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SABRENT’s Rocket RGB USB-C 20Gbps M.2 SATA/NVMe SSD Enclosure (model EC-RGBC) is a bus-powered external case for an M.2 PCIe NVMe or M.2 SATA drive. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface is rated up to 20Gbps, but reaching that ceiling requires a computer port and cable that support 20Gbps; otherwise the connection negotiates at 10Gbps or 5Gbps. The enclosure does not include an SSD.
What the EC-RGBC is
The EC-RGBC is an aluminum M.2 enclosure that turns a separately purchased internal SSD into portable USB-C storage. It accepts both PCIe NVMe and SATA M.2 drives, includes thermal padding, and adds RGB lighting for status or visual effects. SABRENT announced this model on June 27, 2024.
Drive compatibility
NVMe drives
It supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, with the enclosure’s external link rated up to 20Gbps. The USB connection, rather than the SSD’s internal PCIe generation rating, is the practical limit for transfers through this case.
SATA M.2 drives
M.2 SATA SSDs are also supported, but SATA’s interface is rated up to 6Gbps. Installing a SATA drive does not turn it into a 20Gbps NVMe device.
#1 Best Overall
- 20GBPS NEEDS A 20GBPS PORT: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host required to hit 20Gbps. On a 10Gbps, 5Gbps or Thunderbolt 3 port it still works, at that port's speed — check your PC or laptop spec before you buy.
- FITS NVME AND SATA M.2 DRIVES: Takes M.2 NVMe (M-key) and M.2 SATA SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 lengths. Does NOT accept 2.5in drives, mSATA, or M.2 A/E-key WiFi cards. SSD not included.
- TOOL-FREE ALUMINUM BUILD: Slide the drive in and lock it with the built-in retainer — no screws, no screwdriver. Aluminum housing with thermal padding moves heat off the drive during long transfers.
- Status-Responsive RGB Lighting: Dynamic RGB LEDs indicate power and activity—adds style and system visibility.
- PLUG AND PLAY, NO DRIVERS: Works out of the box on Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck and ROG Ally over USB-C. Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable. Register on the manufacturer's website for extended warranty service.
Supported lengths
The mounting system supports the 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 M.2 form factors. Check the drive’s printed size or manufacturer specification before installation.
Do you need a 20Gbps USB-C port?
To approach the advertised 20Gbps host-interface rate, the computer or other host must expose USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. A 10Gbps USB-C port limits the link to 10Gbps, and a 5Gbps port limits it to 5Gbps. USB-C describes the connector shape; it does not by itself guarantee 20Gbps operation.
Rank #2
- Flip-Open Tool-Free Design: Open the cover, insert your NVMe SSD, lock it in place, and close—no screws or tools required. Fast and simple for upgrades, cloning, troubleshooting, and portable tech work.
- Cooler 10Gbps Performance: The aluminum enclosure presses the thermal pad directly against your SSD for better heat transfer and more stable 10Gbps speeds than slide-in enclosures. Ideal for long transfers and heavy workloads.
- NVMe Only for Maximum Speed: Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 up to at least 8TB. Not compatible with M.2 SATA SSDs.
- USB C Plug-and-Play: Connect with USB C for up to 10Gbps using USB 3.2 Gen 2. No drivers or external power needed. Works with laptops, desktops, gaming handhelds, and USB C devices.
- Portable and Durable Aluminum Build: Reinforced ABS frame with an aluminum alloy top keeps your SSD protected and cool. Slim, lightweight, and perfect for creators, gamers, and anyone needing fast portable storage.
The cable also has to support the required link rate. Use the included 20 cm USB-C cable if it is suitable for the host connection, or a clearly rated 20Gbps USB-C cable when replacing it. Actual file-transfer speed will be lower than the signaling rate because of protocol overhead, the SSD, the host, and the files being copied.
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Specifications at a glance
| Feature | SABRENT EC-RGBC specification |
|---|---|
| Host interface | USB-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, up to 20Gbps |
| Backward compatibility | USB connections operating at 10Gbps or 5Gbps, with performance negotiated at the lower rate |
| Drive types | M.2 PCIe NVMe and M.2 SATA |
| SATA drive limit | Up to 6Gbps for an M.2 SATA SSD |
| Supported form factors | 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 |
| Power | Bus-powered; no external power supply required |
| Features | UASP, TRIM, plug-and-play operation, aluminum body, thermal padding and RGB LEDs |
| Dimensions | 4.3 × 1.8 × 0.58 inches |
| Weight | 3.4 ounces |
What is included—and what is not
The package contains the enclosure, a 20 cm USB-C cable, an M.2 SSD rubber fastener, a user manual and a warranty card. It does not include an M.2 SSD, so plan to supply a compatible NVMe or SATA drive separately.
Rank #3
- A Convenient Enclosure: The Rocket RGB USB-C 20Gbps M.2 SATA/NVMe SSD Enclosure has it all. It can handle both M.2 SATA and NVMe SSDs at up to 20Gbps while keeping your drive cool with its aluminum build. It also looks cool, thanks to RGB lighting.
