ORICO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure

NVMe SSD enclosure | USB4 Thunderbolt storage | High-speed external SSD

Introduction

In today's data-intensive computing environment, storage performance has become a critical factor for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The ORICO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure represents a significant advancement in external storage solutions, offering unprecedented data transfer speeds through USB4 and Thunderbolt interfaces. This tech sheet examines the capabilities, performance metrics, and practical applications of ORICO's high-speed storage solution for users seeking to maximize their storage performance without internal hardware modifications.

Product Overview

The ORICO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure series encompasses several models including the AAGM2-U4, TCM2-U4, and M234C3-U4, all designed to transform M.2 NVMe SSDs into ultra-fast external storage devices. These enclosures utilize the latest USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols to deliver theoretical bandwidth up to 40Gbps, approximately four times faster than standard USB 3.2 Gen2 solutions. Constructed primarily from aluminum alloy for improved heat dissipation, these enclosures support various M.2 form factors and capacities up to 8TB, making them versatile solutions for professionals in content creation, gaming, and data-intensive workflows.

Key Features

Ultra-High Transfer Speeds

The most compelling feature of the ORICO enclosures is their exceptional data transfer capability. Leveraging USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols, these devices can achieve real-world transfer speeds up to 3500MB/s for reads and 2500MB/s for writes when paired with high-performance NVMe SSDs. This level of performance enables the transfer of multi-gigabyte files in seconds rather than minutes, representing a substantial workflow improvement for video editors, 3D modelers, and other professionals handling large data sets.

Advanced Thermal Management

ORICO has implemented sophisticated thermal solutions across their 40Gbps enclosure lineup. The premium models feature a triple thermal management system: an aluminum alloy body that functions as a primary heat conductor, thermal pads that facilitate heat transfer from the SSD to the enclosure, and in select models like the AAGM2-U4, an active cooling fan that provides forced air circulation to prevent thermal throttling during sustained operations. This comprehensive approach to heat management preserves both performance and longevity of the installed NVMe drive.

Tool-Free Installation

User experience has been prioritized with a streamlined installation process. Many models feature tool-free designs that allow for quick and hassle-free SSD installation, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or specialized tools. The enclosures accommodate various M.2 form factors from 2230 to 2280, secured either through simple clip mechanisms or thumb screws, making the upgrade process accessible even to users with minimal technical experience.

Performance Analysis

Sequential Speeds

In practical performance testing, the ORICO 40Gbps enclosures demonstrate impressive capabilities that approach the theoretical limits of their interface. When connected to compatible Thunderbolt 4 ports and equipped with high-performance NVMe SSDs, sequential read speeds reach approximately 3500MB/s, with write speeds around 2500-2700MB/s. These figures represent approximately 70-80% utilization of the theoretical 40Gbps bandwidth, which is expected given protocol overhead. Benchmark testing shows consistent performance across large file operations, with minimal performance degradation during extended transfers.

Random Performance

While sequential performance showcases the maximum throughput of these enclosures, random performance provides insight into real-world usage scenarios involving smaller files and mixed workloads. The ORICO enclosures deliver strong random I/O performance, though as with all external solutions, random performance is typically constrained more by the USB/Thunderbolt protocol overhead than by the capabilities of the NVMe drive itself. In testing with high-quality SSDs, the enclosures can achieve random read/write performance sufficient for professional applications, though not quite matching the levels possible with internal NVMe installation.

Thermal Management

The effectiveness of ORICO's thermal management becomes apparent during sustained workloads. Temperature monitoring during benchmark testing shows that the enclosures maintain temperatures within the optimal operating range for NVMe SSDs, even under extended high-throughput scenarios. Models featuring active cooling, such as the AAGM2-U4 with its built-in fan, show particularly impressive thermal regulation, keeping drive temperatures 15-20°C lower than passive cooling solutions during identical workloads. The fan operates at a reasonable noise level that remains unobtrusive in most working environments.

Compatibility

Steam Deck and Handheld PCs

These enclosures have proven compatible with the Steam Deck and similar handheld gaming PCs. Users have successfully implemented them as external boot drives, enabling Windows installations and expanded game libraries without modifying the internal storage of their devices. The power efficiency makes them suitable for portable use, though maximum performance may be limited by the power delivery capabilities of the host device's USB-C port.

Desktops and Laptops

These enclosures demonstrate excellent compatibility across modern desktops and laptops equipped with USB4 or Thunderbolt ports. For optimal performance, systems with 12th generation Intel processors or newer and Apple systems with the newer Apple silicon are recommended. Compatibility extends to Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, though users should note that achieving full 40Gbps speeds requires a compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 port on the host system.

PlayStation 5 Compatibility

The enclosure can be used with the PlayStation 5, but with important limitations. The PS5 supports external USB storage for playing PlayStation 4 games and for archiving (storing) PS5 games, but not for playing PS5 games directly from an external drive. When connected via USB, the ORICO enclosure allows you to store and play PS4 titles and move PS5 games between internal and external storage. However, to expand storage for playing PS5 games directly, you must use an internal NVMe SSD installed in the PS5’s dedicated expansion slot, not an external enclosure. Thus, the ORICO enclosure is best for PS4 game libraries and PS5 game transfers, not for expanding playable PS5 storage.

