OWC Express 1M2 Bus-Powered Portable External Storage Enclosure Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- OWC
Table of Contents
OWC Express 1M2 Bus-Powered Portable External Storage Enclosure
Specifications
- Product Name: OWC Express 1M2
- Compatibility: Mac and iPad systems
- Drive Format: APFS
- SSD Form Factors Supported: 2280, 2242, 2230 NVMe M.2 SSDs
- Interface: USB4
Product Usage Instructions
Device Setup
- Connect the included 0.3M (12″) USB4 cable to the USB4 port on the back of the OWC Express 1M2. Connect the other end of the cable to a compatible host.
- The OWC Express 1M2 comes formatted as APFS for Mac systems.
- Connect it to a Mac or iPad for immediate use.
Assembly Steps
- Place the OWC Express 1M2 upside down on a flat static-free surface. Remove the exposed case screws to access the inside of the enclosure.
- Separate the bottom tray from the top cover by pushing it away from the rubber foot.
- For different SSD form factors, adjust the drive post position accordingly.
- Securely install the NVMe M.2 SSD into the board connection and use the drive screw to secure it.
Closing the Enclosure
- Align and assemble the bottom tray and top cover with the thermal pad over the SSD.
- Securely fasten the cover using the removed case screws.
- Connect the USB4 cable to the OWC Express 1M2 and a system to format the drive.
Device Management
- Monitor OWC Disk Performance.
- Manually unmount volumes when necessary.
FAQ
Q: What SSD form factors are supported by the OWC Express 1M2?
A: The OWC Express 1M2 supports 2280, 2242, and 2230 NVMe M.2 SSD form factors.
Q: How is the OWC Express 1M2 formatted for Mac systems?
A: The drive comes pre-formatted as APFS for a seamless plug-and-play experience with Mac and iPad systems.
Q: Where can I find additional support resources for the OWC Express 1M2?
A: You can refer to the OWC Drive Guide for more information or visit the product webpage for the latest details and warranty information.
Introduction
System Requirements
- Operating System & Hardware
- Works with any USB4 or Thunderbolt (USB-C) equipped:
- Mac: macOS 10.13 or later
- PC: Windows 10 or later
- iPad:
- iPhone: current version recommended
- ChromeOS: The current version recommended
- Android: Supported Drives.
- NVMe M.2 SSDs with 2280 / 2242 / 2230 form factor
Package Contents
-
(1) OWC Express 1M2
(1) 0.3M (12″)- S
-
(1) Screwdriver (enclosure only)
Overview
-
A. (1) LED Indicator – Power & Data Connection = Solid White / Data Activity = Blinking White
B. (1) OWC ClingOn ready cable stabilizer mounts – OWC ClingOn can further secure USB4 and Thunderbolt (USB-C) device cables(s). (Sold separately at go.owc.com/clingon ). -
C. (1) USB4 40Gb/s Port – Attach the included data cable.
Getting Started
Device Setup
- This section describes the process of setting up the OWC Express 1M2 if purchased with a pre-installed drive (NVMe SSD installed from the factory).
- Connect the included 0.3M (12″) USB4 cable to the USB4 port on the back of the OWC Express 1M2. Connect the other end of the cable to a compatible host.
- The OWC Express 1M2 comes formatted as APFS for Mac systems. This allows for a seamless plug-and-play experience between Mac and iPad systems. Connect the OWC Express 1M2 to a Mac or iPad and immediately begin using the drive.
- NOTE: Windows, ChromeOS, and Android users will need to reformat the Mac formatted OWC device over that operating system to begin use.
- Please consult the support article “ OWC Drive Setup Over Non-Apple Platforms for instructions regarding reformatting the OWC Express 1M2 to work with Windows, ChromeOS,
- NOTE: Please consult the Drive Guide Support Guide Support Manual for OWC Drive Guideor or page for additional information regarding the OWC Drive Guide.
Assembly Steps
- This section describes the process of installing a drive into the OWC Express 1M2.