- Speed Demon: This enclosure breaks through the 10Gbps barrier to offer up to twice the bandwidth with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connectivity. It’s also backward compatible with 5 and 10Gbps ports for extra flexibility, with UASP and TRIM support.
- Always Versatile: Don’t end up with the wrong enclosure type for your SS. The EC-RGBG supports both M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs. This includes compatibility with all of the popular M.2 form factors: 2230/2242/2260/2280. One less thing to worry about!
- Runs Cool, Looks Cool: The enclosure is constructed out of aluminum with built-in thermal padding for the best heat dissipation interface to prevent drive throttling. It also looks cool, thanks to its status-informing RGB LED lighting effects.
- By Sabrent: This enclosure is designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems but will work with other USB-C host devices. Add fast, external storage at your convenience. Please visit our website to register your product and for technical support.
Installation and first use
- Disconnect the enclosure from the host and open it according to the manual.
- Insert a compatible 2230, 2242, 2260 or 2280 M.2 drive into the connector at the correct angle.
- Secure the drive with the supplied M.2 rubber fastener and ensure the thermal padding makes appropriate contact.
- Close the enclosure, connect the USB-C cable, and attach it to the host.
- Initialize, partition or format the new drive in the host operating system if it is not already prepared. Formatting erases existing data, so back up a used drive first.
Plug-and-play, UASP and TRIM support are listed features, but the host operating system and its storage driver still determine how those functions are exposed.
Size, cooling and RGB lighting
The 4.3 × 1.8 × 0.58-inch aluminum body weighs 3.4 ounces. SABRENT supplies thermal padding and describes the metal enclosure as helping heat dissipation. RGB LEDs provide lighting and status effects; they do not increase the USB link rate or the SSD’s underlying interface speed.
Rank #4
- ENCLOSURE ONLY, SSD NOT INCLUDED: This is the case you put your own M.2 SSD into, not a drive with storage inside. 100% tool-free, so the SSD installs and comes out in seconds with no screwdriver.
- FITS M.2 NVMe AND SATA: Works with both M.2 PCIe NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs in 2242, 2260 and 2280 lengths. Bare drives only, no room for a drive with a pre-installed heatsink. It does NOT take 2.5in SATA drives or mSATA.
- 10GBPS USB 3.2 TYPE-C: Up to 10Gbps, and up to 1000MB/s in real transfers. Backward compatible with USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 at their own speed limits. Bus powered, no drivers and no external power supply.
- SLIM ALUMINUM BUILD: Ultra-slim aluminum case with an ABS frame, with a thermal pad to move heat off the drive. Light enough to live in a laptop bag, solid enough to survive it.
- IN THE BOX: Enclosure, 8in Type-C to Type-C cable and user manual. Works with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.5 or later and Linux. Register on the manufacturer's website for extended warranty service.
Price and availability
SABRENT listed the EC-RGBC at $49.99 when it was checked, and the product page showed it as sold out at that time. That is a recorded listing price and availability snapshot, not a guarantee of today’s inventory or price. Confirm stock and the current price on the retailer or SABRENT listing before ordering.
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Best Value
- M.2 2230 SSD Enclosure: The Sabrent USB-C Enclosure for M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSDs is a convenient way to handle your M.2 2230 SSDs. Now it's easy to manage drives in this form factor in preparation for installation into your portable devices
- USB Speed: Connect the enclosure via USB-C at up to 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) to minimize your downtime. It's backward compatible with previous generations of USB. UASP and TRIM are supported for maximum performance and endurance
- Rugged And Portable: The EC-NE30 is constructed out of aluminum and ABS plastic to improve ruggedness and heat dissipation without compromising on portability. The enclosure is easy to pick up and go with its integrated USB-C cable
- Simple And Compatible: Aside from backward compatibility, the enclosure is also bus-powered and plug and play with no drivers required. It works on a wide range of operating systems with any M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD, secured by an easy retention clasp
- Wide Operating System Support: The Sabrent USB-C Enclosure for M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSDs is designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, but will work with other devices
Who should choose it?
- Good fit: owners of an M.2 NVMe or SATA drive who want one enclosure that accepts both types, especially when their host has USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
- Limited benefit: users whose computers only provide 5Gbps or 10Gbps USB; the enclosure will work, but the host sets a lower connection rate.
- Not a complete storage purchase: anyone without an M.2 drive must add one to the budget.
Key checks before buying
- Verify that your drive is M.2 PCIe NVMe or M.2 SATA, not a different form factor or protocol.
- Confirm the drive length is 2230, 2242, 2260 or 2280.
- Check whether your host actually identifies its port as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps), rather than relying on the USB-C connector alone.
- Use a cable rated for the desired link speed.
- Check current EC-RGBC stock and price, since the $49.99 listing was sold out when checked.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
