Other World Computing has launched its latest storage solution, and it looks awesome. The new OWC Express 4M2 is a compact aluminum enclosure that supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs and connects via USB4. It promises up to 3200MB per second of real-world performance while staying quiet under pressure.
Each of the four drive bays supports PCIe 4.0 x1 speeds and accepts single- or double-sided M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 “M Key” drives. Just keep in mind that SSDs with heatsinks won’t fit inside. For macOS users, all four slots are bootable, though Boot Camp is not supported. Drives with 512-byte sectors require macOS 10.13 or newer.
The Express 4M2 is fully compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3 or later, and USB-C ports using USB 3.2 Gen 2. It works without drivers on macOS Sonoma and Sequoia, Windows 10 and 11, Windows Server editions, and Linux. Whether you’re building a high-speed workstation on Ubuntu, running Windows 11 Pro, or editing video on a MacBook, this enclosure integrates smoothly. Just plug it in and get to work.
The enclosure includes a certified USB-C to C cable that supports 40Gbps speeds. The internal cooling setup consists of two 40mm fans spinning at 4000RPM, but they only kick in when needed. Most of the time, the aluminum housing handles heat passively, keeping things cool and quiet.
Users have full flexibility when it comes to configuring their SSDs. RAID levels 0, 1, 4, 5, and 10 are all supported. JBOD is also an option. Software RAID is handled by OWC’s SoftRAID tool on select models, but Apple Disk Utility and Windows RAID tools are also supported.
Physically, the enclosure weighs just under 4 pounds and measures about 5.5 inches tall, 7 inches long, and 2.4 inches wide. It’s silver, made of aluminum, and includes LED indicators for power and activity. There’s no built-in Kensington security slot, but the unit feels solid and well-built.
Power is supplied via an external 48-watt adapter. It accepts 100 to 240 volts and delivers 12 volts at 4 amps. If you lose the adapter, replacements are available directly from OWC.
The OWC Express 4M2 is available for pre-order starting at $239.99 for the enclosure alone. If you want it bundled with a license for SoftRAID, that version runs $379.99. Drives are sold separately. Shipping begins next week. For more details or to place an order, visit https://www.owc.com/solutions/express-4m2.
