StarTech.com 1USB4-NVME-ENCLOSURE USB4 M. 2 NVMe Enclosure - 40Gbps External SSD Enclosure - Aluminum - Black
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This enclosure supports a single M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD in 2230, 2242, 2260, or 2280 form factors, accommodating a wide range of drive sizes. It connects to host systems via a USB4 interface, which is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3 and USB 10Gbps ports, ensuring broad connectivity across modern laptops, desktops, and workstations. The integrated UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support reduces CPU overhead and improves data transfer efficiency for faster file operations.
The drive interface supports PCI Express NVMe 4.0 x4 lanes, maximizing the performance potential of compatible SSDs. A pre-installed high-performance thermal pad facilitates effective heat dissipation from the SSD to the aluminum enclosure, helping to prevent thermal throttling during extended data transfers. This passive cooling approach eliminates the need for fans, resulting in silent operation and enhanced reliability.
Key Product Advantages
This enclosure combines enterprise-grade performance with practical design features that address common IT and professional user needs. Its robust construction and thermal management ensure reliable operation in demanding environments, while broad compatibility simplifies deployment across diverse hardware and software ecosystems.
Ultra-Fast Data Transfers
With 40Gbps throughput via USB4, this enclosure minimizes wait times for large file transfers, video editing projects, and system backups, keeping workflows efficient and productive.
- 40 Gbit/s maximum data transfer rate
- USB4 interface with Thunderbolt compatibility
- UASP support for reduced CPU load
Effective Thermal Management
The aluminum enclosure acts as a heatsink, dissipating heat from the SSD through a pre-installed thermal pad. This passive cooling solution maintains optimal drive temperatures without noisy fans, ensuring consistent performance during sustained operations.
- Aluminum chassis for heat dissipation
- Pre-installed thermal pad
- No active cooling required
Broad Drive & System Compatibility
Support for multiple M.2 NVMe SSD form factors and major brands, combined with driverless operation across macOS, Windows, and Linux, makes this enclosure a versatile tool for IT technicians, content creators, and data professionals.
- 2230/2242/2260/2280 M.2 NVMe SSD support
- Compatible with Samsung, Kingston, Seagate, WD, Crucial, Intel
- Works with USB4, Thunderbolt 5/4/3, USB 10Gbps hosts
Deployment / Use Cases
The StarTech.com USB4 NVMe enclosure is well-suited for scenarios where fast, reliable external storage is critical. IT departments can use it for rapid drive cloning, system imaging, or secure data backups, leveraging its high-speed interface to reduce downtime during maintenance or upgrades. Creative professionals working with high-resolution video, large graphic files, or complex 3D models will appreciate the accelerated data access for editing and rendering tasks.
For general users, the enclosure provides an easy way to repurpose an existing M.2 NVMe SSD as portable storage, create bootable external drives for troubleshooting, or expand laptop storage capacity without internal upgrades. Its compact, portable form factor makes it convenient for fieldwork, presentations, or transferring projects between different workstations while maintaining full drive performance.
IT & Technical Support
Ideal for drive diagnostics, data recovery, and system deployments where speed and reliability are paramount. The enclosure's compatibility with major SSD brands and operating systems simplifies troubleshooting and migration tasks.
Content Creation & Media Production
Enables smooth editing of 4K/8K video, large photo libraries, and audio projects by providing fast external storage that keeps up with professional software demands. The passive cooling ensures stable performance during long rendering sessions.
Physical Profile
The enclosure features a sleek, black aluminum design that is both durable and aesthetically minimal. Measuring 1.10" x 2.60" x 4.90" (27.94 mm x 66.04 mm x 124.46 mm) and weighing approximately 11.99 oz (340 g), its compact footprint fits easily into laptop bags or toolkits for on-the-go use. The aluminum construction not only aids in heat dissipation but also provides robust protection for the internal SSD against minor impacts and everyday handling.
- Width
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Depth
- 4.90" (124.46 mm)
- Height
- 1.10" (27.94 mm)
- Weight
- 11.99 oz (340 g)
What's in the Box
The enclosure comes with all necessary accessories for immediate setup and use.
Highlights
- Transforms M.2 NVMe SSDs into ultra-fast 40Gbps external storage via USB4 interface.
- Aluminum heatsink enclosure with pre-installed thermal pad for effective passive cooling.
- Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factor M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs.
- Broad compatibility with Samsung, Kingston, Seagate, WD, Crucial, and Intel NVMe drives.
- Plug-and-play operation across macOS, Windows, and Linux systems with USB-C ports.
- Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3 and USB 10Gbps host connections.
- UASP support reduces CPU overhead for faster, more efficient data transfers.
- Compact, portable design ideal for IT fieldwork, content creation, and data backups.
- TAA compliant and meets RoHS, WEEE, and REACH environmental standards.
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1USB4-NVME-ENCLOSURE |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | M.2 NVMe 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 | 40 Gbit/s |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Number of Total Expansion Bays | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Drive Interface | M.2,PCI Express NVMe 4.0,PCI Express NVMe 4.0 x4 |
| Host Interface | USB4 |
| Number of USB Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Mac OS,Windows,Linux |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Aluminum |
| Cooling Fan | No |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Height | 1.10" (27.94 mm) |
| Width | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Depth | 4.90" (124.46 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 11.99 oz (340 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | M.2 NVMe Enclosure 1 x Thermal Pad (Pre-installed) 1 x USB4 Cable 1 x Philips Head Screwdriver 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of M.2 SSDs are compatible with this enclosure?
This enclosure supports M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors. It is compatible with popular NVMe drive models from brands like Samsung, Kingston, Seagate, Western Digital, Crucial, and Intel. Note that M.2 SATA drives are not supported, as the enclosure is designed specifically for NVMe PCIe interfaces.
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this USB4 enclosure?
The enclosure supports a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s (5 GB/s) when connected to a USB4 or compatible Thunderbolt host. This high-speed interface enables rapid file transfers, making it suitable for demanding applications like video editing, large backups, and data-intensive professional workflows.
Does this enclosure require active cooling or have a fan?
No, the enclosure uses passive cooling without a fan. Its aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, and a pre-installed thermal pad transfers heat from the SSD to the enclosure body. This design maintains consistent drive performance under sustained loads while operating silently, which is ideal for quiet environments or prolonged use.
Which operating systems are supported by this NVMe enclosure?
The enclosure offers plug-and-play support for macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems. It connects via USB4, which is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3 and USB 10Gbps ports, ensuring broad compatibility across modern computers without requiring additional drivers for basic functionality.
What is included in the package with the enclosure?
The package includes the M.2 NVMe enclosure itself, a pre-installed thermal pad for heat dissipation, a USB4 cable for connectivity, a Philips head screwdriver for drive installation, and a quick-start guide. These accessories provide everything needed to set up and use the enclosure immediately with a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD.
Can I use this enclosure with Thunderbolt 3 or USB 10Gbps ports?
Yes, the USB4 interface is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3, and USB 10Gbps host ports. When connected to these interfaces, the enclosure will operate at the maximum speed supported by the host port, ensuring flexibility across different computers and workstations while maintaining plug-and-play functionality.