StarTech. com USB31CSAT3M2E StarTech USB-C/USB-A to M. 2 NVMe & SATA Adapter - 10Gbps - Tool-Free - External SSD/HDD Reader - B+M/M-Key
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This adapter supports the latest PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe drives alongside traditional SATA III SSDs and HDDs, delivering maximum interface speeds of 10 Gbps over USB and 6 Gbps over SATA. The universal USB-C cable with included USB-A adapter ensures compatibility with virtually any modern computer, from notebooks to workstations, without requiring additional drivers on Windows, macOS, or Linux systems.
The design incorporates a tool-free installation mechanism for both drive types, allowing quick swaps without screws or specialized tools. Thermal management is addressed through the open-frame M.2 slot design, which helps dissipate heat from high-performance NVMe drives during sustained transfers.
This section brings together practical product details such as Color Family, Product Color, Product Material, Package Contents, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter stands out through its combination of versatility, performance, and professional-grade reliability. It serves as a complete drive interface solution that reduces the need for multiple single-purpose adapters in IT environments.
Universal Host Compatibility
The integrated USB-C cable with USB-A adapter works with any computer port, from legacy USB-A to modern USB-C, ensuring broad system compatibility without additional cables or converters.
Professional Thermal Design
The toaster-style M.2 slot exposes the NVMe drive to ambient airflow, preventing thermal throttling during extended data transfers or drive testing operations.
Enterprise-Grade Support
Backed by StarTech's lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance and lab-tested for enterprise performance standards, this adapter meets the reliability demands of professional IT deployments.
Deployment / Use Cases
The USB31CSAT3M2E adapter excels in multiple professional scenarios where quick, reliable drive access is essential. Its combination of interface support and portability makes it valuable across various IT workflows.
For data recovery specialists, the adapter provides immediate external access to failed or suspect drives without requiring internal mounting. IT technicians use it for drive health monitoring, performance benchmarking, and compatibility testing before deploying drives in production systems. The tool-free design also makes it ideal for temporary storage expansion during system migrations or backup operations.
Drive Diagnostics & Testing
Quickly connect suspect drives to monitor SMART attributes, run surface tests, or benchmark performance without installing drives internally.
Data Migration & Imaging
Use as a portable dock for cloning drives, transferring data between systems, or creating disk images during system upgrades or replacements.
Physical Profile
Constructed from durable ABS plastic in a professional black finish, the adapter measures 14.20 inches in length, 3.50 inches in width, and just 0.60 inches in height. This slim profile, combined with a weight of only 1.80 ounces, makes it exceptionally portable for field service or bench work. The compact dimensions allow it to fit in standard toolkits while providing sufficient internal space for proper drive seating and connection stability.
- Width
- 3.50" (88.90 mm)
- Height
- 0.60" (15.24 mm)
- Weight
- 1.80 oz (51.03 g)
- Length
- 14.20" (360.68 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate operation with various drive types and power scenarios.
Highlights
- Simultaneous access to M.2 NVMe and 2.5in/3.5in SATA drives through single USB host
- 10 Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 speed with support for PCIe Gen4 NVMe and SATA III 6 Gbps
- Tool-free installation for both drive types without screws or special tools
- Driverless operation on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
- Includes universal power adapter for dual-drive or high-power operation
- Toaster-style M.2 slot design optimizes airflow for thermal management
- Compact, portable design at 14.20" x 3.50" x 0.60" and 1.80 oz weight
- TAA compliant for government and educational procurement
- 2-year limited warranty with lifetime technical support
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmental responsibility
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | USB31CSAT3M2E |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB-C/USB-A to M.2 NVMe/SATA Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | USB-C/USB-A to M.2 NVMe/SATA Adapter |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 3.50" (88.90 mm) |
| Length | 14.20" (360.68 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.80 oz (51.03 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB-C/USB-A to M.2 NVMe/SATA Adapter 1 x Universal Power Supply 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Device Supported | Hard Drive,Solid State Drive,Notebook,Workstation |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of drives does this adapter support?
The adapter supports M.2 NVMe drives with B+M or M-key interfaces and 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA SSDs and hard drives. It specifically supports PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives and SATA III drives up to 6 Gbps. Note that M.2 SATA drives are not supported—only M.2 NVMe drives work in the M.2 slot.
Does this adapter require external power?
The adapter can operate in two power modes. When connected to a single 2.5-inch SATA drive or M.2 NVMe drive, it can run on USB bus power alone. For dual-drive operation or when using 3.5-inch SATA drives that require more power, the included universal power adapter must be used to ensure stable operation.
What is the maximum transfer speed I can expect?
Maximum speeds depend on the connected drives and host interface. The USB connection supports up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2), while SATA drives operate at up to 6 Gbps (SATA III). NVMe drives can achieve their full rated PCIe speeds up to Gen4, though actual throughput will be limited by the 10 Gbps USB interface when transferring to the host system.
Can I use two drives simultaneously with this adapter?
Yes, the adapter supports simultaneous connection of one M.2 NVMe drive and one 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drive. Both drives will appear as separate removable storage devices on the host computer. For dual-drive operation, the included power adapter must be used to provide sufficient power to both drives.
What does TAA compliance mean for this product?
TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance indicates that this adapter meets the requirements for procurement by U.S. federal government agencies and educational institutions that must comply with trade agreement regulations. This makes the adapter suitable for government contracts and educational purchases that require TAA-compliant products.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
Does the display support VESA mounting or adjustment features?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.