Introdución
The OWC Express 1M2 is a high-performance external enclosure designed for NVMe M.2 Solid State Drives. It provides ultra-fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing, large file transfers, and gaming. Its robust aluminum heat sink design ensures optimal thermal management for consistent performance and drive longevity. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your OWC Express 1M2.
- Ultra-rápido: Achieves over 2x faster speeds than typical Thunderbolt portable enclosures, with real-world performance up to 3151MB/s.
- Ultra-compatible: Designed for use with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C computers and devices.
- Ultra-reliable & Innovative: Features a patent-pending heat-dissipating design that protects your SSD and maintains top speeds without throttling.
- Flexible DIY: Supports your choice of NVMe M.2 2280, 2242, or 2230 SSDs.
- Portátil: Bus-powered and compact, allowing for convenient use anywhere.
- Completar: Includes a 40Gb/s USB-C cable and a screwdriver for assembly.
O que hai na caixa
Ao abrir a embalaxe, comprobe que estean presentes todos os compoñentes:
- OWC Express 1M2 Enclosure
- 40Gb/s USB-C Cable
- Screwdriver (for enclosure assembly)
- Assembly Manual and User Guide (this document)
Setup: NVMe SSD Installation
Follow these steps to install your NVMe M.2 SSD into the OWC Express 1M2 enclosure:
- Preparar o recinto: Using the included screwdriver, carefully remove the screws from the back panel of the OWC Express 1M2 enclosure. Gently slide open the enclosure to reveal the internal circuit board.
- Insert the NVMe SSD: Locate the M.2 slot on the circuit board. Align the notches on your NVMe M.2 2280, 2242, or 2230 SSD with the key in the M.2 slot. Gently push the SSD into the slot at an angle until it is fully seated.
- Protexer o SSD: Once inserted, gently press the SSD down towards the circuit board. Secure the SSD in place using the provided screw or retention clip, depending on the design. Ensure the SSD is flat and firmly held.
- Pechar o recinto: Carefully slide the back panel of the enclosure back into place, ensuring it aligns correctly. Reinsert and tighten the screws using the screwdriver to secure the enclosure.

Figura 1: Explotado view illustrating the OWC Express 1M2 enclosure, its internal components, and the included screwdriver for SSD installation.
Operating the OWC Express 1M2
The OWC Express 1M2 is designed for plug-and-play operation with compatible devices.
Conectando ao teu dispositivo
Use the included 40Gb/s USB-C cable to connect the OWC Express 1M2 to your computer or device. The enclosure is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the connected port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter.
- Connect one end of the USB-C cable to the port on the OWC Express 1M2.
- Connect the other end of the USB-C cable to a compatible USB4, Thunderbolt, or USB-C port on your computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet).

Figure 2: The OWC Express 1M2 connected to a laptop, demonstrating its portable and bus-powered operation.
Rendemento e compatibilidade
The OWC Express 1M2 leverages advanced connectivity to deliver exceptional speeds:
- USB4 (40Gb/s): Provides real-world speeds up to 3151MB/s when connected to USB4 or Thunderbolt ports on Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 Macs, iPads, or compatible PCs.
- Thunderbolt 3/4: Fully compatible and will operate at USB4 speeds.
- USB-C (10Gb/s): Compatible with USB-C ports, offering speeds up to 990MB/s.

Figure 3: The OWC Express 1M2 offers broad compatibility across various modern interfaces.
Once connected, the enclosure and the installed SSD will appear as an external drive on your system. You may need to format the SSD for first-time use, depending on your operating system and intended purpose.
Mantemento e coidados
Proper care ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your OWC Express 1M2 enclosure.
- Limpeza: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior of the enclosure. Avoid using liquid cleaners, aerosols, or solvents.
- Temperatura: Operate and store the enclosure within recommended environmental temperatures. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.
- Manexo: Handle the enclosure with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, which could damage the internal components or the installed SSD.
- Disipación de calor: The aluminum enclosure acts as a large heat sink. It is normal for the device to feel warm to the touch during operation, especially during intensive data transfers. This indicates that the heat dissipation system is working effectively to keep the internal SSD cool and prevent thermal throttling.

Figure 4: The enclosure's design is optimized for passive heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance.
Resolución de problemas
If you encounter issues with your OWC Express 1M2, refer to the following common solutions:
Device Not Recognized or Not Appearing
- Comproba as conexións: Ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the OWC Express 1M2 and your computer's port.
- Proba con outro porto/cable: Connect the enclosure to a different USB4, Thunderbolt, or USB-C port on your computer. If possible, try a different compatible USB-C cable.
- Verify SSD Installation: Power down your computer, disconnect the enclosure, and re-open it to ensure the NVMe SSD is correctly seated and secured in its slot.
- Comprobar a Administración de discos (Windows) / Utilidade de discos (macOS): The drive may need to be initialized or formatted. Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to see if the drive is detected but unformatted.
Rendemento lento
- Verify Port Speed: Ensure you are connected to a USB4 or Thunderbolt port on your computer for maximum performance. Connecting to a slower USB-C (10Gb/s) or older USB port will result in lower speeds.
- SSD Health: Check the health and performance of the installed NVMe SSD using appropriate software. A failing or heavily used SSD may exhibit slower speeds.
- Carga do sistema: High CPU usage or other demanding applications running in the background can affect transfer speeds.
Enclosure Feels Warm
- This is normal. The OWC Express 1M2 is designed with an aluminum heat sink enclosure to dissipate heat generated by the NVMe SSD during operation. A warm enclosure indicates that the thermal management system is actively working to maintain optimal operating temperatures for the SSD.
Intermittent Disconnections (Specific to Mac Studio with Multiple Peripherals)
- Some users of Mac Studio with multiple peripherals connected have reported intermittent disconnections. If you experience this, consider connecting the OWC Express 1M2 to a powered USB-C or Thunderbolt hub. This can provide more stable power delivery and resolve disconnection issues.
Especificacións
| Característica | Detalle |
|---|---|
| Marca | OWC |
| Serie | Express 1M2 |
| Número de modelo | OWCUS4EXP1M2 |
| Tipo de disco duro | Solid State Drive (NVMe M.2) |
| Supported M.2 Sizes | 2280, 2242, 2230 |
| Tecnoloxía de conectividade | USB4, Thunderbolt, USB-C |
| Interface de disco duro | PCIE x 4 |
| Taxa máxima de transferencia de datos | Up to 40Gb/s (3151MB/s real-world) |
| Fonte de enerxía | Alimentado por autobús |
| Peso do elemento | 9.2 onzas (aprox. 261 gramos) |
| Dimensións do produto (LxWxH) | 5.1 x 0.9 x 2.7 polgadas (aprox. 13.0 x 2.3 x 6.9 cm) |
| Cor | Prata |
| Dispositivos compatibles | Escritorio, portátil, tableta |
| Tipo de instalación | Carcasa de disco duro externo |
| Usos específicos | Business, Gaming, Multimedia |
Garantía e Soporte
The OWC Express 1M2 enclosure comes with a 2-Year OWC Limited Warranty. If purchased as a complete solution with an OWC Aura SSD, the solution typically carries a 3-Year OWC Limited Warranty.
For technical support, driver downloads, frequently asked questions, and warranty claims, please visit the official OWC (Other World Computing) website. Ensure you have your product model number (OWCUS4EXP1M2) and proof of purchase available when seeking support.





