UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe or UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure? Which UGREEN Model to Buy
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You are comparing the ugreen 40gbps aluminum m 2 nvme vs 40gbps m 2 nvme enclosure. Both models use the ASM2464PD chip and support USB4 interfaces for up to 40Gbps speeds. They share similar form factor support and aluminum construction. The main difference lies in their thermal management. One uses an active fan, while the other relies on a passive fin design. This affects noise levels and maximum drive capacity.
Key differences
| Aspect | UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure | UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling System | Built-in active fan | Passive double-sided fins |
| Maximum Capacity | 4TB | 8TB |
| Weight | 7.05 ounces | 8.18 ounces |
| Dimensions | 4.72 x 1.89 x 0.75 inches | 4.8 x 2.6 x 1.06 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure if
- You prefer silent operation without moving parts
- You need support for drives up to 8TB
- You want a slightly more compact footprint
Choose UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure if
- You require active cooling for sustained heavy workloads
- You are using drives with 4TB capacity or less
- You want precise temperature control via PWM fan
Verdict: The passive enclosure is better for users who prioritize silence and higher capacity support. The active fan model suits those who need aggressive heat dissipation for smaller drives. Both provide identical transfer speeds and compatibility.
Active Cooling vs Passive Design
Cooling mechanism
The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure uses an active cooling system. It includes a built-in PWM turbo high-speed fan that adjusts speed automatically. This fan works with a silicone thermal pad and the aluminum casing to dissipate heat quickly. The passive model, UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure, relies on a unique double-sided fin design and a three-dimensional cooling structure. It has no moving parts, which means you get quiet operation without any fan noise or concerns about fan lifespan. Both designs aim to keep temperatures stable, but they use different methods to achieve this.
Max storage capacity
You need to check the maximum drive size each enclosure supports. The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure supports NVMe drives with a maximum capacity of 4TB. The UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure goes further, supporting drives up to 8TB. This difference matters if you plan to install large capacity SSDs for video editing or extensive data storage. Both models handle M/B+M key NVMe drives, but the passive version offers more headroom for future-proofing your storage setup with larger drives.
Physical dimensions
Size and weight affect portability. The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure measures 4.72 inches in length, 1.89 inches in width, and 0.75 inches in height. It weighs 7.05 ounces. The UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure is slightly larger at 4.8 inches long, 2.6 inches wide, and 1.06 inches high. It is also heavier, weighing 8.18 ounces. The active cooling model is more compact and lighter, making it easier to slip into a bag. The passive model is bulkier due to its fin design, which may be less convenient for travel.
Transfer speed
Both enclosures use the ASM2464PD chip and support USB4 interfaces. They are rated for a maximum transfer speed of 40Gbps. The passive model explicitly states a maximum speed of 3600MB/s. The active cooling model mentions 40Gbps compatibility with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4. To achieve these top speeds, you need compatible cables and host interfaces for both. Neither model lists a lower maximum speed, so they are equal in their potential performance ceiling when paired with the right hardware.
Form factor support
You should verify which SSD sizes fit in each enclosure. Both the UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure and the UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure support the same form factors. They are compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 M.2 drives. This wide range covers most modern NVMe SSDs, from compact modules to standard full-size drives. Both also support M/B+M key interfaces. There is no difference in physical compatibility, so you can use either enclosure with the same variety of SSD sizes.
Choose the right UGREEN enclosure for you
Users needing maximum drive capacity
This model supports NVMe drives up to 8TB. The other model caps at 4TB. Both use the ASM2464PD chip for 40Gbps transfers. If you plan to store large video files or extensive game libraries, the higher capacity limit makes this passive enclosure the practical choice for your future storage needs.
Gamers and video editors
This enclosure features an active cooling system with a PWM turbo fan. It automatically adjusts speed to keep the drive cool. The fan works with a silicone thermal pad and aluminum casing. This active management helps maintain stability during long, intensive data transfers, protecting your hardware from thermal throttling.
Users wanting silent operation
This model relies on a passive double-sided fin design for heat dissipation. It eliminates fan noise entirely. The three-dimensional cooling system provides efficient heat removal without moving parts. If you work in a quiet office or bedroom, this silent approach ensures you do not hear any operational sounds from your external drive.
Travelers seeking lightweight portability
This fan-equipped model weighs 7.05 ounces. The passive alternative weighs 8.18 ounces. Both are aluminum and support 2230 to 2280 form factors. The slightly lighter weight of this model may matter for frequent travelers. It also includes a silicone case to mitigate impact, offering extra protection during transit.
The products compared
UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure
Best for: Users needing active cooling for NVMe drives
- Max Transfer Speed
- 40Gbps
- Host Interface
- USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4
- Drive Interface
- NVMe (M/B+M Key)
- Supported Form Factors
- 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
- Cooling System
- Aluminum alloy casing, cooling fan
- Maximum Capacity
- 4TB
View on Amazon: UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure Affiliate link
This UGREEN enclosure uses an aluminum shell and a built-in PWM fan to manage heat. It connects via USB4 to deliver 40Gbps speeds. The ASM2464PD chip supports UASP acceleration. It fits M.2 NVMe drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes. You get active cooling and a 4TB capacity limit. This model suits users who need reliable thermal management for high-speed transfers.
