HDD extras

HDD accessories here are mostly external enclosures that turn a hard drive or SSD into a portable storage device. The category suits anyone reusing an old drive, making backups or building a fast external SSD. Our range includes HDD, SSD and M.2 enclosures from manufacturers such as AXAGON, NATEC, RAIDSONIC and UNITEK.

How to choose a drive enclosure

Drive size. Start by identifying the drive you will use: M.2, 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch. M.2 enclosures make up most of our range, but there are 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch models too. 3.5-inch drives usually need a separate power supply, while 2.5-inch and M.2 drives are normally powered directly over USB.

M.2 protocol. An M.2 SSD can use either SATA or NVMe, and many enclosures support only one of them, although some support both. Check the label on the drive and the enclosure description before you buy.

Connection and speed. Our range includes enclosures rated at 5 Gbit/s and 10 Gbit/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2), and a few reach 40 Gbit/s (USB4). A mechanical HDD is comfortable with 5 Gbit/s because the drive itself is slower, whereas a fast NVMe SSD is better served by 10 Gbit/s or more. To get 40 Gbit/s, your computer needs a USB4 or Thunderbolt port.

Material and cooling. Most of our enclosures are made of aluminium, which helps spread heat. That matters for NVMe SSDs, which can get very hot during long file transfers. Plastic enclosures and EVA cases are also available, and the latter offer more protection against knocks.

Number of drives. Most enclosures hold a single drive, but some models take 4 or 5. A multi-drive enclosure is handy for a home archive or backups, though it takes up more space and usually needs its own power supply.

Brands we carry

• AXAGON: a Czech manufacturer known for USB adapters, external drive enclosures and other computer accessories.
• NATEC: a Polish maker of computer accessories, offering drive enclosures and adapters.
• RAIDSONIC: a German company known for external drive enclosures and docking stations.
• UNITEK: mainly makes cables, adapters and USB hubs.
• UGREEN: known for USB-C accessories, chargers and cables, and also makes drive enclosures.
• AKASA: best known for PC cooling solutions.
• GEMBIRD: produces cables, adapters and a variety of computer accessories.
• DIGITUS: best known for network and connection cables and adapters.
• JONSBO: a maker of PC cases and coolers, with a liking for aluminium construction.

Also in our range: iBOX, SAVIO and QOLTEC.

Frequently asked questions

Will any drive fit in an external enclosure?

No, the drive must match the enclosure's size and interface. A 2.5-inch SATA drive fits a 2.5-inch enclosure, a 3.5-inch drive needs a 3.5-inch enclosure, and an M.2 SSD needs a matching M.2 enclosure. For M.2 drives, also check whether the enclosure supports SATA, NVMe or both.

Is 5 Gbit/s fast enough for an external drive?

For a mechanical HDD it is, because the drive's own speed is normally below that limit. Many SATA SSDs also work well at 5 Gbit/s, but an NVMe SSD is better connected at 10 Gbit/s or faster so that its speed is not held back.

Can I turn an old laptop drive into an external one?

Yes, all you need is a suitable enclosure. Check whether the drive is 2.5-inch or M.2, then choose an enclosure of the same size. Once the drive is fitted and the enclosure is plugged into a USB port, it works like an ordinary external drive, but copy your data off it first.

Does the enclosure material matter?

Yes, especially for fast SSDs. An aluminium enclosure spreads heat better than a plastic one, so the drive stays cooler and holds its top speed for longer. For simple HDD backups the material matters less, though resistance to knocks is still useful.