Given the quantity of data we need these days, it’s not surprising that many users’ USB sticks are running out of juice.
More advanced users are turning away from ordinary HDD enclosures and SATA SSD models since they do not deliver what they are seeking for, in addition to its “slow” speed and ever-increasing needs for such file transfers.
If you’re one of them, an NVMe USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD Enclosure will fit your NVMe SSD like a glove.
We can’t help but want more, better, and faster all of the time.
It is a path that always leads to expecting the highest level of performance, and we must always keep in mind that this comes at a cost.
This is especially true with the latest generation of USB cases, since just a few brands are capable of providing the best that this port has to offer.
SSDs move faster than external enclosures, ports, and buses
The most obvious question is why this particular version of the world’s most famous bus was chosen.
Basically, it is the fastest at the moment.
You cannot afford the luxury of being slow with a USB enclosure for M.2 NVMe SSDs, because these devices are getting quicker and faster, and so any alternative we choose is limited.
Only a few models are capable of providing the highest potential performance of a common port and bus, such as USB 3.2 Gen 2, which is already extensively used in PCs around the world, so let’s get to know them.
How fast is an NVMe USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD capable of?
The answer is simple but complex at the same time.
Keep in mind that there are four different versions of USB 3.2 available right now.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 × 1 -> up to 5 Gbps
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 × 2 -> up to 10 Gbps
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 1 -> up to 10 Gbps
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 -> up to 20 Gbps
Although we are not in a supermarket campaign, it is clear that determining which version uses the case or directly the component that he purchases is a maze for the average user.
The most important factor is speed, as just one of the versions, USB 3.2 Gen 2 2, can reach up to 20 Gbps, and there is where we will concentrate our efforts in our quest for the best USB cases for use with your NVMe SSD.
ICY BOX USB 3.2 Enclosure for M.2 NVMe SSD
We’re talking about the best case on the market right now.
With tiny dimensions of 102 x 41 x 23 mm, we’ll have a unit capable of logically working at up to 1900 MB/s under USB 3.2 Gen 2 2.
Supports the following NVMe SSD form factors under M.2: 2230, 2242, 2260, or 2280, with PCIe 3.0 x4 being the model that we must buy, as a PCIe 4.0 model is worthless because the speed is limited to the preceding number.
The presence of a 30mm fan to cool the fastest and hottest units, as well as the case itself being a heatsink and a thermal pad inside, sets this unit apart from practically all others.
It contains Smart, Trim, and UASP functions, as well as an LED status indicator and a manual write protection button to protect the SSD, as it could not be otherwise.
It just weighs 148 grams and promises to reduce SSD temperature by more than 30 degrees when compared to other cases.
Yottamaster Box M.2 NVMe SSD
This case was designed primarily for gamers, as it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 2 at 20 Gbps and can transfer up to 2000 MB / s.
As a result, they are suggested for use on both PC and console, just like the ICY model, so that we do not degrade the equipment’s performance but, on the contrary, improve load times and eliminate SSD unit delays.
slowly.
It supports up to 4 TB of capacity in the SSD that we install, and the business has created a heatsink shell based on aluminum fins that are supported by a thermal pad, as shown in its design.
This system, however, benefits from the addition of a 30mm fan, which enhances cooling and directs cold air from the outside to the SSD.
2230/2242/2260/2280 M-key / B & M-Key and NVMe are among the form factors and interfaces it supports.
ORICO 20Gbps M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure
One of the last models with the chosen USB version on the market.
It’s unique in that it can be plugged in from both the front and back, and it comes with a variety of cables.
Guarantees up to 2000 MB/s through PCIe 3.0 x4 and is logically compatible with the NVMe interface.
It supports the standard 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors, but keep in mind that because it concentrates on NVMe, we won’t be able to install a SATA SSD, which is something that also happens in its competitors.
The brand claims a maximum capacity of 2 TB, which is more than adequate for even the most demanding users.
In exchange, we get a case made of pure aluminum and CNC-cut with the greatest quality, with a thermal pad that transfers heat from the unit to your body, improving temperature and preventing the feared Throttling.
As can be seen, all of the units are of maximum speed, and while they each have their own quirks and restrictions, they will provide us with the best potential performance within USB 3.2 Gen 2 2, i.e. theoretically 2000 MB/s.
If we require a higher speed or bigger capacity for any reason, we will have to switch to an other sort of bus, such as Thunderbolt 3, which guarantees a speed of up to 40 Gbps, which is double what the aforementioned bus now provides.
The story will be different with USB 4, because it will incorporate Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C as the only available port at the same time, increasing the speed to 40 Gbps and unifying everything.
However, that will take some time to see.