ASUS ROG STRIX Arion Aluminum Alloy M.2 NVMe SSD External Portable Enclosure Case Adapter, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), USB-C to C and USB-C to A Cables, Fits PCIe 2280/2260/2242/2230 M Key/B+M Key
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AI Verdict
This 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 M.2 NVMe enclosure with an aluminum case and thermal pads is for turning an old NVMe into fast portable storage.
This enclosure is a strong fit for anyone needing to convert an M.2 NVMe SSD into a high-speed, portable external drive, offering 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity and effective heat dissipation through its aluminum case and thermal pads. Its tool-free installation and broad M.2 form factor support make it user-friendly for various NVMe drives.
If you need even faster external storage, look for enclosures supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) or Thunderbolt (40 Gbps) interfaces.
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Pros
- Achieves data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
- Aluminum alloy case with thermal pads effectively dissipates heat from M.2 drives.
- Screwdriver-free design allows for easy installation of M.2 NVMe SSDs.
- Includes both USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables for broad compatibility.
- Supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors.
- Features customizable ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting.
Cons
- It is often priced higher than some competing M.2 NVMe enclosures.
- NVMe drives with pre-attached heatsinks will not fit inside the enclosure.
- The included plastic carabiner for the protective holder is not durable and may break easily.
- Actual data transfer speeds can be bottlenecked by the host system's USB port or the SSD itself, not always reaching the theoretical 10 Gbps.
Dimension Scores
It achieves up to 10 Gbps (1250 MB/s) via USB 3.2 Gen 2, with real-world speeds often reaching 900-1000 MB/s, which is above average for external enclosures.
The aluminum alloy case and included thermal pads provide effective heat dissipation, contributing to stable performance and longevity of the installed SSD.
It supports a wide range of M.2 NVMe SSD form factors (2230/2242/2260/2280) and can accommodate high-capacity drives, with users reporting successful use of 8TB SSDs.
It supports M Key/B+M Key PCIe NVMe SSDs and includes both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables, ensuring broad connectivity with modern and older systems.
Best For
- Users needing fast external storage for large files like video projects or game libraries.
- Repurposing an existing M.2 NVMe SSD into a portable drive.
- Gamers wanting a high-speed external drive for their Steam Deck or other portable consoles.
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate customizable RGB lighting and a premium build.
Not Recommended For
- Users with M.2 NVMe SSDs that have integrated heatsinks.
- Budget-focused buyers who prioritize lowest cost over features like RGB or aluminum build.
- Users who only need basic, slower external storage for documents or small backups.
Watch Out For
- NVMe SSDs with pre-installed heatsinks will not physically fit into the enclosure, requiring removal of the heatsink.
- The included protective holder's carabiner is made of plastic and users report it is not durable, suggesting a metal replacement.
- While rated for 10 Gbps, real-world transfer speeds often hover around 900-1000 MB/s, limited by the SSD or the computer's USB port.
- Some users find the RGB lighting to be subtle, not a prominent feature.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 192876449899 192876449851 |
| ASIN | B07ZKB4SLK |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.46 ounces |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Hardware Platform | Asus ROG |
| Item model number | ROG Strix Arion ESD-S1C |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gigabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | USB Type C |
| Product Dimensions | 7.1 x 3.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 1 |
What Buyers Say
Many users were surprised by how effectively the aluminum case and thermal pads keep the NVMe drive cool, even under sustained load, preventing thermal throttling. The tool-free installation is a consistent highlight, making it simple to swap SSDs, though some found the included carabiner flimsy. While advertised for 10 Gbps, actual transfer speeds typically hit around 900-1000 MB/s, which is still very fast for portable storage.
“Dude, this thing is legit! I popped in my old 2TB NVMe, and it was literally 10 seconds to install, no tools needed. Transfers are blazing fast, like 950MB/s, and the case barely gets warm even when I'm moving huge game files. The RGB is kinda whatever, but who cares, it just works!”
Common Praise
- The aluminum alloy construction feels sturdy and premium.
- Thermal pads and aluminum case keep the NVMe SSD cool during transfers.
- Installation is genuinely screwdriver-free and takes seconds.
- Includes both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables, making it ready for various devices.
- Achieves real-world transfer speeds around 900-1000 MB/s.
Common Complaints
- NVMe drives with pre-installed heatsinks cannot fit inside the enclosure.
- The plastic carabiner on the protective holder is not robust and prone to breaking.
- The RGB lighting is subtle, not a bright or prominent feature for some users.
- It's priced higher than many other M.2 NVMe enclosures on the market.
Ownership Tips
- The aluminum body acts as a heatsink, so it will feel warm to the touch during heavy use, which is by design for heat dissipation.
- The "screwdriver-free" mechanism uses a small pin lock, which is more secure than expected.
- The included rubber protective holder, while useful for carrying, can be a bit stiff to attach initially.
- You might need to initialize and format the SSD after installation for it to appear on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What M.2 SSDs are compatible with this enclosure?
It supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs with M Key or B+M Key connectors in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors.
Does this product come with an SSD included?
No, the enclosure does not include an M.2 NVMe SSD; you need to purchase one separately.
What kind of speeds can I expect from this enclosure?
It supports up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) transfer speeds, with users often reporting real-world speeds around 900-1000 MB/s depending on the SSD and host system.
Does the enclosure get hot during use?
The aluminum alloy case and included thermal pads are designed to dissipate heat effectively, keeping the M.2 drive cool, with users reporting it stays mildly warm.
Is installation of the SSD difficult?
No, it features a screwdriver-free design for easy and quick installation of your M.2 NVMe SSD.
Can I use this with both USB-C and USB-A ports?
Yes, it comes with both a USB Type-C to C cable and a USB Type-C to A cable for compatibility with various ports.
Does the RGB lighting drain battery on portable devices?
While the Aura Sync RGB lighting is customizable, some users prefer to turn it off on portable devices to conserve battery power.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at M.2 NVMe enclosures, you're essentially buying a shell to turn an internal SSD into an external one. The speed listed, like 10 Gbps, is the theoretical maximum of the USB interface, but your actual performance will also depend on the speed of the SSD you put inside and the USB port on your computer. Heat management is crucial for NVMe drives, so look for enclosures with good thermal design.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD compatibility
Aluminum Alloy Case with Thermal Pads
Alternatives
If you need faster speeds for professional video editing or large database work, look for enclosures with Thunderbolt 3/4 (40 Gbps) or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) interfaces. If budget is the primary concern and you don't need maximum speed, look for enclosures with plastic bodies or slower USB standards.
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