Introduction

I would like to thank ICY DOCK for supplying the sample.


ICY Dock is known for its products geared towards workstation, enterprise, and government users. The ToughArmor series is their higher-end product tier focusing on a metal material mix and interfaces usually niche to their target audiences. The MB840M2P-B Is a PCIe adapter for M.2 NVMe drives and unique in that the installed drive is packed onto a sled accessible through the rear of the system.

Packaging

This device ships in simple brown packaging that seems to have undergone a few last minute changes. To better illustrate some of its advantages, corresponding icons have been put on the front. On the opposite side, you will find the product name in several languages, alongside a specification table in English. The PCIe card inside an anti-static bag has been placed in a foam cutout within the box.


The unit may also be used in low-profile enclosures as ICY DOCK provides a smaller backplate for such a scenario. On top of that, there is a single screw to secure the card. A basic but effective manual has also been included.

A Closer Look

The MB840M2P-B is essentially a souped up PCIe 3.0 x4 to M.2 NVMe interface card. This means you get all the same advantages of plugging the SSD directly into an appropriate slot on the motherboard. That said, ICY DOCK has engineered a housing and sled, which allows you to quickly pull out the drive and place another one. The PCB itself comes with a cutout, which is an interesting choice as I see no immediate benefit to the cutout besides a potential thermal angle.


Taking a closer look at the end of the device, you will find the classic M.2 PCIe connector and an LED that acts as an activity indicator. On the corner is also a dual-pin header for your case's hard-drive activity LED, for example.


To unlock the sled, press the solid side of it down, which pops out the little handle—both of these parts are made out of steel. Once unlocked, you may just pull the whole thing out of the expansion card.


The sled also acts as a heatsink, and the whole contraption weights just over 50 grams, most of which is the actual heatsink itself. That means you should see a tangible temperature drop for your drive.