Orico has introduced a new portable SSD enclosure, the CNM2-U4-GY, featuring a high-speed USB4 interface. The enclosure is designed for users who want to build their own fast external storage using standard PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe drives. Connected to a compatible USB4 port, the enclosure can deliver up to 40 Gbps of bandwidth, making it much faster than older USB enclosures.
Inside the enclosure, Orico uses the ASMedia ASM2464 controller. This chip acts as a bridge, letting the computer communicate directly with the NVMe SSD over USB4. The controller also supports older USB standards, meaning the enclosure can plug into USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or older ports. When connected to older ports, it runs in USB mass storage mode with UASP support.
The enclosure is compatible with M.2 SSDs in various sizes, including 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors, and it supports capacities up to 8TB. This enclosure joins a growing list of high-speed NVMe accessories, including new Thunderbolt 5 docking stations with built-in storage slots.
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With a compatible drive and a USB4 connection, the enclosure can reach read speeds of up to 3,554 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,069 MB/s. To keep the SSD cool and prevent performance throttling during long file transfers, Orico has built in a multi-level cooling system. The aluminum alloy body helps transfer heat away from the drive, while an integrated 20 mm active cooling fan provides constant airflow over the internal components.
The package includes a 2-in-1 USB cable featuring two output options: a USB C-to-C connection for full 40 Gbps speeds, and a built-in Type-C to Type-A adapter. When using the Type-A connector, speed is limited to 10 Gbps. In terms of hardware compatibility, the enclosure works with Apple M1, M2, and M3 chips, AMD CPUs, and Intel 12th-generation or newer processors.
However, it is not compatible with Intel CPUs older than the 12th generation. The Orico CNM2-U4-GY is priced at approximately $70. The Orico CNM2-U4-GY M.2 SSD enclosure is available now for purchase.
Source: Amazon
