The OWC Express 1M2 Portable USB4 NVMe SSD External Storage is a portable USB4 enclosure that empowers creative professionals to build a customized, high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician, designer, or content creator, the Express 1M2 offers a compelling blend of flexibility, performance, and durability.

Freedom of Choice: DIY or Pre-configured Solutions
Unlike many enclosures that limit you to pre-selected components, the OWC Express 1M2 caters to your preferences. For maximum control, choose the DIY route and select your ideal NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 SSD. This allows you to tailor the drive capacity and performance to your specific workflow demands. If convenience is your priority, opt for the pre-configured version that comes with a pre-installed OWC Aura SSD. This ensures compatibility and optimized performance out of the box.

Unleashing the Power of USB4 Technology
The OWC Express 1M2 breaks free from the limitations of Thunderbolt enclosures. By leveraging USB4 technology, it delivers maximum performance, ideal for demanding tasks such as 4K video editing and working with large files. This translates to faster data transfer speeds, significantly improving your workflow efficiency. Whether you’re transferring massive RAW image files or editing high-resolution video projects, the Express 1M2 can handle it with ease.

Future-Proof Design for Lasting Performance
The Express 1M2 is built with an eye on the future. The enclosure is compatible with a wide range of NVMe M.2 SSDs, including the OWC Aura SSDs with capacities up to 8.0TB. Additionally, its design can accommodate future drives with even larger capacities, ensuring your storage solution remains relevant for years to come. As your storage needs evolve, you can easily upgrade the internal SSD without having to replace the entire enclosure.

Rugged Durability You Can Depend On
The OWC Express 1M2 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The aluminum heat sink design effectively dissipates heat, maintaining consistent performance even under heavy workloads. This is crucial for creative applications that push your hardware to the limit. Unlike some enclosures that rely on a snap-together design, the Express 1M2 utilizes screws for a more secure and robust enclosure, keeping your valuable SSD protected from bumps, drops, and everyday wear and tear.

Seamless Cross-Platform Compatibility for Mac and PC Users
The Express 1M2 transcends platform limitations. It works seamlessly with both Macs and PCs using OWC MacDrive software (available separately). This allows you to easily access and share your data between different operating systems, providing greater flexibility in your creative workflow. Whether you collaborate with colleagues on different platforms or use a Mac and PC yourself, the Express 1M2 ensures effortless data exchange.

The pre-configured version of the OWC Express 1M2 comes formatted in the native APFS macOS and iPadOS file system, eliminating the need for reformatting hassles. This ensures a plug-and-play experience, getting you up and running quickly. For the DIY version, the included screwdriver facilitates easy assembly.

OWC: A Legacy of Data Reliability
OWC understands the critical nature of your creative data. That’s why they prioritize rigorous testing and certification processes for all their storage solutions, including the Express 1M2. This ensures exceptional data reliability, giving you peace of mind that your valuable files are safe and secure. With the Express 1M2, you can focus on your creative vision without worrying about data loss.

In summary, the OWC Express 1M2 stands out as a versatile storage solution for creative professionals. It combines the flexibility of DIY options with exceptional performance thanks to USB4 technology. The future-proof design, durable build quality, and cross-platform compatibility make it a compelling choice for users who demand a reliable and adaptable storage solution.

As Fast as Your Computer or Device
The Express 1M2 is the fastest single portable SSD we offer and was purposefully built to maximize the performance capabilities of today and tomorrow’s USB4 equipped Macs and PCs. Experience up to an astonishing 3151MB/s speed when you use the Express 1M2 with most Macs and PCs you own from 2020 and newer. You can also enjoy highly effective performance (yep…you can edit 4K video no problem) and flexible compatibility with millions of yesterday’s Thunderbolt and USB-C machines and devices.

Express 1M2 Connected To
Any Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 Mac: USB4 (40Gb/s): 3151MB/s
USB4 (40Gb/s) port on any PC: USB4 (40Gb/s): 3151MB/s
Thunderbolt 4 port on any PC: USB4 (40Gb/s): 3151MB/s
Thunderbolt 3 port on Intel Mac or PC: USB (10Gb/s): 990MB/s
USB-C (10Gb/s) port on iPad, Mac, or PC: USB (10Gb/s): 990MB/s

DIY or Pre-Configured Options
Unlike many enclosures, the OWC Express 1M2 caters to user preference. You can choose the DIY route, selecting your preferred NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 SSD for maximum customization. This allows you to tailor the drive capacity and performance to your specific needs. Alternatively, for a more convenient option, opt for the pre-configured version that comes with a pre-installed OWC Aura SSD, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance.

