Solid State Drives (SSDs) have essentially become the standard in contemporary computing. Many users upgrade from older laptops or desktop computers primarily due to the limited storage capacity of their original SSDs, opting for larger replacements.
However, the original SSDs shouldn’t just be discarded; they can serve as effective external storage solutions.
Consider reusing your older SSD as handy storage while traveling, a fast temporary storage option, or for cloning purposes when setting up new drives.
There are various specialized USB enclosures tailored for these needs.
The installation process for these enclosures is typically straightforward. Continue reading for some practical and occasionally unexpected ways to make the most of your used SSD, along with crucial tips to avoid mispurchases.
2.5-Inch SSD Enclosures
A convenient approach to extend the life of your 2.5-inch SSD is by placing it inside an external hard drive enclosure.
These enclosures can accommodate both SSDs and traditional HDDs, accommodating drive thicknesses of 7mm and 9.5mm, with options available in plastic or aluminum materials.
Metal enclosures typically cost a bit more compared to plastic ones. Prices can start from as low as $10.
Generally, no tools are needed to install your 2.5-inch SSD. For instance, the Ugreen 2.5″ Hard Drive Enclosure is available on Amazon for around $10; you simply slide the cover open and place your drive inside.
Connect the internal SSD to the SATA III port before securing the cover. This makes your external SSD fully operational. When connected to your computer, most 2.5-inch USB enclosures utilize USB 3.2 Gen1 (previously known as USB 3.0), offering theoretical transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. In reality, transfer rates of around 500MBps are achievable.
Testing with the Samsung 860 EVO SATA SSD revealed sequential read and write speeds between 430 and 450MBps using the CrystalDiskMark benchmark tool.
You can also find some 2.5-inch enclosures equipped with a Type-C interface. These models often support USB 3.2 Gen2 and are capable of speeds up to 10Gbps, nearly maximizing the potential of the SATA interface with data transfer rates between 530 and 560MBps. Such enclosures begin at about $20. Enhanced features may come at a higher price.
For instance, the Ineo Rugged Waterproof & Shockproof External Hard Drive Enclosure is priced around $20.
SSD Docking Stations – One or Two Bays
If you aim to use your removed SSD without hassle, a docking station can be a viable option, connecting with your computer via USB, similar to an external drive.
Though less mobile, these docking stations can efficiently sit on your desk. Entry-level models often feature one bay and are typically designed for reuse with mechanical hard drives. If you happen to have an older docking station labeled for HDDs, it may still recognize your SSD if it includes a SATA interface.
After inserting your drive into the dock’s SATA interface, plug the docking station into your USB and power it on. Generally, Windows recognizes connected devices automatically without requiring additional driver installations.
If the drive doesn’t appear in Windows Explorer, check the disk management settings; often, a reformatting will be required, leading to the loss of any existing data.
Older docking stations may only support USB 2.0, resulting in slower transfer speeds, while new models support faster connections. Single-bay docking stations featuring USB-C technology and 10Gbps transfer capabilities start at approximately $40.
For dual-bay options, integrated cloning capabilities allow duplication of one drive onto another without needing a PC. Prices start around $45 and can go up to $70 for models accommodating both NVMe and SATA SSDs, such as the Sabrent USB Type-C Docking Station.
Before purchasing a docking station, verify the maximum supported storage capacity. The Sabrent option mentioned accommodates up to 30TB, which is quite generous.
Basic USB Adapters
USB adapters for SATA or PCIe to USB are primarily intended for temporary use, such as for quick SSD checks or data transfers. For SSDs, you can usually forgo an external power supply.
Look for adapters that mention USB 3.0 or SuperSpeed USB in the description. Basic models start around $20, and those with external power supplies cost more.
The selection of USB adapters featuring an M.2 slot is still relatively limited. At their simplest, they comprise an M.2 slot, a converter, and a USB port.
