Optimizing Laptop Performance: Using Both NVMe M.2 SSDs with Limited Slots

When it comes to optimizing laptop performance, having the right storage solution can make all the difference. Many laptops, however, come with limited storage slots, which can be a challenge if you want to use both NVMe M.2 SSDs. This article explores the methods and hardware options available to achieve this goal and whether they are the best fit for your needs.

Using External NVMe SSD Enclosures

A popular solution for users with a limited internal storage slot is to use an external NVMe SSD. These enclosures can be found on platforms like Amazon and offer affordable solutions under $20. While these enclosures do allow you to utilize an NVMe M.2 SSD externally, they come with their own set of limitations. The USB interface often acts as a noticeable bottleneck, significantly reducing the performance advantages that NVMe SSDs can offer.

For instance, a USB 3.2 gen 2x2 interface, which supports up to 20 Gbps, can only achieve a throughput of around 2000 MB/s. Additionally, the latency is higher compared to a direct PCIe or SATA connection, making the external SSD slower in terms of both throughput and latency. Thus, while these enclosures are a feasible option, they do not fully capitalize on the capabilities of your NVMe M.2 SSDs.

Thunderbolt Enclosures for NVMe SSDs

One possible solution that could mitigate these limitations is a Thunderbolt NVMe SSD enclosure. Thunderbolt connections are effectively an external PCIe connection and can provide performance closer to that of an internal NVMe SSD. However, you may still need a Thunderbolt port on your laptop, which is not universally available.

Some external enclosures that utilize Thunderbolt are capable of offering performance similar to a PCIe 3.0 x2, possibly even up to PCIe 3.0 x4. While such options are not at the level of PCIe 4.0, they are a significant improvement over USB-based enclosures. These enclosures can be a viable option if your laptop supports Thunderbolt.

Considering Internal Mounting Solutions

Given the current market, it seems challenging to find a way to mount two NVMe M.2 SSDs internally on a laptop without dedicating more slots. The search for a PCIe/NVMe to SATA/AHCI converter has revealed that no such device is available that would allow you to use standard 2.5-inch HDD mounts. Further, the typical M.2 to SATA converters do not support PCIe/NVMe SSDs. Thus, the limited availability of such devices only reinforces the need to explore external solutions.

The closest alternative is a Thunderbolt to M.2 adaptor, but this again requires a Thunderbolt port on your laptop and still limits you to a level of performance that is not as high as a direct PCIe/NVMe connection.

Conclusion

While there are several options available to use both NVMe M.2 SSDs with limited internal slots, each comes with its unique set of limitations. External enclosures, while cheaper and more accessible, do not fully leverage the performance of NVMe SSDs. Thunderbolt enclosures offer a better performance experience but are still limited by the availability of the Thunderbolt port on your laptop. Ultimately, the best solution depends on your specific hardware and performance requirements.

For users looking to optimize their laptop's performance and utilize both NVMe M.2 SSDs, it may be worth considering whether a Thunderbolt port is available and seeking out a compatible enclosure. If not, external enclosures remain the most practical option, albeit with some compromises on speed and convenience.