UGREEN 40Gbps USB4 NVMe Enclosure, Silent Power [Review]

UGREEN 40Gbps USB4 NVMe Enclosure, Silent Power [Review]

November 15, 2024 18:00 EST • Alexandre Vallières-Lagacé • 4 minute read

As NVMe SSDs become faster and more affordable, the need for high-quality external enclosures grows. UGREEN enters the premium segment with their USB4 NVMe enclosure, promising not just high performance but exceptional build quality and silent operation. Let’s explore how this premium enclosure delivers on these promises.

Design

The enclosure showcases UGREEN’s attention to detail with its unibody aluminum construction. The sandblasted finish not only looks premium but also serves as an effective heat sink. The tool-free design features a sliding mechanism that feels solid and precise, with none of the wobble or flex often found in lesser enclosures.

The enclosure’s thermal design stands out with its internal cooling system. Unlike many competitors that rely solely on passive cooling, UGREEN implements a sophisticated fan system that manages to remain virtually inaudible while maintaining optimal temperatures. The fan is so quiet that you’ll need to place your ear next to the enclosure to confirm it’s running.

Features

  • USB4/Thunderbolt 4 compatible (40Gbps)
  • Tool-free installation design
  • Active cooling with ultra-quiet fan
  • Aluminum unibody construction
  • Support for PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 NVMe SSDs
  • LED activity indicator
  • Included USB4/Thunderbolt cable
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports drives up to 8TB

Build Quality

The build quality is where this enclosure truly shines. The aluminum housing is precision-machined with perfectly aligned seams and edges. The sliding mechanism operates with a satisfying smoothness that speaks to the tight manufacturing tolerances. Even the rubber feet are precisely applied and firmly attached.

Thermal Design

The thermal solution deserves special mention. The fan implementation is remarkable not just for its effectiveness but for its near-silent operation. At typical loads, the fan is practically inaudible even in a quiet room. Under heavy loads, it remains whisper-quiet while effectively maintaining safe operating temperatures.

Assembly and Usage

The tool-free design makes drive installation a breeze. The sliding mechanism provides secure mounting for M.2 drives of all sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280), with the thermal pad pre-installed and perfectly positioned. The mechanism locks firmly in place, ensuring good contact with the thermal solution.

Performance

The enclosure delivers on its 40Gbps promise, allowing modern NVMe drives to perform at near-internal speeds. Testing with a PCIe 4.0 drive showed sequential read speeds over 2,800MB/s and write speeds exceeding 2,600MB/s when connected to a USB4 or Thunderbolt port.

For testing this enclosure, I’m using the Kingston NV3, an affordable but fast NVMe drive with up to 6,000 MB/s transfer speeds. After running it through benchmarks, we are easily getting speeds of 3,215 MB/s (read) and 3,100 MB/s (write). Easily go faster than the 2,800 MB/s this drive should theoretically work.

Thermal Performance

During extended file transfers and intensive operations, the enclosure maintains impressively low temperatures. The combination of the aluminum body and active cooling keeps even the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives well within their optimal operating range. Most importantly, this is achieved without any noticeable noise increase.

After running multiple benchmarks, the enclosure was only slightly warm. Far from other fast enclosure I’ve tested where the enclosure could get very, very hot!

Acoustic Performance

The acoustic performance is remarkable. At idle and during typical use, the fan is virtually silent. Even under sustained heavy loads, the noise level remains barely perceptible. This is achieved through:

  • Precision-engineered fan bearings
  • Optimized fan blade design
  • Smart fan control that adjusts speed gradually
  • Vibration-dampening mounting

In daily use, the enclosure’s premium build quality translates to a confidence-inspiring experience. The solid construction means you can toss it in a bag without worry, while the efficient cooling ensures consistent performance even during demanding tasks like video editing directly from the drive.

Compatibility

The ASM2464PD chip inside the UGREEN USB4 Enclosure is the first non-Intel chip to be Thunderbolt 4 certified since last March. The enclosure works flawlessly with both USB4 and Thunderbolt ports. It’s backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 3.1 ports, though naturally at reduced speeds. The included cable is high quality, though some users might wish it were longer for certain setups.

After extended testing, the enclosure shows no signs of wear. The sliding mechanism remains smooth, the fan continues to operate silently, and performance remains consistent. The quality of materials and construction suggests this enclosure will maintain its reliability well into the future.

Conclusion

The UGREEN USB4 NVMe Enclosure represents a perfect balance of performance, build quality, and acoustic engineering. While the price ($79.99 US, $109.99 CA) positions it in the premium segment, the exceptional build quality, nearly silent operation, and effective cooling justify the investment for users who value quality and reliability.

For professionals who need high-performance external storage without noise distraction, or anyone who appreciates premium build quality, this enclosure is an excellent choice. The combination of tool-free design, excellent thermal management, and virtually silent operation makes it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

The few minor drawbacks - like the cable length - are far outweighed by the enclosure’s strengths. UGREEN has created a product that doesn’t just meet the needs of demanding users but exceeds expectations in build quality and acoustic performance.

Review Summary

40Gbps USB4 NVMe EnclosureUGREEN
40Gbps USB4 NVMe Enclosure

A premium USB4/Thunderbolt-compatible M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure featuring active cooling and exceptional build quality.

UGREEN USB4 NVMe Enclosure

The Good Stuff
  • Premium aluminum construction
  • Nearly silent operation
  • Excellent thermal management
  • Tool-free design
  • Compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt
  • Official Thunderbolt 4 certified
The Bad Stuff
  • Premium price point
  • Cable could be longer
The Ratings
Design
90%
Build Quality
100%
Performance
90%
Value
80%
Overall: 90%
Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
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