Prices for basic models begin at approximately $20. Simply connect a flash memory into the M.2 port and typically secure it with provided screws. Most models accommodate sizes ranging from 2230 to 2280 millimeters.
It’s critical to observe that M.2 connections may support either SATA or NVMe SSDs, yet not all adapters support both types automatically.
Adapters designed with stands simplify usage, ideally supporting both SATA and NVMe SSDs while facilitating connections to both Type A and Type C interfaces.
Dual adapters provide USB 3.2 Gen2 speeds and typically start around $30. One example is the M.2 NVMe & SATA to USB C Docking Station, which even features RGB lighting.
SSD Enclosure for M.2
Due to the small size of latches for M.2 slots, most external cases are compact, making them ideal for converting internal M.2 SSDs into portable drives.
Currently, the majority of M.2 enclosures feature Type-C connections compliant with USB 3.2 Gen2, a design that ensures adequate bandwidth for fast data transfers and is widely compatible with modern computers equipped with USB-C ports.
However, the actual transfer speeds are influenced by the SSD, the converter chip, and the external connection.
For instance, an NVMe SSD utilizing a PCIe 3.0 connection embedded with four lanes (x4) can reach approx. 1GBps per lane.
Consequently, when placed in an external housing, the speed is limited by the USB 3.2 Gen2 interface alone.
In our testing, external NVMe SSDs demonstrated sequential transfer rates ranging from 900MBps to over 1,000MBps, while SATA M.2 SSDs exhibited lower speeds due to interface constraints.
When shopping for an M.2 enclosure, start with your used M.2 SSD. Prices begin at around $16 for SATA options, while enclosures that accept both types start from $25 or higher. An example would be the Orico PWDM2, which allows tool-free SSD installation and includes a cooling pad to help dissipate heat efficiently.
As transfer speeds of USB-C connections rise, so does the cost of external enclosures, with models featuring USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connections (offering speeds up to 2GBps) generally priced above $45.
These enclosures are typically intended for NVMe SSDs, often designed to minimize heat buildup that comes with higher operating speeds. However, this design may reduce the compactness.
Thunderbolt and USB 4 Enclosures
The priciest models on the market are those equipped with Type-C connections for Thunderbolt 3 and 4 or USB 4, capable of reaching speeds up to 40Gbps. Given the higher speeds, these enclosures often are constructed from aluminum and may include features like cooling fins or mini fans to manage heat effectively.
As functionality increases, so does the price, with passively cooled cases starting around $80 and those with integrated fans ranging from $140. Our tests with a Kingston SNV2S/1000G NVMe SSD and a Ugreen CM642 on a USB 4 port yielded read speeds around 2,500MBps and write speeds over 2,000MBps—remarkable performance.
Enclosures of this caliber are beneficial for anyone needing to continually back up large data volumes, such as video editors.
Special Solution: USB-C Hubs
With ultra-mobile laptops leaning heavily on USB-C connectivity, having a docking station or a Type-C hub is crucial for maintaining compatibility with familiar devices like monitors and USB drives.
Some larger Type-C hubs even include an M.2 slot designed for SATA and/or NVMe SSDs. Just like before, ensure compatibility with your specific SSD model before making a choice.
Multi-connectors featuring a combo slot for various M.2 SSD types simplify your setup. The options available, including features and connection types, often dictate the price range.
On average, USB-C hubs with an M.2 SSD slot start around $50, while corresponding docking stations begin at approximately $80.
It’s prudent to thoroughly check product descriptions for connection types, especially with NVMe SSDs where USB-C with a minimum of 10Gbps is common. For instance, the Wavlink USB C Docking Station is priced at around $110.
The SSD slot—which can accommodate both NVMe and SATA types—is located beneath the top cover and requires no tools for installation. Remember to utilize a silicone cooling pad on the SSD for optimal heat dissipation. Once connected, the SSD behaves like any external drive linked to your USB port.
