We understand it can be confusing when your SSD doesn’t seem to reach the speeds advertised, so we’re happy to help clarify.

The speed ratings shown for NVMe SSDs are usually based on internal testing using direct connections inside a computer (like an M.2 slot). When you use the SSD in an external enclosure—especially one using USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)—you’ll likely see lower speeds, and that’s expected. This is because external enclosures use a different connection type that has its speed limits.

To make sure you’re getting the best results:

1. Ensure your NVMe drive is properly formatted (APFS or ExFAT).
2. Plug the enclosure into a USB-C port on your computer that supports 10Gbps speeds or more (look for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or a Thunderbolt/USB-C port).

You can also try:

• Testing with a different SSD.
• Reformatting the drive to a different supported format.
• Connecting the enclosure to another computer with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt port.

Finally, please make sure your system is up to date. We also recommend removing other USB-C devices and restarting your computer to refresh connections.