UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe or UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD? Which UGREEN Model to Buy
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You are deciding between the ugreen 40gbps aluminum m 2 nvme vs 40gbps m 2 nvme SSD enclosures. Both models use the ASM2464PD controller and USB4 interface for up to 40Gbps transfers. They both include active cooling fans and support M.2 NVMe drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors. The main difference lies in maximum capacity support and physical design. One model offers higher storage limits, while the other emphasizes aluminum construction and drop protection.
Key differences
| Aspect | UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure | UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Capacity | 4TB | 8TB |
| Material/Design | Aluminum alloy casing | Aluminum case with silicone anti-drop cover |
| Color | Grey | Silver |
| Model Number | 15976-40GB | CM850 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure if
- You need an enclosure that explicitly supports up to 4TB drives and prefer a grey aluminum finish.
- You want a design that highlights pure aluminum alloy construction for heat conductivity.
- You are using a drive with a capacity of 4TB or less and value the specific model 15976-40GB.
Choose UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure if
- You require support for larger SSDs with capacities up to 8TB.
- You want added protection against accidental drops thanks to the surrounding silicone cover.
- You prefer a silver finish and the CM850 model design.
Verdict: Choose the first model if you prioritize pure aluminum construction and do not need support for drives larger than 4TB. Select the second model if you require support for up to 8TB SSDs and want extra drop protection from the silicone cover. Both enclosures offer identical transfer speeds and cooling performance.
Capacity, Build, and Fit
Max drive capacity
The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports NVMe drives up to 8TB. This higher limit gives you more room for large video projects or extensive game libraries. The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure tops out at 4TB. While 4TB is sufficient for many users, it is half the capacity of the other model. If you need to store massive files, the 8TB limit is a clear advantage. Both models use the same ASM2464PD controller, so the speed potential is similar regardless of the drive size you choose.
Build material
The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure features a pure aluminum alloy casing. Aluminum conducts heat well, helping to dissipate thermal energy from your SSD. This design works with a silicone thermal pad to keep the drive cool during heavy transfers. The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure also has an aluminum case. However, it includes a surrounding silicone cover designed to prevent damage from accidental drops. This drop protection adds a layer of durability that the bare aluminum model lacks, making it slightly more robust for mobile use.
Physical dimensions
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. These compact dimensions make it easy to carry in a laptop bag or fit into tight spaces. The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure lists dimensions of 48.3 inches in length, 22.6 inches in width, and 7.24 inches in height. These figures appear to be data entry errors, as they are physically impossible for this device. You should rely on the 4.72-inch model for accurate size expectations.
Weight
Portability matters if you move your storage between devices. The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure weighs 7.05 ounces. The added aluminum mass helps with heat dissipation but adds some weight. The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure weighs 4.8 ounces. This lighter profile makes it easier to carry around. If you prioritize a lightweight setup for travel or frequent relocation, the lighter model is the better choice. The difference is noticeable when you carry it along with your laptop.
Cooling mechanism
Both enclosures use an active cooling system with a built-in PWM turbo high-speed fan. This fan automatically adjusts its speed to maintain normal operating temperatures. This feature helps protect your SSD and extends its lifespan during long transfers. Both models also mention silicone components to mitigate impact. The aluminum model emphasizes its triple heat dissipation mechanism with a thermal pad. The other model highlights its drop-prevention silicone cover. Since both use active fans, the cooling performance should be comparable, though the aluminum model may dissipate heat slightly faster due to its material.
Which UGREEN 40Gbps enclosure suits you?
Users needing maximum storage capacity
The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports drives up to 8TB. This is double the 4TB limit of the aluminum model. If you plan to store large video files or extensive game libraries, this higher capacity ceiling provides the necessary headroom for future expansion without needing to replace the enclosure.
Users prioritizing physical protection
This model includes a surrounding silicone cover designed to prevent damage from accidental drops. The aluminum version lacks this specific protective feature. If you frequently move your drive between locations or work in environments where bumps are likely, the added durability of the silicone casing offers better peace of mind.
Users preferring premium aluminum build
The UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure features a pure aluminum alloy casing. This material provides excellent heat conductivity compared to other materials. While both use fans, the aluminum body aids in passive heat dissipation alongside the active cooling. This build feels more robust and offers superior thermal properties for sustained workloads.
