OWC 4TB Aura Ultra III PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your OWC 4TB Aura Ultra III PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 2280 Solid State Drive. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and retain it for future reference.

2. Safety Information

• Always handle the SSD by its edges to avoid touching the connectors or components.
• Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before installing or removing the SSD.
• Discharge any static electricity from your body before handling the SSD by touching a grounded metal object.
• Keep the SSD away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and strong magnetic fields.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• 1x OWC 4TB Aura Ultra III PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD

4. Setup and Installation

The OWC Aura Ultra III SSD is designed for installation in systems equipped with an M.2 2280 slot, x4/x8/x16 PCIe slots (with an appropriate adapter), or compatible external enclosures. The installation process may vary depending on your specific system or enclosure.

4.1. General M.2 SSD Installation

1. Power Off System: Shut down your computer completely and disconnect the power cable.
2. Open Case: Open your computer case to access the motherboard.
3. Locate M.2 Slot: Identify an available M.2 2280 slot on your motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual for exact location.
4. Insert SSD: Gently insert the OWC Aura Ultra III SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. Push it down until it clicks into place.
5. Secure SSD: Secure the SSD with the screw provided with your motherboard or M.2 slot.
6. Close Case & Power On: Close your computer case, reconnect the power cable, and power on your system.
7. Initialize and Format: Once the system boots, you may need to initialize and format the new SSD through your operating system's Disk Management utility before it can be used.

4.2. External Enclosure Installation

For external use, insert the OWC Aura Ultra III SSD into a compatible M.2 NVMe external enclosure. Follow the enclosure's specific instructions for installation and connection to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt.

5. Operating Instructions

The OWC Aura Ultra III SSD provides high-speed storage for various applications, including operating systems, software, games, and large media files. Its advanced PCIe 3.0 NVMe technology ensures rapid data transfer rates.

• Next Generation Performance: Experience significantly faster data access compared to previous generation SSDs, with read speeds up to 3400MB/s and write speeds up to 3000MB/s.
• Enhanced Workflows: Accelerate audio/video workflows, video streaming, system responsiveness, backups, and application/gaming load times.
• Gaming Optimization: Game levels can load up to 35 times faster when upgrading from a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to the OWC Aura Ultra III.
• Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both PC and Mac platforms, supporting direct motherboard installation or use with various PCIe M.2 SSD adapters and external enclosures.
• Backward Compatibility: Fully compatible with PCIe Generation 2.0 devices, ensuring optimal performance even with older hardware.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your OWC Aura Ultra III SSD, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the OWC website for any available firmware updates for your SSD. Firmware updates can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.
• Avoid Defragmentation: Unlike traditional HDDs, SSDs do not benefit from defragmentation. It can actually reduce the lifespan of the drive. Ensure defragmentation is disabled for your SSD in your operating system.
• TRIM Support: Ensure your operating system has TRIM enabled. TRIM helps the SSD manage its data blocks more efficiently, maintaining performance over time.
• Keep Cool: While the Aura Ultra III features thermal cooling, ensure adequate airflow around the drive, especially in high-performance scenarios or when used in an enclosure.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your OWC Aura Ultra III SSD, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• SSD Not Detected:
  • Check physical connections: Ensure the SSD is correctly seated in the M.2 slot or external enclosure.
  • Verify BIOS/UEFI settings: Confirm that the M.2 slot is enabled in your system's BIOS/UEFI settings.
  • Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS): The drive may need to be initialized and formatted.
• Slow Performance:
  • Ensure the SSD is installed in a PCIe 3.0 compatible slot or enclosure to achieve advertised speeds.
  • Verify TRIM is enabled in your operating system.
  • Check for background processes consuming resources.
  • Ensure your system drivers (chipset, NVMe) are up to date.
• System Instability/Crashes:
  • Ensure the SSD firmware is up to date.
  • Check system temperatures to prevent overheating.
  • Run a diagnostic tool (if available from OWC) to check the SSD's health.

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact OWC customer support for further assistance.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The OWC 4TB Aura Ultra III SSD comes with a 5 Year Limited Replacement Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For warranty claims or technical support, please visit the official OWC website or contact their customer service directly.

For additional resources and support, please visit the OWC Store on Amazon.