Introduction
The JEYI 4-Bay M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure is a high-performance external storage solution designed to transform up to four PCIe M.2 NVMe SSDs (2280 form factor) into a versatile and powerful storage system. It supports Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB 4, offering data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps. This enclosure provides flexible RAID configurations (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and JBOD) to optimize for speed, redundancy, or capacity, catering to various professional and personal storage needs. Its compact and durable aluminum design ensures efficient heat dissipation and portability.
Package Contents
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 1 x JEYI 4-Bay M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- 1 x 40Gbps Type-C to Type-C Cable
- 1 x 12V/3A Power Adapter (US plug variant shown in images)
- 4 x Thermal Silicone Pads
- 1 x Screwdriver
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Y-LD4P |
| Brand Name | JEYI |
| External Interface | USB4 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4/3 & USB 4.0 40Gbps compatible) |
| Supported SSD Type | M.2 NVMe SSD (2280 form factor, B&M-Key, M-Key) |
| Number of Bays | 4 |
| Max Single SSD Capacity | 8TB |
| Max Total Capacity | 32TB (4x 8TB SSDs) |
| Max Transfer Speed | 40Gbps (Quad disk RAID 0) |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, JBOD (Soft RAID) |
| Case Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 94mm x 70mm x 25mm (3.70in x 2.76in x 0.98in) |
| Chipset | ASM2464PDX |
| Power Input | 12V/3A (external power adapter required) |
Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install your M.2 NVMe SSDs into the enclosure:
- Open the aluminum case: Use the provided screwdriver to carefully remove the screws and open the aluminum casing of the enclosure.
- Insert SSDs: Gently insert your M.2 NVMe SSDs into the available slots. The enclosure supports 2280 form factor NVMe SSDs (B&M-Key and M-Key). No SSD screws are needed for installation.
- Apply thermal pads: Place the thermal silicone pads over the installed SSDs. These pads help in heat dissipation.
- Close the case: Carefully put the aluminum case back together and secure it with the screws.
- Connect power: Connect the 12V/3A power adapter to the enclosure and plug it into a power outlet.
- Connect data cable: Connect one end of the 40Gbps Type-C to Type-C cable to the enclosure and the other end to your computer's Thunderbolt 4/3 or USB 4 port.
Important Note:
- The enclosure is not compatible with SATA SSDs. Ensure your SSDs are PCIe NVMe.
- Connecting the attached 12V 3A adapter is required for proper operation, especially when using multiple SSDs or high-capacity drives.
Operating Instructions
RAID Configuration
The JEYI 4-Bay M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure supports various Soft RAID configurations, allowing you to optimize your storage for speed, redundancy, or capacity. You can configure the drives to operate separately (Isolated Mode) or combine them into a RAID array.
Supported RAID Modes:
- RAID 0 (Striping): Combines drives for maximum speed and capacity. No redundancy.
- RAID 1 (Mirroring): Duplicates data across drives for redundancy. Capacity is halved.
- RAID 5 (Striping with Parity): Offers a balance of speed, capacity, and data protection. Requires at least three drives.
- JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks): Combines drives into a single large volume without striping or mirroring.
- Isolated Storage (Non-RAID): Each SSD is recognized as an independent drive.
Configuring RAID on macOS:
macOS supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations using Disk Utility's RAID Assistant.
Configuring RAID on Windows:
Windows supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations via Disk Management. You will need to convert disks to Dynamic Disks to create RAID volumes.
Enabling Write Caching (Windows)
To maximize the write performance of your SSDs, you may need to manually enable write caching in Windows Device Manager. This can significantly improve write speeds.
Performance
The JEYI 4-Bay M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure leverages the high-speed capabilities of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB 4 to deliver exceptional data transfer rates. Performance varies based on the number of SSDs used and the RAID configuration.
| Mode | Volume Configuration | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated Storage (Non-RAID) | 1/1/1/1 | 16Gbps |
| RAID 0 | 1+1+1+1 | 40Gbps |
| RAID 1 | 1+1+1/1 | 24Gbps |
| RAID 5 | 1+1+1/1 | 32Gbps |
| JBOD | 1+1+1+1 | 32Gbps |
*Note: All tests are based on PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs; speeds will be lower with PCIe 3.0 SSDs.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your JEYI SSD Enclosure.
Heat Management
When multiple hard drives (e.g., Samsung 990 Pro) operate simultaneously for extended periods, significant heat buildup will occur. Due to the aluminum alloy enclosure design, heat is directly transferred to the surface, which may become extremely hot to the touch. This is a normal characteristic of high-performance enclosures designed for efficient heat dissipation.
For continuous operation and to prevent potential performance throttling or damage:
- Mandatory external cooling fan required: For prolonged heavy use, an external cooling fan is essential to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
- Well-ventilated area: Always use the enclosure in a well-ventilated area to allow for proper airflow and heat exchange.
- Maximum safe operating temperature: The maximum safe operating temperature for the internal components is 75°C. The external surface may feel hotter.
**Cleaning:** Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the enclosure. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
Troubleshooting
- Enclosure not recognized:
- Ensure the 12V/3A power adapter is correctly connected and powered on.
- Verify the 40Gbps Type-C to Type-C cable is securely connected to both the enclosure and a compatible Thunderbolt 4/3 or USB 4 port on your computer.
- Check if the SSDs are properly seated in their slots.
- Confirm that your SSDs are M.2 NVMe and not SATA. SATA SSDs are not supported.
- Slow transfer speeds:
- Ensure you are connected to a Thunderbolt 4/3 or USB 4 port on your computer. Older USB standards will result in lower speeds.
- Verify that your SSDs are PCIe 4.0 NVMe for maximum advertised speeds. PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs will yield lower speeds.
- On Windows, ensure write caching is enabled in Device Manager (refer to "Enabling Write Caching" section).
- Check your RAID configuration. RAID 0 provides the highest speed, while RAID 1 prioritizes data redundancy.
- Enclosure feels hot:
- High temperatures are expected during continuous heavy operation due to efficient heat transfer through the aluminum casing.
- For sustained heavy workloads, ensure adequate ventilation and consider using an external cooling fan.
- The maximum safe operating temperature for internal components is 75°C.
- Compatibility issues with AMD systems:
- Some AMD-based devices may experience issues with their USB4.0 and Thunderbolt interfaces when used with this enclosure.
- Standard USB 3.2 ports on AMD systems should function normally.
- It is recommended for AMD users to verify compatibility with their specific hardware before purchase.
User Tips
- Linux Compatibility: The enclosure supports Linux systems for RAID configuration using tools like
mdraidormdadm. - Optimal Performance: For the best performance, especially with RAID 0, ensure all four M.2 NVMe SSDs are of the same capacity and model.
- Data Backup: Always back up important data before configuring RAID, as some RAID levels (like RAID 0) offer no data redundancy.
- Firmware Updates: Check the JEYI official website periodically for any firmware updates that might improve performance or compatibility.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please contact JEYI Global Official Store directly through their official channels. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Contact Information:
- Manufacturer: Guangzhou JEYI Information Technology Co., Ltd.
- Official Store: JEYI Global Official Store (refer to your purchase platform for direct link)
