Today we bring you the ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure review. It is a very high performance SSD case that is compatible with the latest M.2 models, both with SATA and NVMe protocol
The SSDs are considerably faster than HDDs traditional and are now supplanting them as external storage solutions as well. There are dozens of external SSDs with different capacities on the market, although most suffer from two major limitations. The first is related to costs, on average higher than traditional external HDDs. The second, on the other hand, is related to performance: on an external SSD we will hardly find the latest technologies that are used in the internal SSDs of PCs and laptops – with a few rare very expensive exceptions. That’s why using an external case can be very useful because it allows you to transform an internal high-performance M.2 SSD into a full-fledged external SSD.
It also saves money for two reasons. First of all, internal SSDs are generally less expensive. Secondly the same case can be used for different SSDs, also doing a small favor to the environment. So let’s find out the ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure in this review!
ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure review: a singular design
As a rule, external HDDs and SSDs have a standard design, reminiscent of 2.5-inch drives. Furthermore, there is a tendency to prefer curved and rounded lines. This ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure instead marries a much more original and square design. It must be said that this minimal and original style has its own reason. This product looks good even when left on a desk. Aluminum contributes to enrich this perception, giving the impression of observing and touching a high-end product.
The design also goes well with the functionality since the knurls are not only an aesthetic factor, but they also contribute to heat exchange, allowing the SSD to work better and longer. This SSD case is really compact. It fits comfortably in any pocket, from backpack to pants.
Inside the package we also find a USB-C cable with USB-A adapter to be used as needed. This too is well-made and fits the case in terms of design. We will then find a screwdriver to open the case, a metal fin to fix better and increase conductivity, an adhesive thermal pad and a couple of silicone screws for locking the SSD.
Assembly
Our SSD will be well protected and locked inside with a screw that protects it better from mechanical stress. To enter it you can follow the instructions given in the manual (in English only). Take the life off the back with the supplied screwdriver and remove the back cover. Just rotate the case with the lid down and shake it slightly. We prepare the SSD to be inserted by gluing the thermal pad on the part where the chips are present and then apply the metal flap. Note that ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure was optimized for SSD in 2280 format, but it is also possible to mount different formats. In this case we will have to adapt the thermal pad a bit, cutting it with a pair of scissors. However, our advice is to use a 2280 SSD if possible.
At this point we can engage the SSD and wanting to lock it with one of the silicone screws. We didn’t really like these screws. We have to force them a little to let them in, we will have preferred the classic screw to be tightened. Not a big flaw actually. In fact, the SSD will stay in place even without any screws. Fixed the SSD, we can close everything.
ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure Review: Performance
We come to performance. The 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 1 interface isn’t the fastest ever, but it possibly is the most widespread on modern devices. In fact, not all of them support USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 2 at 20 Gbps and almost none support the brand new USB 4.0 standard. In short, the theoretical maximum transfer speed is 125o MB / s, about half the theoretical transfer rate of modern M.2 SSDs, but still more than what is offered on average by external SSDs.
In practice, the actual speed depends on many factors: size and quantity of files to be transferred, actual load on the CPU and others. We have detected speeds between 725MB / s and 1080MB / s, doing various transfer tests of both large files and many small files. It must be said that this ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure is not doing badly. The metal case conducts heat very well and this implies that the outside temperature rises a lot, handle it carefully after intensive use. This is not entirely bad because it means that the heat is flowing out and not being confined to the SSD. In fact, one of the big advantages is that with this case we are able to maintain high performance for a long time, which is not always the case with other similar products or external SSDs.
Conclusions
We can say that this ORICO M.2 SSD Enclosure is a good product. It definitely delivers something more for the average. The design is certainly very original and also functional because it improves heat dissipation. Performance is excellent, aligned with high-end solutions. ORICO’s experience in the sector makes a bit of a difference.
Sure you can’t take advantage of the full bandwidth of many modern SSDs due to the limitations of USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 1, but it’s also hard to find devices with faster ports. There is a version with a 4.0 interface, however the cost is really exaggerated. Ultimately it is all in all a good purchase. Among other things, in the period between 11 August and 31 August 2022, thanks to discount code “UDBCYP7X” you can take this product home at a lower price than the list price of € 35.99.
Points in favor
- Modern and functional design
- Consistent performance
- Performance in line with the high-end proposals
Points against
- The silicone screws are not very functional
- A USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 would have been perfect