file transfers. The host interface is a USB Type-C port, while the drive interface accommodates both PCI Express NVMe and SATA protocols through the M.2 form factor.
The design supports a single M.2 SSD with no pre-installed drive, allowing users to install their preferred NVMe or SATA SSD. The tool-less installation mechanism eliminates the need for screws, enabling quick drive swaps without specialized tools. The enclosure's compact external form factor makes it highly portable for fieldwork, presentations, or as a supplemental storage device.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Installed, Maximum Data Transfer Rate, Number of Total Expansion Bays. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This enclosure stands out for its dual compatibility with both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs, offering flexibility that single-format enclosures lack. The tool-free design simplifies installation and maintenance, while the included thermal pad and aluminum construction effectively manage heat to prevent thermal throttling during sustained operations.
Broad System Compatibility
Works with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux, Ubuntu, and iOS (iPhone 15 and later), ensuring seamless integration across diverse computing environments.
- Driverless plug-and-play setup
- Thunderbolt 3/4 host computer support
Comprehensive Drive Support
Accommodates popular M.2 SSD models from Samsung, Kingston, Seagate, Western Digital, HP, and Intel, including PCIe 4.0 SSDs (at reduced speeds).
- Excludes 22110mm length drives
- Supports 2230/2242/2260/2280 form factors
Deployment / Use Cases
This enclosure is perfect for IT professionals, content creators, and power users who need fast, portable storage. It transforms an internal M.2 SSD into an external drive for backups, media libraries, or project files that require high transfer speeds.
Common applications include creating bootable external drives for system recovery, expanding laptop storage without internal upgrades, and building portable workstations for video editing or large dataset analysis. The lightweight design and included cables make it an excellent travel companion for photographers and videographers who need to offload footage in the field.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Installed, Maximum Data Transfer Rate, Number of Total Expansion Bays. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Physical Profile
The enclosure features a sleek Space Gray aluminum finish that provides durability and effective heat dissipation. Its compact dimensions (4.13" x 1.38" x 0.55") and lightweight construction (1.83 oz) make it highly portable while protecting the enclosed SSD from physical damage. The aluminum body serves as a large heatsink, drawing heat away from the SSD to maintain optimal performance during extended use.
- Width
- 1.38" (35 mm)
- Depth
- 4.13" (105 mm)
- Height
- 0.55" (14 mm)
- Weight
- 1.83 oz (52 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate setup and operation.
Highlights
- Supports both M.2 NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs in a single enclosure
- 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfer speeds with UASP support
- Tool-free design for easy SSD installation without screws
- Includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables
- Aluminum housing acts as heatsink for thermal management
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and iOS
- Works with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 M.2 SSD lengths
- Compact and portable at 4.13" x 1.38" x 0.55" and 1.83 oz
- Driverless plug-and-play setup for immediate use
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | M2-USB-C-NVME-SATA |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | M2-USB-C-NVME-SATA Drive Enclosure |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Drive Enclosure |
| Technical Information | |
| Number of Solid State Drive Supported | 1 |
| Number of Solid State Drive Installed | 0 |
| Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gbit/s |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Number of Total Expansion Bays | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wireless LAN | No |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Drive Interface | PCI Express NVMe,SATA,M.2 |
| Host Interface | USB 3.2 (Gen 2) Type C |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows 7 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Gray |
| Product Color | Space Gray |
| Product Material | Aluminum |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 0.55" (14 mm) |
| Width | 1.38" (35 mm) |
| Depth | 4.13" (105 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.83 oz (52 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | M2-USB-C-NVME-SATA Drive Enclosure 1 x USB-C to USB-C Cable 1 x USB-C to USB-A Cable 1 x Thermal Pad 2 x SSD Fastener Pegs 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of M.2 SSDs does this enclosure support?
The enclosure supports both PCIe NVMe (M-Key) and SATA (B+M-Key) M.2 solid-state drives. It accommodates drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 lengths. Popular compatible brands include Samsung, Kingston, Seagate, Western Digital, HP, and Intel. Note that it is not compatible with 22110mm length drives, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs will operate at reduced speeds.
What cables are included with the enclosure?
The package includes two 12-inch (30 cm) USB host cables: one USB-C to USB-C cable and one USB-C to USB-A cable. This dual-cable approach ensures compatibility with both modern USB-C ports and legacy USB-A ports on computers, laptops, and other host devices.
Is any special software or drivers required for installation?
No special software or drivers are required for basic functionality. The enclosure features driverless plug-and-play setup on supported operating systems including Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux, Ubuntu, and iOS (iPhone 15 and later). For optimal performance with UASP support, some systems may benefit from updated USB controllers.
How does the tool-free installation work?
The enclosure features a tool-less design that eliminates the need for screws during SSD installation. The included SSD fastener pegs secure the drive in place without tools. Simply insert the M.2 SSD into the slot, use the pegs to secure it, apply the thermal pad if desired, and close the aluminum housing. The entire process takes seconds without specialized tools.
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this enclosure?
The enclosure supports maximum data transfer rates of 10 Gbit/s (approximately 1,250 MB/s) through its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. Actual speeds will vary based on the installed SSD's capabilities, host system performance, and cable quality. The enclosure also supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for reduced CPU utilization and faster file transfers compared to standard USB mass storage.
Can this enclosure be used with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 computers?
Yes, the enclosure is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 host computers when using the included USB-C to USB-C cable. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface will operate at its maximum 10Gbps speed through Thunderbolt ports. This makes it suitable for use with modern MacBooks, Windows laptops, and desktops equipped with Thunderbolt connectivity.