Satechi Launches USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure for Mac Mini M4

Satechi has introduced a new USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure that features an aluminum design, matching the black and silver finish of the Apple Mac Mini M4. The enclosure is thinner, allowing it to sit atop the compact desktop computer or serve as a stylish stand. It connects via an included braided USB-C cable, making it compatible with any device that supports external storage drives.

The USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure bears a resemblance to Satechi’s previous model that launched in January for $99.99. However, the new enclosure is priced at $119.99, reflecting a $20 increase. It is currently available through Satechi’s online store. Both enclosures can be utilized to expand the storage capacity of the Mac Mini M4 using an SSD. While the earlier Stand & Hub accessory provides additional functionality with extra USB ports and an SD card reader, the new enclosure boasts significantly faster transfer speeds.

The enclosure is compatible with a range of NVMe SSD sizes, specifically 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, and supports capacities from 1TB to 8TB. The previous Stand & Hub model offers transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, while the USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure can achieve speeds of up to 40Gbps, provided that the connected device also supports USB4. In cases where the device does not support USB4, the enclosure remains backwards compatible, albeit with reduced transfer speeds.

Users can easily insert an SSD by removing the bottom of the enclosure with a simple twist, which also reveals a storage compartment for the included short USB-C cable. The minimalist design incorporates a thermal pad and cooling vents, ensuring optimal performance without the risk of thermal throttling.