ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe vs ANYOYO NVMe M.2 SSD Enclosure (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the anyoyo 40gbps fan cooled m 2 nvme vs nvme m 2 SSD enclosure to decide which external drive solution fits your workflow. Both units support 40Gbps transfer rates and accommodate M.2 NVMe drives up to 8TB in standard form factors. The main difference lies in thermal management. One model uses an active PWM fan for cooling, while the other relies on a passive aluminum design with triple fins. This choice impacts noise levels and physical dimensions significantly.
Key differences
| Aspect | ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure | ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure Passive Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling System | PWM turbo fan with aluminum shell | Passive aluminum casing with triple fins |
| Max Transfer Speed | Up to 2700MB/s | Up to 3100MB/s |
| Control Chip | JHL7440 + RTL9210 | ASM2464PD |
| Dimensions | 4.65 x 2.24 x 0.71 inches | 4.72 x 3.74 x 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 5.86 ounces | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure if
- You prefer silent operation and do not mind a larger footprint
- You need the highest possible sequential read speeds of 3100MB/s
- You want a passive design that eliminates moving parts
Choose ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure Passive Cooling if
- You need a more compact and lighter enclosure for portability
- You are concerned about thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads
- You prefer a solution with an active fan to maintain lower temperatures
Verdict: Choose the fan-cooled model if you prioritize a smaller, lighter form factor and active heat removal. Select the passive model if you need maximum transfer speeds and a completely silent operation. Both enclosures offer robust 40Gbps connectivity and wide OS compatibility.
Fan vs Passive Cooling Comparison
Cooling System
The ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure uses an active cooling approach with a PWM turbo fan and an aluminum alloy shell. This design allows the fan to automatically adjust its speed to maintain normal temperatures while operating at a relatively low noise level. In contrast, the ANYOYO NVMe M.2 SSD Enclosure relies on passive heat dissipation. It features a deep-groove fin design and includes silicone thermal pads to absorb and dissipate heat through the aluminum housing. This method ensures zero-noise operation, which keeps your creative workflow uninterrupted without any moving parts or fan noise to worry about.
Transfer Speed
Both enclosures support a maximum host interface speed of 40Gbps, compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4. However, their real-world performance differs slightly based on the internal controller chips. The fan-cooled model uses JHL7440 and RTL9210 chips, achieving read and write speeds up to 2700MB/s. The passive cooling model utilizes the ASM2464PD chip, which allows for lower power consumption and higher peak speeds of up to 3100MB/s. If you frequently move large files like 8K footage, the passive model offers a faster top speed, provided you have the necessary Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable and device.
Build and Dimensions
The physical dimensions and weight of these enclosures vary significantly. The fan-cooled unit measures 4.65 inches in length, 2.24 inches in width, and 0.71 inches in height, weighing 5.86 ounces. It comes in Space Gray. The passive cooling enclosure is slightly longer at 4.72 inches and wider at 3.74 inches, with a height of 1.57 inches. It is available in Black or Silver. The passive model is bulkier due to its deep-groove fin structure, which increases surface area for better heat dissipation. If portability and a lower profile are priorities, the fan-cooled model is more compact and lighter.
Compatibility
Both products support the same drive interfaces and form factors. They are compatible with M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes, supporting both M-Key and B&M Key layouts. Neither supports SATA NGFF or mSATA drives. Both handle maximum capacities of up to 8TB. On the host side, both work with Windows, macOS, and Linux. The passive model explicitly lists compatibility with Android systems and Apple M1/M2 Pro/Max chips, while the fan-cooled model highlights tool-free installation and broad OS support without mentioning Android. Both require no drivers for basic operation.
Installation Style
Both enclosures feature tool-free installation designs, making it easy to insert your M.2 NVMe SSD without needing screwdrivers or extra hardware. The fan-cooled model allows you to slide open the cover and secure the drive quickly. The passive cooling model also uses a slide-open cover mechanism for the same purpose. While the installation process is identical in convenience for both, the passive model includes a 50cm 40Gbps cable in the box to ensure you can achieve its peak 3100MB/s performance. The fan-cooled model does not mention including a specific high-speed cable, so you may need to source one separately for optimal speeds.
Choose your ANYOYO enclosure
Users needing silent operation
If you prioritize a completely quiet workspace, the passive model is your best choice. It uses a deep-groove fin design and thermal pads to dissipate heat without any moving parts. This ensures zero-noise operation, which is ideal for creative workflows or professional environments where fan sound would be disruptive.
Users prioritizing compact portability
The fan-cooled enclosure is smaller and lighter, measuring 2.24 by 0.71 inches and weighing 5.86 ounces. Its Space Gray aluminum alloy shell and tool-free design make it easy to carry in a bag. This compact form factor is better for users who need a highly portable solution for their M.2 NVMe drive.
Users needing maximum thermal headroom
Active cooling provides a distinct advantage for sustained high-speed transfers. The PWM turbo fan automatically adjusts speed to maintain normal temperatures, protecting the drive from thermal throttling. This active approach helps extend the lifespan of your SSD during intensive tasks, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads compared to passive dissipation.
The products compared
ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure
Best for: high-speed portable NVMe storage setups
- Max Transfer Speed
- 40Gbps
- Host Interface
- USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3
- Drive Interface
- PCIe NVMe (M Key, B&M Key)
- Supported Form Factors
- M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
- Cooling System
- Aluminum alloy shell, PWM turbo fan
- Maximum Capacity
- 8TB
View on Amazon: ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure Affiliate link
This ANYOYO enclosure connects M.2 NVMe drives to Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts. It uses a PWM fan and aluminum shell to manage heat. The dual-chip design supports up to 8TB drives. You get tool-free installation and broad OS compatibility. It suits users who need high transfer speeds and active cooling for portable storage.
