Plugable Launches the First NVMe SSD Enclosure with a Completely Tool-free Design
Many years ago, I was introduced to my very first hard drive enclosure. A friend of mine suggested I get one when I found myself with an extra 3.5″ internal hard drive from an older computer. The computer had ceased to function but the hard drive still had some life to it. So, I ventured out to our local Best Buy and bought a heavy, metal hard drive enclosure. I spent some time learning how to connect the hard drive to the metal box and fumbled with the tiny screws for a bit but after that was all said and done, I had a functioning hard drive that connected via USB to any computer. After that point, I saw the benefit in reusing hard drives after a computer’s demise and even sought out internal hard drives to include in enclosures because the cost was much more effective than buying an external storage device. The same is true today, especially with solid state drives.
With that in mind, I’ve very excited to announce that Plugable, the leading developer of USB, Thunderbolt, Bluetooth and power-related devices, is launching the 10Gb USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) NVMe SSD Enclosure today. It’s the first high-performance NVMe enclosure to feature a completely tool-free, spring-loaded design for inserting and removing a compatible SSD, along with advanced thermal management to maximize performance and device lifespan.
DETAILS
With a sleek and slim profile, a rugged aluminum body for improved heat dissipation, and USB Type-A and Type-C host compatibility, the Plugable USB-C NVMe Enclosure is an optimal solution for safeguarding SSDs when moving from the workplace to the home office and achieving maximum transfer performance speeds on PCs, Macs, and Linux devices.
Portable, Tool-Free Design
Unlike other NVMe enclosures that need screwdrivers to secure the SSD in place, the Plugable USB-C NVMe Enclosure enables opening the enclosure using a slide-lock, then gently aligning the NVMe notch into the socket and securing it in place with a tensioned rubber peg. Once the SSD is secured, users slide the cover back into place and it’s ready for use. Thanks to the USB-C NVMe Enclosure’s rugged and durable frame, it can be thrown into a bag and transported to different workstations without damaging the SSD inside.
Effective Heat Dissipation for High Performance
The Plugable USB-C NVMe Enclosure’s aluminum body allows for peak heat dissipation compared to other solutions available on the market, thanks to its ideal thermal properties. By dissipating heat while in-use, the USBC-NVMe allows SSDs to maintain high-speed transfers (up to 10Gbps) possible with the latest USB 3.1 Gen2 technology. For example, a transfer of 1,000 8MB photos, which can take up to 40 minutes using traditional thumb drives, will only take 4 minutes using the USB-C NVMe populated with fast media such as the Samsung 960 EVO. Heat dissipation also extends SSD longevity, reducing the need for continuous replacement and data migration.
Complete Compatibility
In order to meet the needs of professionals with diverse hardware preferences, the included USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables allow the USB-C NVMe Enclosure to be connected to any Windows, macOS or Linux device. It is also compatible with all M.2 NVMe SSDs from manufacturers like Intel, Phison, and Samsung.
USER EXPERIENCE & CONCLUSIONS
I was fortunate enough to receive a pre-release of the NVMe SSD Enclosure from Plugable and I’ve been very impressed with the quality of it. I love that its packaging includes both a USB-C to USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A cable. That makes it more versatile and easy to use with different computer systems. I also really like that the cable is detachable. One of Plugable’s other products has an attached cable that I feel limits the accessibility of the drive. The enclosure is made with a lightweight aluminum body and as described above, it’s completely tool-free. There is a small lock/unlock latch on the bottom of the enclosure. To install a hard drive, you simply slide the lock to the left and pull out the hard drive tray. The SSD can then be snapped into place and the cover replaced. Installation is incredibly easy and the lock seems to do a good job of keeping the cover on the enclosure. I tried pulling it off and it didn’t budge until I touched the locking switch.
Since this was a pre-release unit, I’ve only had a few days to use the NVMe SSD Enclosure. I can say that it travels quite well and it’s lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry with you — even in a pocket. I am hoping with its rugged design that it will stand up well over time. I can’t say whether or not it stands up against multiple hard drive installations because I’ve only used it with one so far. The NVMe SSD Enclosure from Plugable seems like a worthwhile investment. The Plugable USB-C NVMe USB 3.1 Gen 2 NVMe Enclosure is available now for $49.95 on Amazon and you can purchase NVMe M.2 internal SSDs for as low as $30.
For more information, visit plugable.com.
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Originally published at macsources.com on February 13, 2019.
