OWC Knowledge base

Created on: August 16, 2018
Last updated: April 19, 2022

Overview

The Express 4M2 enclosure only works with NVMe (PCIe 3.0) SSDs. SATA M.2 drives will not function if installed.

Note that you cannot distinguish an NVMe M.2 drive from a SATA-based drive just by looking at the M.2 connector key. Both types of drives can utilize the M-key style connector required by this enclosure. Therefore the only way to verify the M.2 drives are the correct type, is to make sure the specifications and/or packaging specifically mention the use of NVMe and an M-key connector.

Note also the required M.2 form factor is "2280" (i.e. 22mm wide x 80mm long).

Known Incompatibilities (NVMe drives)

Samsung 970 EVO
- all capacities
- Incompatible firmware version: 1B2QEXE7
  - update to 2B2QEXE7 or later using Samsung Magician software
    - M.2 compatible PC with Windows 7 or later required
    - Flashing the firmware while installed in the Express 4M2 enclosure is not recommended

Samsung 970 EVO+
- all capacities
- Incompatible firmware version: 1B2QEXM7
  - update to 2B2QEXM7 or later using Samsung Magician software
    - M.2 compatible PC with Windows 7 or later required
    - Flashing the firmware while installed in the Express 4M2 enclosure is not recommended

OWC Express 4M2: Drive Compatibility