ORICO has expanded its storage accessory lineup with the launch of the CNM2-U4-GY, a new USB4-based SSD enclosure designed for users who want high-speed external storage for modern NVMe drives. The enclosure supports PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs and offers up to 40 Gbps bandwidth when connected through a compatible USB4 interface.
The CNM2-U4-GY is designed to accommodate multiple M.2 form factors, including 2280, 2260, 2243, and 2230 drives. ORICO states that the enclosure supports SSD capacities of up to 8TB, allowing users to build high-capacity portable storage solutions for gaming libraries, content creation projects, backups, and large media files.
Powering the enclosure is ASMedia’s ASM2464 controller, a widely used solution for USB4 NVMe enclosures. The controller enables direct NVMe communication over USB4, helping users take advantage of the performance available from modern PCIe SSDs. In addition to USB4 support, the enclosure remains compatible with older USB standards, making it suitable for use across a wide range of desktops, laptops, and mobile workstations.
When connected to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or older interfaces, the enclosure automatically switches to USB mass storage mode while retaining UASP support for improved performance compared to traditional USB storage devices. This ensures broad compatibility without requiring additional software or drivers in most cases.
To help maintain SSD performance during sustained workloads, ORICO combines an aluminum alloy housing with an active cooling system. While the metal enclosure assists with heat dissipation, a built-in 20 mm fan provides airflow directly across the installed SSD and controller. Active cooling can be particularly useful when transferring large files, editing high-resolution video, or running storage-intensive applications that generate significant heat.
The package includes a USB4 Type-C cable for maximum performance. ORICO has also integrated a Type-C to Type-A adapter into the cable design, allowing users to connect the enclosure to older systems. However, bandwidth is limited to 10 Gbps over a USB Type-A connection due to interface limitations.
Key Features of the ORICO CNM2-U4-GY:
- USB4 connectivity with up to 40 Gbps bandwidth
- Supports M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs
- Compatible with 2280, 2260, 2243, and 2230 SSD form factors
- Supports storage capacities up to 8TB
- ASMedia ASM2464 USB4 controller
- UASP support on older USB interfaces
- Aluminum alloy enclosure for improved heat dissipation
- Built-in 20 mm cooling fan for active thermal management
- USB4 Type-C cable included in the box
- Type-C to Type-A adapter integrated into the cable
- Up to 10 Gbps speeds when connected through USB Type-A
The ORICO CNM2-U4-GY is priced at approximately $70, placing it among the more affordable USB4 SSD enclosure options currently available. As demand for faster external storage continues to grow, the enclosure offers a combination of high-speed connectivity, active cooling, and broad SSD compatibility for users looking to repurpose or upgrade NVMe drives into portable storage devices.