Pros
- Built-in PWM cooling fan for active heat dissipation
- Pure aluminum alloy casing for superior conductivity
- Supports USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and USB 3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0
- Compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
- Max capacity of 4TB for M/B+M key NVMe drives
Cons
- Active fan adds mechanical complexity and potential noise
- Does not support SSDs with existing heatsinks
- Incompatible with M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Good fit if
- You prioritize thermal stability during sustained transfers
- You use 2280 or smaller NVMe drives
- You have a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 host port
Skip if
- You use M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs
- Your drive already has a built-in heatsink
- You prefer passive cooling without moving parts
Verdict: UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum NVMe Enclosure offers active cooling and broad compatibility for users who need to keep high-speed drives cool. It is ideal for those using standard M.2 NVMe drives with USB4 hosts.
UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure
Best for: silent operation with Thunderbolt 4 hosts
- Max Transfer Speed
- 40Gbps
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0
- Drive Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Supported Form Factors
- 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
- Cooling System
- Double-sided aluminum fins
- Maximum Capacity
- 8TB
View on Amazon: UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure Affiliate link
The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure uses the ASM2464PD chip to reach 3600MB/s over USB4 or Thunderbolt 4. It supports 2230 through 2280 drives up to 8TB. The aluminum body features a double-sided fin design for passive cooling. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. You need a compatible host device to hit top speeds.
Pros
- ASM2464PD chip supports up to 3600MB/s transfer speeds
- Passive cooling with double-sided fin design
- Compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
- Supports NVMe drives up to 8TB capacity
Cons
- Requires Thunderbolt 4 cables and devices for maximum speed
- Thick SSDs may not fit without thinner thermal pads
- Does not support SATA NGFF or mSATA drives
Good fit if
- You need support for smaller 2230 or 2242 M.2 drives
- You want silent operation without a cooling fan
- You use a Thunderbolt 4 host to reach 3600MB/s
Skip if
- You require support for SATA NGFF or mSATA drives
- You cannot use Thunderbolt 4 cables for full speed
- You have very thick SSDs that cannot accommodate thermal pads
Verdict: UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure offers robust passive cooling and broad form factor support. It is ideal for users with Thunderbolt 4 hosts who need silent operation for smaller or standard M.2 drives.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure | UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Max Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Host Interface | USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 | Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0 |
| Drive Interface | NVMe (M/B+M Key) | M.2 NVMe |
| Supported Form Factors | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 |
| Cooling System | Aluminum alloy casing, cooling fan | Double-sided aluminum fins |
| Maximum Capacity | 4TB | 8TB |
| Interface | NVMe | NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 |
| Cooling | Cooling Fan | not stated |
| Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 1.89 × 0.75 inches | 4.8 × 2.6 × 1.06 inches |
| Weight | 7.05 ounces | 8.18 ounces |
| Color | Grey | silver |
| Model | 15976-40GB | 55316 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum NVMe Fan Enclosure support all M.2 drives?
It supports standard M.2 NVMe drives. You should verify your specific drive compatibility before purchasing. This model is designed for users who need active cooling to manage heat during high-speed transfers. It works best with USB4 hosts to achieve its full potential.
Is the UGREEN 40Gbps Passive M.2 NVMe Enclosure compatible with Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, it is ideal for users with Thunderbolt 4 hosts. It offers silent operation through robust passive cooling. This makes it suitable for smaller or standard M.2 drives. The design ensures quiet performance while maintaining reliable data transfer speeds for your connected devices.
What is the weight difference between the two UGREEN enclosures?
The fan enclosure weighs 7.05 ounces. The passive model weighs 8.18 ounces. The passive version is slightly heavier despite lacking a fan. Both use aluminum construction for durability and heat dissipation. You can choose based on your preference for active or passive cooling methods.
Which UGREEN enclosure supports larger drive capacities?
The passive model supports NVMe drives up to 8TB. The fan enclosure caps at 4TB. Both utilize the ASM2464PD chip for 40Gbps transfers. If you need to store large video files or extensive data, the passive model offers greater storage capacity for your needs.
Does the fan enclosure make noise during use?
It includes a built-in PWM turbo high-speed fan. The fan adjusts its speed automatically to manage temperature. This active cooling system helps keep high-speed drives cool. You may hear the fan operate, but it is designed to balance performance with noise levels effectively.
Are both enclosures made of aluminum?
Yes, both models feature aluminum construction. This material helps with heat dissipation and durability. The fan enclosure is grey, while the passive version is silver. The aluminum casing aids in passive cooling for the silent model and complements the active fan in the other.
What is the maximum transfer speed for these UGREEN enclosures?
Both models support up to 40Gbps transfer speeds. They use the ASM2464PD chip to achieve this performance. You need a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 host to reach these speeds. This ensures fast data movement for compatible M.2 NVMe drives connected via USB.