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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAS storage system features a Serial ATA/600 controller that supports SATA I, II, and III interfaces up to 6 Gbps, ensuring full compatibility with a wide range of M.2 SATA SSDs. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 host interface provides 10 Gbps data transfer rates, significantly reducing file access times and improving workflow efficiency for demanding applications.
Advanced functionality includes SSD TRIM support to maintain drive performance and longevity, along with compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for broader system integration. The enclosure is explicitly designed for M.2 SATA drives and does not support M.2 NVMe or AHCI PCI-Express SSDs, ensuring proper drive matching and reliable operation.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Installed, 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 combines high-performance connectivity with flexible storage management in a durable, portable package. The aluminum construction provides effective heat dissipation while maintaining a lightweight profile, making it suitable for both stationary and mobile use cases.
RAID Flexibility
Choose between RAID 0 for maximum performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy, JBOD for independent drives, or concatenation for combined capacity, giving you control over your storage strategy.
- Performance optimization
- Data protection
- Capacity management
Universal Connectivity
With included USB-C to Micro-B and USB-A to Micro-B cables, the enclosure works with virtually any modern computer or device, from USB-C laptops to legacy USB-A desktops.
- Dual cable inclusion
- Broad compatibility
- Future-ready design
Deployment / Use Cases
The SM22BU31C3R serves as an excellent solution for professionals needing portable high-speed storage for video editing, photography, software development, or data backup. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for field work, client presentations, or as a supplemental storage device for laptops with limited internal capacity.
In office environments, the enclosure can function as a fast transfer medium between workstations, a secure backup destination with RAID 1 protection, or an expansion unit for systems requiring additional storage without internal upgrades. The TAA compliance and environmental certifications make it suitable for government, educational, and corporate procurement where regulatory requirements must be met.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Installed, 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
Measuring just 3.10 inches wide, 3.90 inches deep, and 0.60 inches high, the enclosure occupies minimal desk space while providing substantial storage capacity. The solid aluminum chassis offers durability and effective thermal management for sustained performance during extended use sessions.
Weighing only 3.39 ounces, the portable design easily fits in laptop bags or briefcases, making it a practical companion for mobile professionals. The compact footprint allows flexible placement in workspace configurations without disrupting workflow or cable management.
- Width
- 3.10" (78.74 mm)
- Depth
- 3.90" (99.06 mm)
- Height
- 0.60" (15.24 mm)
- Weight
- 3.39 oz (96 g)
What's in the Box
The enclosure ships complete with all necessary components for immediate setup and use.
Highlights
- Dual M.2 SATA SSD enclosure with USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) connectivity
- Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and concatenation modes for flexible storage management
- Accepts common M.2 SATA SSD lengths: 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280
- Includes both USB-C to Micro-B and USB-A to Micro-B cables for universal compatibility
- Solid aluminum chassis with portable form factor (3.10" × 3.90" × 0.60")
- SSD TRIM support maintains drive performance and extends lifespan
- Backward compatible with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.x standards
- TAA compliant and meets EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE environmental standards
- 2-year limited warranty for added protection
- Not compatible with M.2 NVMe or AHCI PCI-Express SSDs
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SM22BU31C3R |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Dual-Slot Drive Enclosure for M.2 SATA SSDs - USB 3.1 (10Gbps) - RAID |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | DAS Storage System |
| Storage | |
| Number of Solid State Drive Supported | 2 |
| Number of Solid State Drive Installed | No |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Number of Total Expansion Bays | 2 |
| Controllers | |
| Controller Type | Serial ATA/600 |
| RAID Levels | 0, 1, Concatenation, JBOD |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Drive Interface | M.2 |
| Host Interface | USB 3.1 (Gen 2) |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports | 1 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 3.10" (78.74 mm) |
| Depth | 3.90" (99.06 mm) |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.39 oz (96 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Dual-Slot Drive Enclosure for M.2 SATA SSDs - USB 3.1 (10Gbps) - RAID 1 x USB-A to Micro-B cable 1 x USB-C to Micro-B cable 2 x Housing Assembly Screws 2 x Sets of M.2 Mounting Hardware 1 x Screw Driver 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of M.2 drives does this enclosure support?
The SM22BU31C3R supports M.2 SATA solid-state drives in common lengths including 2230 (30mm), 2242 (42mm), 2260 (60mm), and 2280 (80mm). It is specifically designed for M.2 SATA interfaces and does not support M.2 NVMe or AHCI PCI-Express SSDs, ensuring compatibility with the correct drive technology for reliable operation.
What RAID configurations are available with this dual enclosure?
This enclosure supports four storage configurations: RAID 0 for striping data across both drives to maximize performance, RAID 1 for mirroring data to provide redundancy, JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) to treat each drive independently, and concatenation (SPAN/BIG) to combine drive capacities into a single volume. This flexibility allows you to choose the optimal balance of performance, capacity, and data protection for your specific needs.
What connectivity options does the enclosure provide?
The enclosure features a USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) host interface through a single Micro-B port. It includes both USB-C to Micro-B and USB-A to Micro-B cables, ensuring compatibility with modern USB-C devices and legacy USB-A systems. The interface is backward compatible with USB 3.0 (5 Gbps), USB 2.0, and USB 1.x standards, and it also works with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for broader system integration.
Is this enclosure suitable for portable use with laptops?
Yes, the enclosure is designed specifically for portable applications. With compact dimensions of 3.10" × 3.90" × 0.60" and a lightweight aluminum construction weighing only 3.39 ounces, it easily fits in laptop bags or briefcases. The portable form factor, combined with dual cable inclusion, makes it an ideal external storage solution for mobile professionals who need fast access to large files while working away from their primary workstation.
What is included in the package with the enclosure?
The package includes the dual-slot aluminum enclosure, one USB-A to Micro-B cable, one USB-C to Micro-B cable, two housing assembly screws, two sets of M.2 mounting hardware for different drive lengths, a screwdriver for installation, and a quick-start guide. All necessary components are provided for immediate setup and use with compatible M.2 SATA SSDs.
What warranty and compliance certifications come with this product?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty on this enclosure. The product is TAA compliant for government procurement and meets multiple environmental standards including EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE directives. These certifications ensure the enclosure meets regulatory requirements for hazardous substance restrictions, chemical registration, and electronic waste management, making it suitable for corporate, educational, and government deployments.