- NOTE: OWC Express 1M2 Drive Installation Instructional Video
- NOTE: Opening the OWC Express 1M2 if pre-built (NVMe SSD installed from the factory) will VOID the warranty. If you wish to remove or replace the NVMe SSD after the expiration of the original warranty, you may do so at that time.
Opening the Enclosure
- Place the OWC Express 1M2 upside down on a flat static free surface. Remove the (2) exposed case screws, with the included driver, which will allow access to the inside of the enclosure.
- The screws may already be removed and included in a baggie with the enclosure.
- After the screws are removed, push the bottom tray away from the rubber foot to create separation from the top cover. Lift the bottom tray away from the top cover.
- The drive post is pre-installed for a 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD. All other NVMe M.2 SSD form factors (2242 | 2230) will need the drive post moved to the corresponding position.
- The position of the drive post will determined by the NVMe M.2 drive form factor identification markings on the PCBa.
Form Factor
- Carefully align the drive at a slight angle into the board connection and slide it forward until fully seated.
- Once the drive is fully seated use the included drive screw to secure the drive.
Form Factor
- Loosen the drive post with a 5mm hex socket (not included), and move the drive post to the desired form factor position.
- Carefully align the drive at a slight angle into the board connection and slide it forward until fully seated. Once the drive is fully seated use the included drive screw to secure the drive.
Closing the Enclosure
- Align the bottom tray and top cover so the thermal pad rests over the NVMe M.2 SSD. Place the bottom tray onto the top cover and slide the pieces together. Press down on the top cover to ensure a strong bond with the NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Secure the cover using the (2) removed case screws from earlier.
- Peel the back of the rubber foot to expose the adhesive. Place and press the rubber foot into the notch housing the case screws.
- Connect the included 0.3M (12″) USB4 cable to the OWC Express 1M2 USB4 port and a system. The installed drive is ready to be formatted.
Device Management
OWC Disk Performance
- As of Windows 10 v. 1809, the default Disk Removal Policy is ‘Quick removal’ instead of ‘Better performance’.
- NOTE: OWC storage solutions that are experiencing slow read/write speeds should consider checking and changing the Windows disk removal policy. Changing from “Quick removal” to “Better performance” can increase disk performance.
- OWC offers the application OWC Disk Performance to help change the Disk Removal Policy. Changing from “Quick removal” to “Better performance” can also be changed manually.
- Please review the support article Storage Solutions: OWC Disk Performancefor more detail.
Manually Unmounting Volumes
- To ensure no data is lost during normal use, always eject or unmount the corresponding volume(s) from the operating system before powering off and disconnecting the device.
- Unmounting options are provided below.
macOS
- Drag the icon for the device you wish to unmount to the trash can; OR
- Right-click the device icon on the desktop, then click “Eject”; OR
- Highlight the device on your Desktop and press Command-E.
Windows
- Windows 10 build 1809 (October 2018) or later:
- Eject the drive by clicking the ‘Show hidden items’ menu in the Taskbar, then clicking ‘Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media’, and lastly select the ‘Eject’ option for this volume.
- Windows 10 build 1803 and earlier:
- Go to the System Tray (located in the lower right corner of your screen). Click on the “Eject” icon (a small green arrow over a hardware image).
- A message will appear, detailing the devices that the “Eject” icon controls, i.e., “Safely remove…” Click on this prompt.
- You will then see a message that says, “Safe to Remove Hardware.” It is now safe to disconnect the device from the computer.
Usage Notes
- Opening a pre-built (NVMe SSD installed from the factory) OWC Express 1M2 VOIDS the warranty.
- NVMe SSDs with heat sinks will not fit and are not supported.
- Hosts with Thunderbolt 3 ports will experience performance up to USB 10Gb/s.
- Not compatible with the front USB-C or USB-A ports of a Sony PlayStation 5.
Support Resources
Troubleshooting
- Verify the USB4 cable is securely connected between the OWC Express 1M2 and the host.
- Connect the OWC Express 1M2 and host with a different USB4 cable.
- Connect the OWC Express 1M2 to a different host.
- Users experiencing slow read/write speeds should consider checking and changing the Windows disk removal policy. Please review the support article Storage Solutions: OWC Disk Performance for more detail.
