SSD extras are the accessories that go around a solid-state drive: external enclosures, M.2 and SATA adapters, mounting brackets, hot-swap drive bays and PCIe cards for desktops, laptops and servers. They suit anyone upgrading a PC, reusing a spare SSD as portable storage or fitting extra drives into a case. Brands in our range include DELOCK, AXAGON, ICY DOCK and ICY BOX.
How to choose SSD accessories
Match the accessory to the job. An enclosure turns a spare SSD into an external drive. A mounting bracket lets a 2.5-inch SSD sit in a 3.5-inch bay, a PCIe card adds M.2 slots to a board that has run out, and a hot-swap bay suits servers and workstations where drives are changed often.
Check the SSD type. SATA and NVMe M.2 drives use different protocols and key layouts, so they are not interchangeable in most enclosures and adapters. Read the product description to see which one is supported. Some enclosures accept both, and these are handy if you own drives of each kind.
Look at the connection speed. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) is enough for SATA SSDs and for most everyday transfers from NVMe drives. USB4 or Thunderbolt enclosures are worth considering only if you need the full speed of a fast NVMe SSD. A fast drive in a slow enclosure is limited by the interface.
Confirm size and fit. M.2 2280 is the most common length, but shorter drives such as 2230 and 2242 exist, and not every adapter holds them. For 2.5-inch SSDs, check the supported thickness and whether the bracket fits a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bay.
Consider cooling. NVMe SSDs can run hot under long transfers. Aluminium enclosures, built-in heatsinks and thermal pads help the drive keep its speed, which matters most if you copy large files regularly.
SSD extras brands we carry
- DELOCK: a German connectivity brand with a very large catalogue of adapters, converters, cables and PCIe expansion cards, including M.2 and SATA solutions.
- AXAGON: a Czech brand known for USB enclosures, adapters and PCIe cards for storage upgrades.
- ICY DOCK: a Taiwanese specialist in hot-swap drive bays and mobile racks that fit into standard PC and server bays.
- ICY BOX: the RaidSonic brand, known for external drive enclosures and docking stations for 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch and M.2 drives.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian maker of connectivity accessories, including drive enclosures, adapters and expansion cards for IT use.
- FANTEC: a German brand focused on external drive enclosures and internal drive bays.
Also in our range: GEMBIRD, INTER-TECH, INLINE, DELL, CoreParts and LogiLink.
SSD extras: frequently asked questions
What is an SSD enclosure used for?
An SSD enclosure holds a bare SSD and connects it to a computer, usually over USB, so it works like a portable drive. It is a cheap way to reuse the SSD from an old laptop or to back up files. You need an enclosure that matches the drive, either SATA or NVMe.
Can I put an NVMe SSD in a SATA enclosure?
No, an NVMe SSD will not work in an enclosure built only for SATA. The two use different interfaces and often different connector keys. Choose an enclosure that explicitly lists NVMe support, or one that supports both types.
How do I add an M.2 SSD to a PC with no free M.2 slot?
Fit a PCIe adapter card that carries an M.2 slot. It sits in a spare PCIe slot on the motherboard and lets the SSD run as an internal drive. Check that the card supports NVMe and that your board has a free slot with enough lanes.
Do I need a bracket to install a 2.5-inch SSD in a desktop?
Only if your case has no 2.5-inch mounting point. Many modern cases do, but older ones offer just 3.5-inch bays. In that case a mounting bracket or frame holds the SSD securely and lines it up with the bay screws.
