Tag: SSD Enclosure

  • YZG-X1 External Enclosure for Two M.2 2280 SSDs, Up to 8TB

    YZG-X1 External Enclosure for Two M.2 2280 SSDs, Up to 8TB

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crowdfunding is used by both startups and established companies to promote new products, not just for funding.
    2. The YZG-X1 is an external enclosure for up to two SSDs, compatible with various M.2 sizes and supports up to 8TB of storage.
    3. The enclosure features active cooling with a fan and an aluminum case to prevent overheating during data transfers.
    4. There are inconsistencies in the product specifications, particularly regarding the peak transfer rate (10 Gbps vs. 40 Gbps).
    5. The X1 can magnetically attach to an iPhone for convenient storage of high-resolution videos and images.


    Crowdfunding can be a great way to gather money for a new product’s development and launch. Yet, it’s not just new startups that use crowdfunding; established companies also get in on the action, even when they don’t really need the funds. They often aim to promote their latest products instead. This current Kickstarter project, however, might come with more risk and offer a product that doesn’t stand out much, as there are already many similar options available in stores.

    Product Details

    The YZG-X1 is an external enclosure designed to hold up to two SSDs. It works with SSDs in the M.2 2280, M.2 2260, M.2 2242, and M.2 2230 sizes, meaning there are few limitations in this aspect. It can handle a maximum capacity of 8TB, giving users the ability to keep a lot of data on hand. To prevent overheating during long data transfers, it features active cooling with a small fan, and the aluminum case helps dissipate heat as well.

    Considerations Before You Back

    That said, there are some inconsistencies in the specs that could be concerning for those considering investing in this campaign. More specifically, the peak transfer rate is cited as either 10 or 40 Gbps. This significant difference could be crucial for users who prioritize speed when transferring large files frequently. According to the given specifications, the enclosure’s dimensions are 3.5 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches and it connects via USB 3.2 Type-C, which corresponds with a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps. Furthermore, the X1 can magnetically attach to an iPhone, making it easier to save high-resolution videos or images.

    Kickstarter

    Source:
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  • StorageKey Gen2 SSD Enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 for Fast Transfers

    StorageKey Gen2 SSD Enclosure with Thunderbolt 5 for Fast Transfers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external SSD enclosure seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a pledge starting at $190 and expected delivery in March 2026.
    2. It features Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, supporting various M.2 SSD sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280), but requires users to install the SSD themselves.
    3. The enclosure can achieve high performance with sequential read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, depending on the SSD and connection used.
    4. Key B storage devices are not compatible with the StorageKey Gen2 due to its connection using four PCIe 4.0 lanes.
    5. The enclosure includes both passive and active cooling mechanisms, featuring an aluminum body, cooling fins, and a quiet fan to prevent SSD overheating.


    The StorageKey Gen2 is a new external enclosure designed for SSDs, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. As with all crowdfunding projects, there’s a significant amount of risk for those who decide to back it. However, if you’re interested, you can reserve one for a pledge of $190, not including shipping and any potential import charges. Deliveries are expected to start in March 2026. If you’re looking for something simpler, the SanDisk Extreme Pro offers a standard external SSD, with its 1TB version priced at $139 on Amazon.

    Connection Features

    This enclosure includes Thunderbolt 5, which works with previous Thunderbolt versions and USB 4, though at slower transfer speeds. Users will need to install the SSD themselves. It supports M.2 sizes of 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, covering almost all common sizes. This means that typical SSDs from laptops and desktops can easily be used in the StorageKey Gen2, allowing users to utilize drives that have been replaced.

    Performance and Compatibility

    It’s worth noting that Key B storage devices won’t work with this enclosure. The connection uses four PCIe 4.0 lanes. The manufacturer claims that it can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 5,000 MB/s, provided there are no bottlenecks with the SSD installed or the connection to the laptop, desktop, or smartphone.

    Cooling Mechanism

    Users shouldn’t worry about SSD overheating with the StorageKey Gen2, which has dimensions of roughly 3.94 x 2.17 x 0.59 inches, and includes both passive and active cooling features. The body is crafted from aluminum and is equipped with cooling fins and a small, yet fairly quiet, fan operating at just 25dB. Additionally, a thermal pad aids in transferring heat to the exterior of the enclosure.

    Source:
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