Description

The Blueendless M3NF is a specialized external SSD enclosure designed for compact M.2 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs. Its key distinguishing features are a magnetic design, an integrated cooling fan, and 100W Power Delivery (PD) pass-through charging, making it a high-functionality accessory for specific SSD form factors.

Key Highlights & Features

• Dedicated for Compact SSDs: Explicitly supports the shorter 2230 and 2242 M.2 form factors, which are commonly used in devices like the Steam Deck, Microsoft Surface Pro, ROG Ally, and many mini-PCs. This fills a niche not served by standard 2280 enclosures.
• Active Cooling with Fan: The integrated fan is a significant feature to prevent thermal throttling during sustained high-speed data transfers, ensuring consistent performance for tasks like video editing or large file backups.
• 100W Power Delivery Pass-Through: The USB-C port supports pass-through charging up to 100W. This allows you to charge your laptop (e.g., MacBook, Dell XPS) through the enclosure while using it, saving a valuable USB-C port on your computer.
• Magnetic Attachment: The casing includes magnets for easy mounting on metal surfaces, aiding in cable management and placement.
• High-Speed 10Gbps Transfer: Utilizes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface, providing fast read/write speeds suitable for running applications or transferring large files directly from the drive.

Who Is This Product For?

• Steam Deck / ROG Ally Owners: The perfect user. They can upgrade their handheld’s internal 2230 SSD and repurpose the original drive into a fast, externally cooled storage enclosure.
• Users of Compact Devices (Surface Pro, Mini-PCs): Individuals who have spare 2230/2242 SSDs from upgrades and need a high-performance enclosure to use them externally.
• Professionals Needing Sustained Speed: Video editors, photographers, or developers who need fast external storage that won’t slow down due to heat during long transfer sessions. The active fan is crucial for this.
• Laptop Users Valuing Port Convenience: The 100W PD pass-through is ideal for MacBook and other USB-C laptop users who want to free up ports by combining storage and charging into a single connection.

Important Considerations / Limitations

• Niche SSD Compatibility: This is its most critical limitation. It only supports 2230 and 2242 length SSDs. The more common 2280 SSDs will not fit.
• SSD Not Included: This is an enclosure only. You must purchase a compatible M.2 2230/2242 NVMe SSD separately.
• Potential Fan Noise: The inclusion of a fan means it will produce some noise during operation, unlike fanless enclosures. This is a trade-off for better cooling.
• Power Requirements: The high-speed data transfer and fan will draw more power than a basic enclosure. It is essential to use a high-quality USB-C cable and a powerful enough power adapter (especially when using the 100W PD feature).

Verdict

The Blueendless M3NF is a highly specialized and feature-rich enclosure that expertly serves the growing market for compact 2230/2242 SSDs. The combination of active cooling, magnetic design, and 100W PD pass-through charging makes it a premium and practical choice for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who need reliable, high-speed external storage for their specific SSD form factor. Its “private mold” status suggests a well-thought-out custom design rather than a generic solution.