What is NVMe enclosure for?

Name: ZikeDrive USB4 40Gbps NVMe M.2 SSD Enclosure Z666
Brand: ZikeTech
SKU: Z666
Price: 119.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Oct 27, 2023 | Words by JacksonZ

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) enclosures are external storage solutions designed to house NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) and connect them to a computer or other devices via high-speed interfaces like USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or PCIe.

These enclosures serve several purposes:

High-Speed External Storage: NVMe SSDs are incredibly fast storage devices, and NVMe enclosures allow users to harness this speed for external storage needs. This is particularly useful for tasks requiring large file transfers, such as video editing or gaming.

Data Backup and Storage Expansion: NVMe enclosures provide a compact and portable way to expand a computer's storage capacity. Users can add extra storage for backup purposes or to store large files without having to open up their computer to install new internal drives.

Data Transfer and Migration: NVMe enclosures are handy for transferring data between computers. Users can remove the NVMe SSD from one computer, place it in the enclosure, and then connect it to another computer for data transfer or migration purposes.

Versatility and Portability: NVMe enclosures are compact and portable, making them ideal for professionals who need to carry large amounts of data between different locations. They are also useful for IT technicians who need to diagnose and transfer data from different NVMe SSDs.

Performance Testing and Troubleshooting: NVMe enclosures allow technicians and enthusiasts to test the performance of different NVMe SSDs without installing them inside a computer. They can also be used to troubleshoot NVMe drives by connecting them externally and diagnosing potential issues.

In summary, NVMe enclosures provide a versatile and high-speed solution for external storage, data transfer, backup, and various other computing tasks, leveraging the speed and performance benefits of NVMe SSDs.

What Kind of SSD / Hard Drive Enclosure Do I Need?

When choosing an SSD or hard drive enclosure, ask yourself the following questions:

What is your SSD size?

You must get an SSD enclosure that matches the physical dimensions of the drive. If you have a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD, buy a 2.5-inch SATA case. For a 3.5-inch drive, you'll need a 3.5-inch SATA drive enclosure.

M.2 SSDs require an M.2 chassis, but if your SSD is shorter than the standard 2280 (80mm size), be careful: most (but not all) cases have shorter-sized mounting screws.

Also, if you plan to use an M.2 SATA SSD (instead of NVMe), make sure the case supports that standard (or in addition), as most M.2 cases only support NVMe.

How fast?

The enclosure can only handle the speeds allowed by its USB ports and the USB ports on your computer. Most 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drive/SSD enclosures operate over standard 5 Gbps USB (USB 3/3.1 or 3.2 Gen 1). Most M.2 SSD cases run at 10 Gbps (also known as USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 Gen 2).

Some of the more expensive models (usually $130+) run at speeds up to 40 Gbps, and the ZikeDrive is the world's fastest USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure, but it's not exactly expensive, it's only $129, and it's still 20% off discount, which means you can get the world’s fastest USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure for only $103.2.

They support USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 (all cross-compatible and running at 40 Gbps). There are also drives that support 20 Gbps USB, called USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or USB 4 20 Gbps.

How often do you open it?

Our ZikeDrive USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure Z666 is tool-free installation, ZikeDrive requires no tools to install or remove SSD, easily open the cover and insert the SSD, fix the rubber plug and peel off the blue film of the thermal pad, plug and play , for long-term use.

While you can reopen all of these drives and replace the drive at any time, if you think you'll need to replace the drive frequently, you should consider an enclosure with a tool-less design.