OWC Express 1M2 80G USB4 External SSD Enclosure

Built to handle tasks ranging from daily data transfers to detailed VFX work, the Express 1M2 80G USB4 External SSD Enclosure from OWC / Other World Computing is designed for 8K+ video editors and colorists, DITs and photographers, AI/ML developers and game designers, and other creative professionals. Equipped with an NVMe M.2 SSD slot, the Express 1M2 80G supports one M.2 2242 or 2280 SSD. It connects to your host system using an 80 Gb/s USB4 or Thunderbolt 5 port with data transfer speeds reaching 6000 MB/s, but is backward compatible with 40 Gb/s USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 at speeds up to 3800 MB/s, or Thunderbolt 3 (Mac only) at speeds up to 2800 MB/s.

The Express 1M2 80G may be formatted APFS for use with macOS 14 and later or the most recent version of iPadOS. It may also be formatted for Windows 11 or the most recent versions of Chrome and Linux. Its aluminum enclosure offers rugged protection while keeping the drive cool for improved performance. The Express 1M2 80G may also be used as a boot drive, but only on Mac. It is plug-and-play, meaning no drivers are required for use, while bus power means that the drive is powered solely using the included USB4 cable.

From daily data transfers to detailed VFX work, the Express 1M2 80G delivers versatile internal storage-class performance externally for:

• 8K+ video editors and colorists
• DITs and high-volume photographers
• AI/ML developers and game designers
• Sports, wedding, and event creatives

The Express 1M2 80G utilizes the latest USB4 technology and a USB-C connector for a one-two performance and compatibility punch to knock out challenging barriers with Mac, Windows, iPad Pro, Chromebook, or Surface devices. When connected to an 80 Gb/s USB4 or Thunderbolt 5 host, it delivers speeds of over 6000 MB/s. 40 Gb/s USB4 hosts can achieve speeds of over 3800 MB/s, while Thunderbolt 4 hosts reach speeds ranging from 2800 to 3800 MB/s. Using Thunderbolt 3, speeds can reach 2800 MB/s.

The Express 1M2 80G offers flexible, future-proof appeal that satisfies diverse audiences:

• DIY enthusiasts wanting to install their own 2280 or 2242 NVMe M.2 SSD.
• Plug-and-play users seeking the simplicity of a ready-to-run high-performance solution.

Plus, either choice is easily expandable when capacity needs grow.

OWC products are loved around the world over for their "It Just Works" ease-of-use and reliability. The Express 1M2 80G can be formatted for use with a Mac or iPad Pro as well as for Windows. If the Express 1M2 80G needs to be used in a mixed OS environment, it can work cross-platform with Macs and PCs using OWC MacDrive software (sold separately) for peace between the platforms.

Speed, silence, and reliability aren't optional, but essential. That's why the Express 1M2 80G sports OWC's deep finned passive-cooling design. By putting power exactly where it matters most - straight to the NVMe drive - instead of a distracting battery-draining fan, long renders, massive exports, and live previews stay smooth and stable.

• Macs with Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and iPad Pros with Thunderbolt 4/USB-C
• Windows, Chromebooks, and Surface devices with Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4

• Thunderbolt 5 for Mac requires macOS 15.x or later
• Thunderbolt 5 for PC requires Windows 11 (version 22H2) or later
• Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 connections on an Apple silicon Mac require macOS version 14.x or later
• Thunderbolt 4 for PC requires Windows 11
• Thunderbolt 3 support is Mac only and requires macOS version 15.x or later
• iPad systems require the latest version of iPad OS
• Chromebook systems require the latest version of Chrome OS
• Surface systems require the latest version of Windows
• Linux users should use the latest version of Ubuntu