The products compared
UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure
Best for: Users needing active cooling for high-capacity 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 cooling fan to manage heat for PCIe NVMe drives. It supports 40Gbps transfers via a USB4 Type-C interface, compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and older USB standards. The unit handles M/B+M key drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes, up to 4TB. It includes S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM support for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Pros
- Active PWM cooling fan for thermal management
- Aluminum alloy casing for heat dissipation
- 40Gbps USB4 interface with UASP acceleration
- Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
- S.M.A.R.T. technology and TRIM command support
Cons
- Requires Thunderbolt 4 cables and ports for full 40Gbps speeds
- Not compatible with M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs
- Does not support SSDs with existing heatsinks
Good fit if
- You need active cooling for sustained high-speed transfers
- You use a variety of M.2 form factors like 2230 or 2280
- You want an aluminum enclosure with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring
Skip if
- You plan to use M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSDs
- Your drive already has a bulky heatsink attached
- You want a passive enclosure without moving parts
Verdict: UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum NVMe Enclosure with Fan offers robust thermal control for users needing active cooling. It is ideal for professionals managing large files across various M.2 sizes who prioritize stability over silent operation.
UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
Best for: Users needing active cooling and drop protection
- Max Transfer Speed
- 40Gbps
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4
- Drive Interface
- M/B&M Key NVMe
- Supported Form Factors
- 2230/2242/2260/2280
- Cooling System
- PWM turbo cooling fan, aluminium case
- Maximum Capacity
- 8TB
View on Amazon: UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure Affiliate link
This UGREEN enclosure uses the ASM2464PD chip to deliver up to 40Gbps transfer speeds, reaching about 3600Mbps in practice. It features a built-in PWM cooling fan to manage heat during intensive tasks. The aluminum case includes a silicone cover for drop protection. It supports M/B+M key NVMe drives up to 8TB in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes. It works with USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and standard USB versions on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pros
- 40Gbps interface via ASM2464PD chip
- Built-in PWM cooling fan
- Supports up to 8TB capacity
- Aluminum case with silicone drop cover
- Compatible with 2230 to 2280 form factors
Cons
- Active fan adds moving parts that may wear over time
- Heavier build at 4.8 ounces due to metal and fan
- Does not support SATA or mSATA drives
Good fit if
- You need active cooling for sustained high-speed transfers
- You use various M.2 sizes like 2230 or 2280
- You want drop protection for portable use
Skip if
- You prefer passive cooling for silent operation
- You use SATA or mSATA SSDs
- You need a lighter, more compact enclosure
Verdict: UGREEN 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure with Fan is a robust choice for users who prioritize thermal management and durability. It suits professionals who move large files and need protection against accidental drops.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure | UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Max Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Host Interface | USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 | Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4 |
| Drive Interface | NVMe (M/B+M Key) | M/B&M Key NVMe |
| Supported Form Factors | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 | 2230/2242/2260/2280 |
| Cooling System | Aluminum alloy casing, cooling fan | PWM turbo cooling fan, aluminium case |
| Maximum Capacity | 4TB | 8TB |
| Interface | NVMe | NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Cooling | Cooling Fan | Cooling Fan |
| Transfer Speed | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | not stated |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 1.89 × 0.75 inches | 48.3 × 22.6 × 7.24 inches |
| Weight | 7.05 ounces | 4.8 ounces |
| Color | Grey | silver |
| Model | 15976-40GB | CM850 |
| Size | not stated | 2230/2242/2260/2280 |
Frequently asked questions
Which UGREEN enclosure is better for gaming laptops?
The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure (B0D3WT2T8C) is the better choice. It supports NVMe drives up to 8TB, which is double the 4TB limit of the aluminum model. This extra capacity helps you store extensive game libraries without running out of space quickly.
Does the aluminum UGREEN enclosure have a fan?
Yes, the UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure includes an active cooling fan. This feature provides robust thermal control for users managing large files. It prioritizes stability and heat management over silent operation, making it suitable for professionals who need consistent performance under load.
What M.2 sizes do these enclosures support?
The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors. This flexibility allows you to use various drive sizes. The aluminum model also handles different M.2 sizes, making it ideal for professionals who need compatibility across various drive types.
Is the aluminum enclosure heavier than the standard one?
Yes, the UGREEN 40Gbps Aluminum M.2 NVMe Fan Enclosure weighs 7.05 ounces. The standard UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure is lighter at 4.8 ounces. The extra weight in the aluminum model comes from its durable metal construction and integrated cooling fan system.
Can I use the UGREEN enclosure for video editing?
Both models are suitable for video editing due to their 40Gbps transfer speeds. The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports drives up to 8TB, offering more room for large video projects. The aluminum model also handles large files with active cooling to maintain stability during long transfers.
What is the main difference between the two models?
The primary difference is storage capacity and build material. The UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports up to 8TB, while the aluminum model tops out at 4TB. Additionally, the aluminum model features a metal chassis, whereas the standard model focuses on durability and drop protection.