YZG-X1 Dual NVMe Enclosure Launches on Kickstarter With Up to 8TB

YZG-Tech has introduced the YZG-X1, a dual-bay NVMe SSD enclosure designed for creators who need portable, high-capacity storage with consistent sustained performance.

The device is now live on Kickstarter, where early backers can secure it at introductory pricing. Built around a modular workflow concept rather than RAID aggregation, the enclosure supports two M.2 NVMe SSDs with a combined capacity of up to 8TB. It features independent hardware power switches for each drive bay, a feature rarely seen in compact external storage solutions.

The YZG-X1 aims to address a familiar field-production challenge: managing multiple high-speed drives without carrying separate enclosures and additional cables. It supports M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 SSDs, allowing users to mix capacities and brands depending on workflow requirements. One drive can be dedicated to active recording while the second handles backups, file transfers, or isolated project storage.

Interface specifications require close attention. The campaign references Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with up to 40Gbps bandwidth, while the published technical specifications list USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with a 10Gbps transfer rate.

USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps typically delivers sustained throughput in the 800 to 1,000MB/s range, depending on the installed SSD. A true 40Gbps Thunderbolt implementation can exceed 2,500 to 3,000MB/s under optimal conditions.

If the enclosure operates over USB 3.2 with shared bandwidth, both installed drives would divide available throughput during simultaneous transfers. This could limit performance when copying large 4K or 8K video files from two SSDs at once. Creators planning to run dual high-performance NVMe drives concurrently should confirm the final production interface before backing.

Thermal management is a central focus of the X1’s design. The enclosure combines a CNC aluminum chassis with thermal pads and a built-in variable-speed fan intended to maintain stable temperatures during sustained transfers. NVMe controllers commonly begin throttling once temperatures exceed roughly 70 to 80°C under load. Active cooling in a compact enclosure can therefore help maintain consistent write speeds during extended video recording or bulk file transfers, particularly when handling ProRes or RAW footage.

The independent physical power switches for each SSD bay represent a distinctive engineering decision. Users can disable one drive without disconnecting the enclosure or shutting down the host system.

This approach can reduce idle heat buildup, lower power consumption, and allow basic hardware-level isolation of sensitive data. Rather than emphasizing RAID striping or mirroring, the architecture appears optimized for independent drive management, a modular setup that may appeal to field editors, drone operators, and digital nomads who separate active projects from backups.

Based on currently published campaign materials, the enclosure appears to operate as two independent volumes rather than supporting hardware RAID 0 or RAID 1 modes.

A magnetic mounting system further targets mobile creators. The enclosure can attach directly to compatible smartphones, including iPhone models that support external ProRes recording. This positions the YZG-X1 within the expanding mobile filmmaking ecosystem, where external NVMe drives are increasingly used to bypass internal storage limits and sustain high-bitrate capture during long recording sessions.

The enclosure measures approximately 3.5 × 2.9 × 0.8 inches and weighs around 172 grams (0.38 lbs). Its compact footprint makes it suitable for camera rigs, travel kits, and on-location editing setups.

The aluminum shell provides passive heat dissipation alongside the active cooling system, forming a layered thermal approach aimed at minimizing performance drops during prolonged use.

Kickstarter pricing begins at $139 for limited early tiers, placing the YZG-X1 between budget single-bay USB enclosures and higher-end dual-bay Thunderbolt solutions that typically command a premium. As with most crowdfunding hardware projects, production timelines and final specifications remain subject to change.

Most dual NVMe Thunderbolt enclosures in this category typically start above $200, especially models offering 40Gbps bandwidth and active cooling. If the YZG-X1 delivers full Thunderbolt performance at its $139 early pricing, it would undercut much of the current dual-bay market segment.

Final interface implementation and controller configuration may differ between prototype listings and mass-production units, making confirmation essential for performance-sensitive workflows.

The campaign roadmap indicates mass production targeted for April 2026 with global shipping planned for May 2026. Component sourcing, certification, and logistics variables could influence delivery schedules.

If the production model ultimately delivers full 40Gbps Thunderbolt performance with stable thermal behavior under dual-drive workloads, the YZG-X1 could compete strongly in the dual NVMe enclosure segment. If limited to 10Gbps USB 3.2 bandwidth, its appeal may lean more toward workflow flexibility, hardware-level drive control, and smartphone integration rather than maximum throughput.

For mobile filmmakers recording externally, field editors managing dual project volumes, or creators seeking a compact modular storage solution, the YZG-X1 presents an intriguing balance of portability, flexibility, and active cooling. Its competitiveness will ultimately depend on confirmed interface implementation and sustained real-world performance.

Key Specifications

Source: Kickstarter