HyperDrive Next USB4 M.2 PCIe enclosure
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The HyperDrive Next USB4 M.2 PCIe enclosure is a $200 accessory that lets you use NVMe SSDs for data storage.
- It ensures excellent read and write speeds as well as effective heat management in a durable design.
- Using this accessory requires a computer with a Thunderbolt 4 port.
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It’s an interesting device. This enclosure has one use: to house SSDs and PCIe modules for data storage. With the right component, it effectively becomes a fancy flash drive. One that ensures speedy file management and, according to the company, the capacity to house machine learning accelerators.
. The key numbers to watch for regarding file transfers are read speed, which measures how quickly a computer can access stored data, and write speed, which measures how quickly a computer can save new files.
Once everything was set up, I ran these tests with CrystalDiskMark, an open-source benchmarking tool that evaluates solid-state drive performance.
The enclosure has a pretty cool design, too, combining a sleek aluminum form factor with rugged durability. When placed in its silicone sleeve, the accessory achieves an IP55 rating, protecting against dust and small splashes of water. Along the enclosure body are a series of ridges. These increase the overall surface area, helping to release heat into the air. Customers also receive thermal pads that sit on top of the SSD to absorb more heat.
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Installation is very straightforward. Pop open the top, then slide the SSD or PCIe module into the receiving slot until it clicks into place.
Who the drive is for
Typically, SSDs like the Samsung 9100 Pro need to be installed in a PC to be used. This enclosure effectively turns that drive into a USB stick, like the kind you buy at an electronics store. HyperDrive’s accessory is meant for professionals who own high-capacity, high-speed storage and need a way to utilize it. I recommend the device to videographers, content creators, AI developers, and even multimedia archivists looking to put their SSD stick to good use.