The Most Versatile External DIY SSD, Now Even Faster: Meet the OWC Express 1M2 80G

This is the OWC Express 1M2 80G—our fastest, most flexible Express yet and one of the fastest drives we’ve ever designed. Built on the latest USB4 Version 2.0 (80Gb/s) interface, the new 1M2 80G delivers real-world peak speeds over 6,000 MB/s in a compact, fanless enclosure you can buy ready-to-run—or configure as a DIY kit with your own NVMe SSD.

What’s New on the Express 1M2 80G

The 1M2 80G is purpose-built for next-gen workflows with an 80Gb/s USB4 connection that unlocks dramatically higher throughput compared to the previous-gen 40Gb/s model. That makes the 1M2 80G ideal for high-bitrate video editing, massive photo libraries, game libraries, and scratch-disk duties. It’s also Thunderbolt 5 compatible, meaning as long as you have a host device that supports Thunderbolt 5, you can rest easy that you’re getting the max performance out of the Express 1M2 80G.

Express 1M2 80G features a solid aluminum, heatsink-like finned shell that passively wicks heat away for sustained top speed—no fans, no throttling—while staying compact and travel-ready.

Key features at a glance

• Over 6,000 MB/s real-world performance (with a high-performance NVMe installed).
• DIY or ready-to-run: choose an empty enclosure or pre-built capacities up to 8TB—upgrade anytime.
• Bus-powered convenience via the included 0.3 m USB4 cable—no extra power brick.
• Rugged, silent thermal design keeps speeds consistent without noise.
• Widely compatible with Macs, PCs, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, and Surface devices that have Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4.

DIY Flexibility the OWC Way

Prefer the flexibility of using the Express 1M2 80G as an enclosure? Order the 0TB enclosure and drop in a standard NVMe M.2 SSD (2280 or 2242, M-key). We even include a screwdriver and quick guide. This way, you can upgrade later to faster or higher-capacity media as your needs grow. (Note: M.2 drives with pre-installed heatsinks don’t fit.)

Additional good-to-know details:

• Bootable on Mac (macOS).
• Adjustable status LED (bright, dim, or off).
• 2-year enclosure warranty (3 years on ready-to-run solutions).

USB4 Version 2.0 Compatibility—What You’ll Get With Your Host Device

The Express 1M2 80G is designed to “just work” across a broad range of modern systems, while scaling up to full speed on next-gen hosts.

Works with:

• Macs: Thunderbolt 3/4/5. (TB4/USB4 on Apple silicon requires macOS 14.x or later; TB5 requires macOS 15.x or later; TB3 support is Mac-only and requires macOS 15.x or later.)
• Windows PCs / Chromebooks / Surface: USB4 or Thunderbolt 4/5 (Windows 11 22H2+ recommended for Thunderbolt 5).
• iPad Pro: USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 models on the latest iPadOS.
• Linux: Use the latest Ubuntu for best results.

For full performance (6,000 MB/s):

Connect to a USB4 80Gb/s (USB4 v2.0) or Thunderbolt 5 host and use a high-performance NVMe SSD. Our peak figures were achieved using an OWC Aura IV 2TB in an M3 Ultra Mac Studio with AJA System Test (4K-Full, 64GB file, 16-bit RGB, single-file). Results will vary by host, OS, and drive.

On earlier ports (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 40Gb/s):

You’ll still enjoy excellent portable-NVMe performance—the drive automatically negotiates the best link available—just note that maximum speeds scale with your host’s interface.

Who It’s For

• On-the-go creators who need internal-class scratch performance for 6K/8K media in the field.
• Mobile performance enthusiasts and gamers who want a blazing library or a bootable system they can toss in a bag.
• DIY upgraders who need high performance and prefer choosing their own NVMe now—and swapping later.

Tech Specs

• Interface: 1× USB4 (USB-C), 80Gb/s.
• Drive support: NVMe M.2 2280/2242, M-key (no pre-installed heatsinks).
• Power: Bus-powered. Noise: 0.0 dB.
• Size/weight: 5.2 × 2.8 × 0.9 in; 9.9 oz (approx.).

Pricing & Availability

The OWC Express 1M2 80G is available today at OWC.com and Amazon in the following configurations:

• Enclosure (0TB) $219
• 1TB $349
• 2TB $499
• 4TB $699
• 8TB $1,299

Ready to Build—Or Ready to Roll

Whether you want a plug-and-play portable SSD or a DIY enclosure you can tune for your exact workflow, the Express 1M2 80G brings next-level USB4 v2.0 speed, rugged thermals, and true upgradeability in a palm-sized package.

Learn more and configure your Express 1M2 80G today.