INTRODUCTION

   M.2 PCIe NVMe solid state drives have not only changed the way we all look at internal drives but also external ones which shouldn't really be a surprise to anyone since the market is flooded with such models. What happens however if you want an portable SSD either better than what's available in your local market or if you just have one such internal SSD lying around and you'd like to use it as an external one? Both USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3 M.2 PCIe enclosures have been around for quite some time now but most of them don't offer what users are looking for, more specifically performance, easy installation and of course optimal heat dissipation. The EC-TNFE and EC-SNVE models by Sabrent claim to offer all of the above, something which I'm about to see for myself.

   Sabrent is a leading American manufacturer of computer peripherals and accessories, bringing uniquely styled quality products to consumers worldwide. Sabrent’s commitment is to offer the latest technology and the highest quality consumer electronic products at an affordable cost to everyone. Since its founding, Sabrent has consistently delivered to market a full line of computer peripherals and accessories that incorporate style, quality and the latest technologies available.

   Both the EC-TNFE and the EC-SNVE are USB 3.2 Gen 2 M.2 SSD (10Gbps - both support M.2 2230/2242/2260/2280 models) enclosures made out of aluminum that feature 100% tool-free designs. Still, this is pretty much where their similarities end, for example the EC-TNFE model supports M.2 PCIe NVMe M-key solid state drives whereas the EC-SNVE supports both M.2 PCIe NVMe M-Key and SATA B-Key solid state drives. The EC-TNFE is also made by thick (3mm thinner, 7mm thicker point) CNC machined aluminum which uses a magnetic pin to hold the drive in place whereas the EC-SNVE uses a thin (3mm) yet longer aluminum enclosure (top) with an ABS frame (bottom) and a fixed pin position. Even the release mechanism is different between these two enclosures since the EC-TNFE uses a rotating ring design as opposed to the push to release button used by the EC-SNVE. Most importantly however Sabrent has used different USB 3.2 Gen 2 to M.2 SSD controllers for these enclosures, a JMicron one for the EC-TNFE and an Realtek one for the EC-SNVE. So, time to see how all of the above translate in performance, installation and temperatures.