DataCenterNews US - Specialist news for cloud & data center decision-makers
Ps owc usb4 express 4m2 hero left lyx333

OWC Express 4M2 offers silent, high-speed USB4 SSD storage

Yesterday

Other World Computing has unveiled the OWC Express 4M2, a four-slot NVMe M.2 SSD USB4 enclosure aimed at delivering high-speed data performance alongside broad device compatibility and advanced thermal management.

The company has stated that the new OWC Express 4M2 is intended to support intensive creative and business workflows. It accommodates up to four NVMe M.2 SSDs, including 2230, 2242, or 2280 form factors, and achieves speeds of up to 3200MB/s. The enclosure offers several RAID configurations—0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0—allowing flexibility for users who require either maximum data performance, redundancy, or a combination of both.

Performance and features

The Express 4M2 has been designed to perform under demanding conditions, such as on-set footage backup, editing of 8K video, and managing large photo libraries. Its aluminium chassis, in combination with smart thermal fans, ensures that the device maintains stable performance without overheating or excessive noise during extended or high-load use. According to OWC, the enclosure operates with near-silent fans, activating only when necessary to cool the drives, allowing for uninterrupted concentration for professionals.

Connectivity is a core aspect of the new enclosure. Fully compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C interfaces, it integrates into both Mac and PC workflows. The unit includes a certified 40Gb/s USB-C to C cable to facilitate swift connectivity as part of the standard package.

User options and expansion

Certain variants of the Express 4M2 are supplied with OWC's SoftRAID software, enabling fast and flexible RAID management. Users are also able to configure RAID using Apple Disk Utility RAID, Windows Disk Management RAID, or Windows Storage Spaces. This compatibility underscores the cross-platform approach favoured by OWC for its latest device.

The Express 4M2 is packaged as a do-it-yourself solution, with users able to install their own choice of NVMe M.2 SSDs. The enclosure affords protection to internal components by employing aircraft-grade aluminium, contributing to both ruggedness and heat dissipation. OWC is offering a two-year limited warranty with the unit.

Customer feedback and design improvements

"We built the original Express 4M2 to give professionals the speed and flexibility they need – but we're always listening and looking for ways to improve," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). "Our customers told us they wanted the same performance in a quieter, more adaptable solution. So that's exactly what we delivered. With the addition of USB4 and smart thermal controls, this new version offers faster speeds, more RAID options, and broad compatibility – giving users the tools they need to work efficiently, without distractions."

OWC lists the key benefits of the device as including up to 3200MB/s real-world performance, support for multiple SSD formats, and a balance between durability, speed, and silent operation. The company has emphasised that the Express 4M2 is engineered for "uninterrupted creative focus" and versatility across operating systems and connection types.

Availability and pricing

The OWC Express 4M2 is currently available for pre-order, with units expected to ship within the coming week. The pricing is set at USD $239.99 for the 0GB model, and USD $379.99 for the 0GB model bundled with a three-year SoftRAID licence.

The launch of the OWC Express 4M2 expands the company's portfolio of data storage solutions tailored towards media production, photography, and business professionals. The product is designed for users who require high transfer rates, low noise, and robust data security across both Mac and PC systems.

The enclosure is designed for users seeking a near-silent, high-capacity, and high-speed storage solution that accommodates evolving workflow needs without compromising compatibility or reliability.

Follow us on:
Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on X
Share on:
Share on LinkedIn Share on X