Unleashing the Power of USB4
The OWC Express 1M2 breaks free from the limitations of Thunderbolt enclosures. By leveraging USB4 technology, it delivers maximum performance, ideal for demanding tasks such as 4K video editing and working with large files. This translates to faster data transfer speeds, significantly improving your workflow efficiency.

Future-Proof Design
The Express 1M2 is built with an eye on the future. The enclosure is compatible with a wide range of NVMe M.2 SSDs, including OWC Aura SSDs up to 8.0TB capacity. Additionally, its design can accommodate future drives with even larger capacities, ensuring your storage solution remains relevant for years to come.

Durability You Can Depend On
The OWC Express 1M2 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The aluminum heat sink design effectively dissipates heat, maintaining consistent performance even under heavy workloads. Unlike some enclosures that snap together, the Express 1M2 utilizes screws for a more secure and robust enclosure, keeping your valuable SSD protected.

Seamless Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Express 1M2 transcends platform limitations. It works seamlessly with both Macs and PCs using OWC MacDrive software (available separately). This allows you to easily access and share your data between different operating systems, providing greater flexibility in your creative workflow.

Effortless Setup and Use
The pre-configured version of the OWC Express 1M2 comes formatted in the native APFS macOS and iPadOS file system, eliminating the need for reformatting hassles. This ensures a plug-and-play experience, getting you up and running quickly.

Data Reliability You Can Trust
OWC understands the critical nature of your data. That’s why they prioritize rigorous testing and certification processes for all their storage solutions, including the Express 1M2. This ensures exceptional data reliability, giving you peace of mind that your valuable files are safe and secure.

Key Features

Blazing-Fast Speeds: Experience real-world performance up to 3151MB/s, ideal for demanding tasks like 4K video editing and working with large files.
Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C computers and devices, future-proofing your storage solution.
Rugged Durability: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction safeguards your SSD while silently dissipating heat for consistent top performance.
Ultimate Choice: Build your own drive with your preferred NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 SSD for maximum customization, or opt for the pre-configured OWC Aura SSD powered solution for guaranteed compatibility and optimized performance.
Effortless Portability: Compact, palm-sized design and bus-powered functionality make it the perfect portable companion for creative work on the go.
All-Inclusive Package: Includes a high-performance USB-C (40Gb/s) cable for speedy data transfer.
Peace of Mind: Backed by a reliable 3-Year OWC Limited Warranty for worry-free use.

Technical Specifications

Included
(1) OWC Express 1M2 External Storage Solution
(1) 0.3M (12″) USB-C (40Gb/s) Cable
(1) Getting Started QR Insert Card
(1) Support Manual for OWC Express 1M2
3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Drive Bays
1 bay supporting: M.2 drives
Supports M.2 2230, M.2 2242, M.2 2280 “M Key” drives
Drive Mechanism
(1) 1.0TB OWC Aura Ultra IV PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD
*OWC reserves the right to replace or upgrade to equivalent or better components.
Mechanisms Supported
NVMe M.2 SSD
Plug and Play
Yes
Boot Support
Mac only
Drive Format
APFS for Mac and iPad systems
Windows and Android users please consult OWC Drive Setup for Windows, Chrome, and Android Platforms for formatting instructions
Storage Interface
M.2
Data Transfer Rate (Maximum)
USB4 : Up to 40 Gb/s (or 5000 MB/s)
Chipset / Controller
USB: ASM2464PD
Host Interface Requirements
USB4 or Thunderbolt (USB-C)1 port
Mac OS Compatibility
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
macOS 10.14 Mojave
macOS 10.15 Catalina
macOS 11.x Big Sur
macOS 12.x Monterey
macOS 13.x Ventura
macOS 14.x Sonoma
PC OS Compatibility
Windows 10 32-bit Edition
Windows 10 64-bit Edition
Windows Server 2016
Windows 11
Linux OS Compatibility
Yes
Mobile OS Compatibility
iPadOS 13
iPadOS 14
iPadOS 15
iPadOS 16
iPadOS 17
iOS 17
Android 13.x
Other OS Compatibility
ChromeOS version 102 and later
Driver Required
No
External Power Adapter
No
Power Supply
Bus-powered
Security Slot
No
Power/Activity LED
Yes
Housing Color
Silver
Housing Material
Aluminum
Dimensions
Height: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Length: 13.2 cm (5.2 in)
Width: 7.0 cm (2.8 in)
Weight
260.0 g (0.57 lbs)
Certifications
BSMI
CE
FCC
RCM
VCCI
Ambient Temperature
Operating: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
Non-Operating: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Humidity
Operating: 8% to 90% non-condensing
Non-Operating: 5% to 95% non-condensing