Express 1M2 Portable SSD: A Game-Changer for Content Creators
For photographers and videographers, having fast and reliable storage is an absolute must. With the introduction of USB4 technology, there’s a new player in the game—the OWC Express 1M2 portable SSD—that promises to deliver high-speed performance without breaking a sweat.
First Impressions: Solid and Practical
The first thing you’ll notice about the Express 1M2 is its sturdy design. It’s a bit larger compared to other portable SSDs, but for good reason. The slightly bigger size allows it to support high-capacity NVMe SSDs, with room for drives up to 2280 form factor. The aluminum casing not only looks sleek but is built to handle heat like a pro, thanks to its smart finned design for effective heat dissipation. Despite being lightweight (around half a pound), it’s robust enough to handle the demands of everyday use—just make sure you pack it separately from fragile gear like lenses.
Plug-and-Play Convenience
One of the best things about the Express 1M2 is how easy it is to use. No need for an external power source—it runs entirely off your device’s USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port. It works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac computers, and if you’re working across platforms, OWC even offers MacDrive to help you access Mac-formatted drives on a Windows machine.
You can purchase it as a pre-built SSD or as an empty enclosure where you can install your own drive—perfect for those who want flexibility as their storage needs evolve. This “bring your own drive” option gives users the freedom to upgrade over time, future-proofing your investment.
Performance That Speaks for Itself
So how does it actually perform? When connected to a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port, the Express 1M2 delivers impressive real-world speeds of over 3,000 MB/s. In testing, it even outperformed the internal storage on some MacBooks, making it a smart option for Mac users looking to expand storage without paying Apple’s premium prices.
For Windows users, any machine built from 2020 onwards with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 should easily support this drive. However, even if you’re using older hardware, the drive can fall back to a respectable 10GB/s with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, offering speeds around 990 MB/s—plenty fast enough for tasks like 4K video editing and large file transfers.
If you’re a content creator constantly moving between locations, the Express 1M2 is a fantastic solution. Whether you’re editing photos in Lightroom or cutting a video in DaVinci Resolve, the drive handles everything with ease. No need for proxies—this drive can handle direct editing at high speeds.
The fanless, aluminum design ensures that even under load, the drive stays cool to the touch. It also uses non-proprietary parts, meaning if you ever need to swap out the USB-C cable or even the drive itself, it’s as simple as removing a few screws. This level of user serviceability is rare in today’s market and a huge bonus for those who like to tinker or upgrade their tech over time.
Final Thoughts: A Solid, Future-Proof Investment
For content creators who want a reliable, high-performance storage solution, the OWC Express 1M2 is an excellent choice. It offers everything from lightning-fast speeds to durable, practical design, making it ideal for both studio work and on-the-go shoots.
If you’re comfortable with a little DIY, the bare-bones enclosure is an affordable option that gives you flexibility down the road. But even if you go for the pre-built version, you’re still getting a competitive price for premium storage. With options ranging from 1TB to 8TB, this portable SSD is a game-changer for anyone serious about their creative workflow.