Review: OWC Express 4M2 NVMe SSD RAID – When Speed’s the Need
By Jennifer P
Larry Jordan provides a comprehensive review of the OWC Express 4M2 NVMe SSD RAID in his latest blog post. This marks the conclusion of his three-part series on high-speed SSD storage from OWC, with previous reviews covering the OWC Thunderblade and OWC Envoy Pro FX.
In this detailed assessment, Larry explores the key features and performance of the Express 4M2, emphasizing its impressive speed and suitability for tasks such as multicam editing and large frame sizes. OWC generously loaned Larry an 8 TB unit for a two-week period, enabling him to thoroughly evaluate the product.
The executive summary highlights that the OWC Express 4M2 can accommodate up to 32 TB of storage, utilizing four Aura NVMe SSDs. It operates on both Mac and Windows systems, offering flexibility to users. Larry underscores the unit’s ability to approach the full saturation of a Thunderbolt 3 bus, achieving speeds nearing 2,800 MB/second. While the unit ships without storage, users can easily add up to four Aura P12 NVMe SSDs, and Larry advises matching SSDs for optimal results.
The blog post delves into the construction of the all-metal enclosure, praising its durability and solid build. Larry notes the unit’s suitability for users seeking speed and substantial storage, surpassing the capabilities of traditional spinning hard drives. He appreciates the minimal noise and effective heat dissipation provided by the unit’s 2″ fan.
Larry offers valuable insights into the installation process, cautioning readers about the importance of precision due to the unit’s compact design. He advises users to consider their specific needs when choosing between the Express 4M2, Envoy Pro FX, and Thunderblade, providing clear recommendations based on speed and storage requirements.
The post includes a comprehensive speed test summary, outlining results from 98 tests conducted on an M1 Pro MacBook Pro. Larry examines the impact of RAID types on read and write speeds, providing detailed information on RAID 0, RAID 4, RAID 5, and RAID 10 configurations. He also explores the potential for system expansion, emphasizing the benefits of RAID 4 and RAID 5 for users looking to increase storage capacity.
In conclusion, Larry Jordan praises the OWC Express 4M2 for its exceptional speed, robust construction, and expandability. He expresses preference for formatting the unit as RAID 0 for maximum speed or RAID 10 for a balance of speed and redundancy, depending on backup options.
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