1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your MAIWO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure. This high-performance external SSD case is designed for M-Key 2280mm NVMe solid-state drives, offering data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps. It is compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, and backward compatible with USB 3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0 interfaces.
Image: MAIWO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with its USB-C cable, showcasing its compact design and grooved aluminum casing for heat dissipation.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 1x 40Gbps NVMe SSD Enclosure
- 1x Type-C to Type-C 40Gbps Data Cable (USB4 compatible)
- 2x Silicone Thermal Pads
- 1x Aluminum Thermal Pad
- 1x Rubber Screw/Plug (for SSD fixation)
- 1x User Manual
Image: Visual representation of the MAIWO 40Gbps NVMe SSD Enclosure package contents, including the enclosure, data cable, thermal pads, and rubber screw.
3. Specifications
| Brand | MAIWO |
| Model Number | 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure with Grooves |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gigabits Per Second (Gbps) |
| Memory Storage Capacity | Up to 8 TB |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | M.2 NVMe M-Key 2280mm SSD |
| Hardware Interface | USB Type C (USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 compatible) |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Personal Computer (Mac OS, Windows, Linux, Android) |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Product Dimensions | 4.33"L x 1.48"W x 0.49"H (11.8cm x 5cm x 1.3cm) |
| Item Weight | 10.5 ounces (0.3 Kilograms) |
Image: Detailed dimensions of the MAIWO 40Gbps NVMe SSD Enclosure and a list of included accessories.
4. Setup and Installation
4.1. M.2 NVMe SSD Installation
The MAIWO enclosure features a tool-free clip-type design for easy SSD installation.
- Open the Shell: Gently slide open the enclosure shell.
- Install Silicone Screw: Place the small rubber screw/plug into the designated hole on the PCB.
- Insert NVMe SSD: Carefully insert your M.2 NVMe M-Key 2280mm SSD into the slot at a 45-degree angle. Ensure it is firmly seated. Only M.2 NVMe SSDs are supported.
- Secure SSD: Push the SSD down and rotate the rubber screw/plug to secure it in place.
- Apply Cooling Pads: Place the silicone thermal pad directly onto the SSD's chips. Then, place the aluminum thermal pad on top of the silicone pad. Ensure both sides of the thermal pads are peeled before application.
- Close the Shell: Slide the enclosure shell back until it clicks securely into place.
Image: Visual guide demonstrating the tool-free installation process of an M.2 NVMe SSD into the enclosure.
Image: Four-step diagram illustrating the placement of the SSD, rubber screw, and thermal pads before closing the enclosure.
Watch the installation video:
Video: A detailed installation guide for the MAIWO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, showing how to insert the SSD and apply thermal pads.
4.2. Connecting to Your Device
Use the provided 40Gbps USB4 Type-C to Type-C data cable to connect the enclosure to your computer or compatible device.
- Insert one end of the Type-C cable into the enclosure's USB-C port.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a compatible USB4, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 port on your computer. For optimal performance, ensure your device supports 40Gbps data transfer.
- The LED indicator on the enclosure will illuminate when connected and powered.
Image: The MAIWO 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure connected to a laptop, demonstrating its plug-and-play functionality.
Watch the connection video:
Video: A demonstration of connecting the NVMe enclosure to a device, highlighting its USB4 and Thunderbolt compatibility.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Data Transfer
Once connected, the enclosure will function as an external storage device. You can drag and drop files to and from the SSD. With a 40Gbps USB4 (Type-C) output interface and cable, read and write speeds can reach up to 3000MB/s, allowing for rapid file transfers.
Image: A bar chart illustrating the theoretical maximum speeds for Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps), USB3.2 GEN2x2/TB 3 (20Gbps), USB3.2 GEN2x1/USB3.1 (10Gbps), and USB3.2 GEN1/USB3.0 (5Gbps).
Image: A graphic displaying read speeds of 3071 MB/s and write speeds of 3094 MB/s, achieved with a Samsung 980 PRO M.2 NVMe SSD and Mac mini (Apple M.2 chipset).
5.2. Initializing a New Drive (For Windows)
If you are using a brand new SSD, it may not appear in 'My Computer' or 'This PC' immediately. You will need to initialize, partition, and format the drive before use. Note: Please backup any important data on existing drives before proceeding.
- Right-click on 'This PC' (or 'Computer') and select 'Manage'.
- In the 'Computer Management' window, click on 'Disk Management' under 'Storage'.
- Locate your new SSD (it will likely be marked as 'Unallocated' or 'Not Initialized'). Right-click on it and select 'Initialize Disk'.
- Choose a partition style (MBR for drives smaller than 2TB, GPT for drives larger than 2TB). Click 'OK'.
- Right-click on the 'Unallocated' space of your initialized disk and select 'New Simple Volume'. Follow the wizard to create a new partition and format it (NTFS is recommended for Windows).
- Once completed, your new drive will appear in 'This PC' and be ready for use.
Refer to the installation video for visual guidance on initialization steps:
Video: The installation video also includes a segment demonstrating how to initialize a new SSD in Windows Disk Management.
6. Maintenance and Heat Dissipation
The MAIWO enclosure is designed with excellent heat dissipation features to ensure stable performance, especially during high-speed data transfers.
- Aluminum Alloy Case: The entire case and block are made from aluminum alloy, acting as a large heatsink.
- Thermal Pads: The included silicone and aluminum thermal pads facilitate efficient heat transfer from the SSD to the enclosure's aluminum body.
- Grooved Design: The grooved surface of the enclosure increases the heat dissipation area by over 50%, contributing to fanless and silent operation.
Image: An exploded diagram illustrating the multiple layers of heat dissipation: metal blocks, aluminum thermal pad, two silicone thermal pads, and the aluminum alloy case.
Image: A visual representation of the enclosure's excellent heat radiation structure, emphasizing the role of the aluminum case and thermal pads.
To maintain optimal performance, ensure the thermal pads are correctly installed and the enclosure is not obstructed, allowing for proper airflow around its surface.
7. Troubleshooting
- SSD Not Recognized:
- Ensure the SSD is correctly inserted into the M.2 slot and secured with the rubber screw/plug.
- Verify that the data cable is securely connected to both the enclosure and your computer.
- If it's a new SSD, perform disk initialization, partitioning, and formatting as described in Section 5.2.
- Check your computer's Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to see if the drive is detected but uninitialized.
- Slow Data Transfer Speeds:
- Ensure your computer's port supports 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4). Older USB versions will result in lower speeds.
- Verify you are using the provided 40Gbps USB4 Type-C to Type-C data cable. Not all USB-C cables support 40Gbps.
- Update your device's operating system and drivers, especially for Thunderbolt 3 connections (fastest speed is 20Gbps on TB3).
- Check the SSD's health and performance. A slower SSD will limit the enclosure's potential.
- Ensure proper heat dissipation. Overheating can lead to thermal throttling and reduced speeds.
- Enclosure Gets Hot:
- It is normal for the aluminum enclosure to become warm during operation, especially during intensive data transfers, as it acts as a heatsink.
- Ensure the thermal pads are correctly installed between the SSD and the enclosure to maximize heat transfer.
- Avoid placing the enclosure in enclosed spaces that restrict airflow.
8. Warranty and Support
MAIWO products come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official MAIWO website. You can also contact MAIWO customer service through the platform where you purchased the product.
For additional resources and product information, visit the MAIWO Store.