- We are very sorry If issues continue to occur. Please know that OWC support is here to help. Contact information for our support can be found in section 4.4 “Contacting Support”. Please have your serial number ready which is located on the bottom of the OWC Express packaging.
Online Resources
- OWC Express 1M2 Product Page
- OWC Express 1M2 Support Guide Page
- Support Manual for OWC Drive Guide
- Drive Guide Support Guide
- OWC Disk Performance Download
- OWC Drive Setup Over Non-Apple Platforms Support Article
About Data Backup
To ensure that your files are protected and to prevent data loss, we strongly suggest that you keep two copies of your data: one copy on your OWC Express 1M2 and a second copy on either your internal drive or another storage medium, such as an optical backup, or on another external storage unit. Any data loss or corruption while using the OWC Express 1M2 is the sole responsibility of the user, and under no circumstances may OWC, its parents, partners, affiliates, officers, employees, or agents be held liable for loss of the use of data including compensation of any kind or recovery of the data.
Contacting Support
- Phone: M–F, 9 am–6 pm CT USA 1-866-692-7100INTL +1-815-338-4751|
- Chat: M–F, 9 am–6 pm CT www.owc.com/support
- Email: Answered within 48 hours www.owc.com/support
About This Manual
- The images and descriptions may vary slightly between this manual and the unit shipped. Functions and features may change depending on the firmware version.
- The latest product details and warranty information can be found on the product web page. OWC’s Limited Warranty is not transferable and
General Use Precautions
- Read this user guide carefully and follow all recommended usage steps and precautions.
- To avoid damage, do not expose the device to temperatures outside the following ranges:
- Environmental (Operating)
- Temperature (ºF): 41º — 95º
- Temperature (ºC): 5º — 35º
- Environmental (Non-Operating)
- Temperature (ºF): -4º — 140º
- Temperature (ºC): -20º — 60º
- Always unplug the device from the electrical outlet if there is a risk of lightning or if it will be unused for an extended period. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, or fire.
- Do not use the device near other electrical appliances such as televisions, radios, or speakers. Doing so may cause interference which will adversely affect the operation of the other products.
- Protect your device from excessive exposure to dust during use or storage. Dust can build up inside the device, increasing the risk of damage or malfunction.
- Do not block any ventilation openings on the device. These help to keep the device cool during operation. Blocking the ventilation openings may cause damage to the device and cause an increased risk of short-circuiting or fire.
Safety Precautions
- Read this user guide carefully and follow the recommended steps for assembly.
- Use proper anti-static precautions while installing drives into this enclosure. Failure to do so can cause damage to your drive mechanisms and/or the enclosure.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the device. To avoid any risk of electrical shock, fire, short-circuiting, or dangerous emissions, never insert any metallic object into the device. If it appears to be malfunctioning, please contact technical support.
- Never expose your device to rain, or use it near water or in damp conditions. Never place objects containing liquids on the drive, as they may spill into its openings. Doing so increases the risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, or personal injury.
Terms & Conditions of Sale
Warranty
- OWC’s products are subject to OWC’s Terms & Conditions of Sale located at Terms of Sale or other applicable terms.
- The OWC Express 1M2 comes with a 3-Year Limited Warranty when sold with drives, and a ##s2-Year Limited Warranty when sold without drives. Additional warranty information can be viewed by visiting Hardware Warranties
Changes
- The material in this document is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice.
- While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, OWC, its parent, partners, affiliates, officers, employees, and agents assume no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this document or the use of the information contained herein.
- OWC reserves the right to make changes or revisions in the product design or the product manual without reservation and without obligation to notify any person of such revisions and changes.
FCC Statement
Warning! Modifications not authorized by the manufacturer may void the
user’s authority to operate this device.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, according to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used under
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
with radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Copyrights and Trademarks
- No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of OWC.
- © 2023 Other World Computing, Inc. All rights reserved. Express, OWC, and the OWC logo are trademarks of New Concepts Development Corporation, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other marks may be the trademark or registered trademark property of their owners.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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