Pros
- 40Gbps transfer speed via Thunderbolt 4/USB4
- Active PWM cooling fan for thermal management
- Supports M.2 2230 through 2280 form factors
- Tool-free installation with aluminum alloy shell
Cons
- Requires a separate M.2 NVMe SSD
- Does not support SATA or mSATA drives
- Heavier build at 5.86 ounces
Good fit if
- You need active cooling for sustained transfers
- You use Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts
- You want tool-free drive installation
Skip if
- You only have SATA or mSATA drives
- You prefer passive cooling without fans
- You need a complete drive and enclosure kit
Verdict: ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled NVMe Enclosure delivers high-speed connectivity and active thermal control for users who prioritize performance and drive longevity in a portable form factor.
ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure Passive Cooling
Best for: Silent passive cooling for portable NVMe drives
- Max Transfer Speed
- 40Gbps
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0
- Drive Interface
- NVMe (M-Key, B&M Key)
- Supported Form Factors
- M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
- Cooling System
- Passive aluminum casing
- Maximum Capacity
- 8TB
View on Amazon: ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure Passive Cooling Affiliate link
This ANYOYO enclosure connects M.2 NVMe drives via Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4. It supports up to 40Gbps speeds and 8TB capacity. The aluminum case uses passive cooling with deep-groove fins and thermal pads. You get tool-free installation for 2230 to 2280 drives. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems for portable storage.
Pros
- Supports 40Gbps transfer speeds
- Passive aluminum cooling design
- Tool-free installation mechanism
- Compatible with M-Key and B&M Key NVMe drives
- Supports up to 8TB capacity
Cons
- Requires Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 host for peak speed
- Does not support SATA NGFF or mSATA drives
- SSD not included in the package
Good fit if
- You need a portable NVMe enclosure for Mac or Windows
- You want silent passive cooling for your drive
- You use Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 devices
Skip if
- You require active fan cooling
- You need to use SATA or mSATA drives
- You lack a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 host port
Verdict: ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure is a solid choice for users with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts who need silent, passive cooling for portable NVMe storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled M.2 NVMe Enclosure | ANYOYO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure Passive Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| Max Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Host Interface | USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3 | Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0 |
| Drive Interface | PCIe NVMe (M Key, B&M Key) | NVMe (M-Key, B&M Key) |
| Supported Form Factors | M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 | M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 |
| Cooling System | Aluminum alloy shell, PWM turbo fan | Passive aluminum casing |
| Maximum Capacity | 8TB | 8TB |
| Installation Style | Tool-Free | Tool-free |
| Interface | NVMe | NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 | M.2 |
| Cooling | Cooling Fan | not stated |
| Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Features | Tool-Free | Tool-Free |
| Material | not stated | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 4.65 × 2.24 × 0.71 inches | 4.72 × 3.74 × 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 5.86 ounces | not stated |
| Size | TBU401Pro | not stated |
| Color | Space Gray | Black |
| Model | TBU401 Pro | TBU402-BK |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure support M.2 SATA drives?
No, it is designed specifically for NVMe protocols. The product data lists the interface strictly as NVMe. You must use a PCIe-based M.2 SSD. SATA-based M.2 drives will not function in this enclosure because the controller and firmware do not support the SATA protocol.
How large is the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure compared to the passive model?
The fan-cooled model is slightly smaller in width and height. It measures 2.24 inches wide and 0.71 inches high. The passive model is wider at 3.74 inches and taller at 1.57 inches. Both share a similar length around 4.65 to 4.72 inches. The fan unit is more compact in its cross-section.
Is the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure tool-free for drive installation?
Yes, it features a tool-free design. You can install your M.2 NVMe drive without needing any screws or additional hardware. This allows for quick swaps between drives. The mechanism secures the drive internally while maintaining the necessary electrical connections for high-speed 40Gbps data transfer.
What is the weight of the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure?
The fan-cooled enclosure weighs 5.86 ounces. This weight includes the aluminum alloy shell and the active cooling fan. The passive model does not list a specific weight in the provided data. The active fan adds mass compared to a purely passive aluminum block design.
Can I use the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure with a laptop?
Yes, it works with laptops that have compatible ports. It supports 40Gbps speeds, which requires a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 port on your host device. Ensure your laptop has the necessary bandwidth to utilize the full transfer rate. It is suitable for portable setups requiring high performance.
Does the passive ANYOYO enclosure come in different colors?
The passive model is listed in Black. The fan-cooled model is available in Space Gray. These are the color options provided in the specifications. The aluminum material gives each unit a distinct finish that matches its respective color variant for your desktop or travel setup.
What is the model number for the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure?
The model number is TBU401 Pro. It is also referred to as TBU401Pro in some data fields. This distinguishes it from the passive model, which uses the TBU402-BK model number. You can use this identifier to verify compatibility and find replacement parts or accessories.
Is the ANYOYO 40Gbps Fan-Cooled enclosure suitable for gaming laptops?
Yes, it is ideal for high-speed portable storage needs. Gaming laptops often benefit from fast external drives for large game files. The 40Gbps interface ensures quick load times and data transfers. The active cooling helps maintain performance during intensive gaming sessions by keeping the NVMe drive at optimal temperatures.