Xbox Series X/S Compatibility

For Xbox Series X and Series S, the situation is more restrictive. Microsoft uses a proprietary storage expansion card system for playing Xbox Series X/S games directly from external storage. While you can connect the ORICO enclosure via USB and use it to store games or play backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles, you cannot play Xbox Series X/S games directly from any external USB storage, including this enclosure. Only the official Seagate expansion cards support direct play of next-gen titles. Therefore, the ORICO enclosure is suitable for archiving games and playing older titles but not for expanding storage for Xbox Series X/S games.

Slower Ports

The enclosure is backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and USB 3.0 ports, so you can connect it to any device with an older port and it will function properly. However, you should be aware that the maximum data transfer speeds will be limited. For example the USB 3.1 interface is up to 10Gbps-rather than the full 40Gbps speeds possible with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports. This means you will get solid performance for most tasks, but not the peak speeds the enclosure is capable of delivering when connected to newer, faster ports.

Advantages and Limitations

Strengths

The primary strength of the ORICO 40Gbps enclosures lies in their exceptional transfer speeds, which approach the performance of internal NVMe drives. For professionals working with large files, this translates to significant time savings and workflow improvements. File transfers that would take minutes on USB 3.0 drives can be completed in seconds, enabling more efficient backup processes and content management.

Another notable advantage is the flexibility and upgradeability these enclosures provide. Users can select and upgrade their own NVMe SSDs based on capacity and performance needs, with support for drives up to 8TB. This modularity offers excellent cost efficiency compared to pre-built external SSDs and allows for future upgrades as storage requirements grow.

Constraints

The most significant limitation of these enclosures involves compatibility with host systems. Full 40Gbps performance requires a compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 port, which is primarily available on newer high-end systems. Users with older computers may experience reduced performance or compatibility issues, particularly with systems using Intel 11th generation or older processors.

Additionally, not all NVMe SSDs perform optimally in these enclosures. Some models may encounter compatibility issues or reduced performance. This limitation necessitates careful selection of the NVMe drive to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the enclosure.

Compatible SSDs

The enclosure supports a wide range of high-performance M-Key NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes, up to 8TB capacity. Based on manufacturer recommendations, user reviews, and successful real-world tests, the following SSDs are known to work well:

• Samsung 980 PRO

  Widely praised for its reliability and high sequential speeds, the 980 PRO is a popular choice for external enclosures and delivers excellent performance in the ORICO 40Gbps model.

• Western Digital WD Black SN850

  Known for its PCIe Gen4 performance, the SN850 offers fast read/write speeds and stable operation in USB4/Thunderbolt enclosures.

• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus

  This SSD is recognized for both speed and compatibility, making it a strong match for high-bandwidth enclosures.

• Kingston KC3000

  The KC3000 is another PCIe Gen4 SSD that has been successfully used in high-speed external enclosures, providing excellent sustained performance.

• fanxiang S880

  Specifically mentioned as tested and compatible, the Fanxiang S880 offers both value and high performance for demanding users.

• ORICO O7000

  Highlighted in their ad as their preferred choice. Competitively priced and built for performance with a Sequential Read Performance of 7000MB/s.

The manufacturer does not recommend using the Crucial P3 Plus, WD Black SN750, or Samsung 970 EVO Plus with this enclosure due to known compatibility or performance issues.

For best results, select a PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 M-Key NVMe SSD from a reputable brand that is not on the exclusion list. Always ensure your host device supports USB4 or Thunderbolt for maximum performance.

Conclusion

The ORICO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosures represent a compelling solution for users requiring near-internal NVMe performance in an external form factor. With transfer speeds approaching 3500MB/s, effective thermal management, and broad compatibility with modern computing devices, these enclosures offer exceptional value for professionals in content creation, gaming, and data-intensive workflows. While achieving maximum performance requires compatible host hardware and carefully selected NVMe drives, the benefits in terms of workflow efficiency and storage flexibility make these enclosures highly recommended for tech-savvy users seeking to maximize their storage performance without internal hardware modifications. Although portable, these enclosures are not rated for harsh environments and some caution should be taken to protect them from dust and water.

Works Cited

CNX Software. "Mini review of ORICO 'USB 4.0' M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure." CNX Software, 4 July 2022, www.cnx-software.com/2022/07/04/review-orico-usb-4-0-m-2-nvme-ssd-enclosure

ORICO. "ORICO Transparent USB4 40Gbps NVMe SSD Enclosure with Fan." ORICO Techs, 26 Mar 2025, oricotechs.com/products/orico-aagm2-transparent-usb4-40gbps-m-2-nvme-ssd-enclosure-with-cooling-fan

StorageReview. "ORICO NVMe M.2 SSD Enclosure Review." StorageReview.com, 8 Oct 2020, www.storagereview.com/review/orico-nvme-m-2-ssd-enclosure-review