Other World Computing Launches the Express 4M2 Four-slot NVMe M.2 SSD USB4 Enclosure

[Nomad76]

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the launch of the OWC Express 4M2, a four-slot NVMe M.2 SSD USB4, Thunderbolt compatible enclosure offering improved performance, thermal protection for today's high performance drives, as well as expanded compatibility for an improved near-silent operation.

The Express 4M2 is made for the most demanding work. It's built to keep up whether you're backing up footage on set, editing 8K video, or sorting through thousands of high-res photos. It supports up to four NVMe M.2 SSDs (2230, 2242, or 2280) and achieves real-world speeds up to 3200 MB/s - and, with flexible RAID options, i.e., 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0, users can create the setup that works best for their workflow. Whether that's max performance, redundancy, or a mix of both. And even when things get intense… multi-camera offloads, long editing sessions, big batch processing, the aluminium shell and smart fans keep it cool and quiet so you're not dealing with slowdowns, overheating, or distracting noise. It's fully compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C, so whether you're working on a Mac or PC, it fits right in and works seamlessly, with no fuss.

"We built the original Express 4M2 to give professionals the speed and flexibility they need - but we're always listening and looking for ways to improve," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). "Our customers told us they wanted the same performance in a quieter, more adaptable solution. So that's exactly what we delivered. With the addition of USB4 and smart thermal controls, this new version offers faster speeds, more RAID options, and broad compatibility - giving users the tools they need to work efficiently, without distractions."

OWC Express 4M2 Features and Benefits:

• Highly Capable - Up to 3200 MB/s real-world performance
• Highly Compatible - Use with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C Macs and PCs
• Highly Reliable - Aircraft-grade aluminium offers rugged protection of installed SSDs, plus effective heat dissipation to keep everything cool for consistent top speed
• Near-Silent Operation - Engineered with smart, adaptive fans that activate only when needed or under heavy load, making it ideal for uninterrupted creative focus
• DIY Easy - Holds 4x NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 SSDs
• RAID Ready - Certain models include OWC SoftRAID, the fastest and most flexible RAID 0/1/4/5/1+0 (10) tool; also supports Apple Disk Utility RAID, Windows Disk Management RAID, and Windows Storage Spaces
• Complete - Includes certified 40 Gb/s USB-C to C cable
• Worry-free - 2-Year OWC Limited Warranty

The OWC Express 4M2 is available now for pre-order and will be shipping next week, with pricing as follows: $239.99 0 GB, $379.99 0 GB with 3-year SoftRAID included.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[bonehead123]

Sooo....4 questions come to mind:

A) Is it BOOTABLE ?
B) Can it be used laying on it's side ? I know it appears to ne designed to mainly be used standing up, but just curious..
C) Can you run Crysis on it ?
D) Can you run the "Can it run Crysis" app on it ?

Ok, so those last 2 were just for fun, but oh well, I gotta get some laughs occasionally

 

[Freebird]

Sooo....4 questions come to mind:

A) Is it BOOTABLE ?
B) Can it be used laying on it's side ? I know it appears to ne designed to mainly be used standing up, but just curious..
C) Can you run Crysis on it ?
D) Can you run the "Can it run Crysis" app on it ?

Ok, so those last 2 were just for fun, but oh well, I gotta get some laughs occasionally

Username Verified!!! /s

 

[AnarchoPrimitiv]

So, USB4 is just like TB3/4 in that the 40Gbps figure is for all intents and purposes fake as ACTUAL data transfer rates are less than 32Gbps? Got it

 

[The tech guy]

So, USB4 is just like TB3/4 in that the 40Gbps figure is for all intents and purposes fake as ACTUAL data transfer rates are less than 32Gbps? Got it

I really can't understand why we are crippling units like this with USB when it's possible to make NVMe hot-plugable just like SATA is. Sure the cable connector is going to be wider than USB-C but a round cable with a clip-in like SATA connector would be more secure and external units like this could run at up to PCIe 5.0 speeds 128Gb/s 14,000 MB/s. Even PCIe 3.0 x4 runs at 32Gb/s 3,500 MB/s. The case is quite large and it's not like your going to move it around a lot and need USB-C size connectors. I have already made my own dual eNVMe ports using a spare 3.5" floppy bay using an NVMe extender cable and male to female adapter which runs to 2 spare motherboard M.2 NVMe drive connectors. It's not hot-plugable but shutdown to boot-up to plug in/disconnect is only about 10 seconds! I don't use SATA or USB for storage as I have half a dozen cheap old 250GB Samsung 970EVO Plus drives I use for backups etc. My transfer speeds are close PCIe 4.0 x4 but it will depend on your motherboard speed for any extra NVMe drive connectors it has.

 

[bonehead123]

I really can't understand why we are crippling units like this with USB when it's possible to make NVMe hot-plugable just like SATA is. Sure the cable connector is going to be wider than USB-C but a round cable with a clip-in like SATA connector would be more secure and external units like this could run at up to PCIe 5.0 speeds 128Gb/s 14,000 MB/s. Even PCIe 3.0 x4 runs at 32Gb/s 3,500 MB/s. The case is quite large and it's not like your going to move it around a lot and need USB-C size connectors. I have already made my own dual eNVMe ports using a spare 3.5" floppy bay using an NVMe extender cable and male to female adapter which runs to 2 spare motherboard M.2 NVMe drive connectors. It's not hot-plugable but shutdown to boot-up to plug in/disconnect is only about 10 seconds! I don't use SATA or USB for storage as I have half a dozen cheap old 250GB Samsung 970EVO Plus drives I use for backups etc. My transfer speeds are close PCIe 4.0 x4 but it will depend on your motherboard speed for any extra NVMe drive connectors it has.

Well, it usually comes down to one single thing: *M*O*N*E*Y*, as in BOM costs, which most companies always try to minimize, even if it means a slightly less-performant product....

Yea, USB interface chips are cheaper than native NVME ones, but surely by now, the price difference would be pretty small, especially when purchased in the significantly large quantities that OEM's/mfgrs would be ordering

So given that most of OWC's products are usually associated with/marketed towards the upscale/mac crowd, you would have thought they would have used the higher-spec'd parts, which would appeal more to that crowd...

But oh well, "el-cheapo is as el-cheapo does"

 

[EsaT]

...external units like this could run at up to PCIe 5.0 speeds 128Gb/s 14,000 MB/s.

Already PCIe v4 had significant wiring length etc limits to retain integrity of signal demanding more from motherboard design, so you can be sure PCIe v5 has even stricter requirements.
Retaining signal integrity being hard is why PCIe "riser" cables are getting so expensive.
PCIe v3 is more surer for extension cables and extra connectors.