Cable Matters
Aluminum 10Gbps USB C Hard Drive Enclosure for 2.5 inch SSD/HDD
Best portable solution for upgrading 2.5-inch drive storage speeds.
Easily add fast backup storage to your computer using this Cable Matters USB-C Gen 2 External Enclosure for 2.5" SSDs or HDDs. It connects conveniently to systems with USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3 ports, featuring tool-free installation for quick setup. The sturdy aluminum housing protects your drive while aiding heat dissipation and limiting EMI noise. It supports advanced protocols like UASP, TRIM, and S.M.A.R.T for enhanced performance and drive health monitoring. Note that M1/M2 Macs are limited to 5Gbps, and 3.5" drives are not compatible.
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
49
/ 561
#49 in Hard Drive Enclosures & Mounts
Interface
3.1210
/ USB Gen (Gbps)
Who it's for
- Creative professionals needing fast file transfers for large projects
- Users prioritizing long-term drive protection and thermal performance
- Modern laptop owners requiring reliable, universal USB-C connectivity
Who should skip it
- Performance enthusiasts expecting full 10Gbps speeds from SATA drives
- Users who frequently swap drives and prefer tool-free convenience
- Owners of high-capacity mechanical drives using older, low-power ports
Performance breakdown
Transfer Speed
USB 3.1 Gen 2 delivers snappy performance for most daily tasks.
Installation Ease
Tool-free design makes swapping drives a quick and effortless process.
Thermal Management
Aluminum housing effectively dissipates heat to keep drives running cool.
Build Quality
Sturdy metal construction provides reliable protection for your internal hardware.
Protocol Support
UASP and TRIM integration ensures optimized data throughput and drive health.
Connectivity Versatility
Broad compatibility across USB-C and Thunderbolt ports offers excellent system flexibility.
Key Specs
Interface
USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Drive Support
2.5" SATA SSD or HDD (up to 9.5mm thick)
Material
Aluminum
Compatibility
USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB-A (with included cable)
Supported Protocols
UASP, TRIM, S.M.A.R.T
Data Transfer Speed
10Gbps (limited by host/drive)
Internal Drive Interface
SATA I/II/III
Product ID
201079-BLK
Features
- Tool-free installation for quick drive swapping
- Sturdy aluminum housing aids heat dissipation
- Supports UASP for faster read/write speeds
- Portable external storage solution
- Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
- Supports TRIM and S.M.A.R.T technologies
- Fast 10Gbps data transfer rate capability
- Protects drive while limiting EMI noise
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise this enclosure for its premium quality and exceptional reliability. The robust aluminum construction is frequently highlighted, offering superior durability and effective heat dissipation crucial for high-speed SSDs. The core appeal is the validated 10Gbps transfer speed, enabling near native performance ideal for demanding tasks like large file transfers or video editing. Installation is simple and quick. While priced above budget options, users confirm the stable performance, reliable chipset, and superior build quality fully justify the investment. This enclosure is considered a top-tier product delivering on its promise of speed and dependable operation.
Know before you buy
No, this enclosure is designed exclusively for 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or HDDs with a maximum thickness of 9.5mm. It does not provide the power or physical space required for 3.5-inch drives.
No tools are required. The enclosure features a tool-free design that allows you to slide the cover off, insert your drive, and secure it quickly without needing a screwdriver.
Certain M1 and M2 Mac models have specific hardware limitations that cap the USB data transfer rate at 5Gbps when using this type of enclosure. While you will still experience reliable performance, you will not reach the maximum 10Gbps potential of the device.
Yes, the enclosure includes a cable that allows you to connect to USB-A ports. However, keep in mind that your actual transfer speeds will be limited by the version of the USB port on your computer.
The aluminum construction serves two main purposes: it acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat away from your drive during heavy use, and it provides a durable, protective shell that helps minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Yes, it supports S.M.A.R.T. technology, which allows your computer to monitor the health status of your drive and alert you to potential failures before they happen.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.