Christmas has arrived, and if you’ve been fortunate enough to receive a shiny new SSD in your stocking, you might be interested in USB M.2 enclosures. If Santa or a loved one has gifted you a new gaming drive this year, there’s a probability you’ll be looking to clone your existing drive to utilize the new one as your primary storage.
Of course, there’s also the possibility that calamity has occurred, and while attempting to install your new SSD for gaming, you discover there’s one less SSD slot on your motherboard than expected. In either scenario, I have the perfect accessory for you. UGREEN crafts some fantastic little gadgets for PC gaming, and its M.2 USB enclosure has come through for me in numerous situations this year. It supports even the latest Gen 5 SSDs and connects them to your computer or PS5, making it a versatile tool.
A device like this allows you to connect your new drive temporarily while you transfer data, or, as a long-term solution, utilize your high-speed new SSD as an external storage option. The UGREEN M.2 Enclosure is currently priced at $19.99 at Amazon, which is a reasonable price for such a multifunctional little device.
If you’re curious about cloning your SSD, you can refer to my useful guide. Not everyone will require a USB enclosure since most top-tier gaming PCs typically feature multiple M.2 slots on their motherboard. However, if you know one of the slots operates on Gen 4 lanes while the others are older Gen 3 lanes, you might prefer to install your newer, faster drive in that optimized slot. In this case, cloning your drive prior to installing it in your PC could be a more straightforward option, particularly if you aim to maintain your boot location unchanged without disrupting some BIOS settings.
If all of that sounds like tech jargon, the gist is that having an M.2 enclosure could greatly simplify your entire transfer process.
Moreover, UGREEN’s M.2 Enclosure could be the ideal resolution for someone lacking available space on their motherboard and wishing to create their own portable SSD. In today’s market, external drives can be expensive, especially if you seek the performance of the finest PS5 external SSDs. If you’ve managed to find a top-performing Gen 4 or Gen 5 drive, it could serve you remarkably well as a portable solution. UGREEN’s device includes a heatsink, ensuring that your PCIe-powered storage remains cool while functioning inside it, and the included cables can provide speeds of up to 10GBps.
The only drawback I perceive with this as a portable storage option is its susceptibility. Transporting your files can subject them to impacts and drops, which is why numerous portable SSDs come equipped with padded exteriors these days. UGREEN’s enclosure features a rubberized sleeve that can be placed around it to protect it from incidental bumps, however, the aluminum chassis still feels somewhat delicate, so placing it in a backpack with heavier items might not be the safest approach.
Nonetheless, an M.2 enclosure like this is a handy device to possess in your toolbox, whether you are enhancing your current PC’s storage, or if you come across an extra drive intended for console gaming and mobile transfers.
Seeking some last-minute gifts for gamers this Christmas? Explore the top PS5 gifts, and the top Xbox gifts.