Since the beginning of 2023, the USB4 high-speed port has rapidly become widespread in mainstream laptops. In comparison to the high-end Thunderbolt 3/4, the USB4 port not only boasts the same high bandwidth of 40Gbps but also comes with a more affordable price. In just a few months, it has driven the rapid growth of high-speed peripherals, with SSD enclosures being one of the most benefited categories.
Commonly seen USB4 SSD enclosures initially used a dual-chip solution, combining Thunderbolt control with USB control to simultaneously support USB4 (Thunderbolt 3/4) and USB3.x. However, the introduction of the single-chip solution ASM2464PD has changed this once for all. The NewQ USB4 SSD Enclosure, which we are introducing today, utilizes this single-chip control solution.
The model of the NewQ USB4 SSD Enclosure is NQ-HS-01, a highly portable external SSD enclosure with incredibly fast read and write speeds. The blue aluminum alloy body has dimensions of 140 x 60 x 21mm, featuring the widely used USB-C port.
In terms of controllers, it employs the ASM2464PD controller from ASUS subsidiary ASMedia Technology. This is a "true USB4" control chip, achieving simultaneous support for USB4 40Gbps/Thunderbolt 40Gbps high-speed protocols and compatibility with USB3.2 20Gbps/10Gbps/5Gbps mainstream protocols. The theoretical bandwidth of the USB4 port can reach 40Gbps, eight times that of the most common 5Gbps USB3.2 Gen1.
The NewQ USB4 SSD Enclosure can read and write at speeds of up to 3800MB/s. According to the manufacturer's tests, it can transfer a 10GB file in just 4 seconds, which is about 3GB/s. User feedback tests show that, with a PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive installed, it can achieve a reading speed of 3256MB/s and a writing speed of 2917MB/s on laptops with Thunderbolt 4 ports, meeting the claimed performance.
Now, let's take a closer look at the construction of this product. The body is entirely made of aluminum alloy, not only protecting the internal SSD but also facilitating the rapid transfer of heat. Both sides of the shell have large uneven areas, significantly increasing the surface area compared to a flat shell, making it more conducive to heat exchange with the air. It comes with a standard silicone thermal pad to fill the gap between the SSD and the shell, rapidly transferring the heat from the flashs and the control chip to the shell, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted high-speed data transmission, and prolonged durability.
In terms of compatibility, the NewQ USB4 SSD Enclosure has an M-key M.2 slot supporting high-speed SSDs with NVMe protocol, with a maximum capacity of 4TB. It has reserved positions for four mounting pillars, allowing the installation of mainstream 2280 size as well as 2230, 2242, 2260, compatible with various common sizes on the market. Regarding systems, it is compatible with Windows 7 and above, MacOS 10.9 and above, and Android 8.0 and above, covering the three major platforms.
An important selling point is its "tool-free" design concept. The body and cover are installed by enveloping from top to bottom, and the cover has two spring steel balls on the side for locking. After opening the cover, the SSD is fixed on the mounting pillar with silicone clips, allowing for tool-free installation throughout the entire process.
In terms of accessories, the package includes a standard orange silicone protective case with a hollow design for impact resistance. Moreover, it has been carefully designed as a porous structure to maximize heat dissipation.
Additionally, it comes with a full-featured USB4 high-speed cable, not only for data transfer but also for 240W USB PD fast charging, supporting the connection of monitors.
Summary of ChargerLAB
External SSD enclosures have evolved from their early days of low-speed performance to gradually iterating towards high-speed solutions. The progression has seen a shift from dual-chip designs to the current single-chip "true USB4" solutions. The NewQ USB4 SSD Enclosure represents the latest generation of products after this iterative process.
Crafted from robust and heat-dissipating aluminum alloy, it features a shell surface with a distinctive design, increasing the heat exchange area. The interior is equipped with a silicone thermal pad to efficiently transfer heat to the shell. Powered by the ASM2464PD controller, this single-chip solution supports 40Gbps USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and is compatible with USB3.2. It is versatile, working seamlessly across Android, Windows, and macOS operating systems. The enclosure accommodates mainstream M.2 M-Key NVMe SSDs, supporting capacities of up to 4TB, and achieving actual speeds of up to 3GB/s.
Currently available on Amazon US for $99, this product is ready for purchase. If you're intrigued, feel free to click the links provided within the article to make a purchase.
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