Axagon EEM2-SB2 in detail
Perhaps the Axagon EEM2-SB2 will be the SSD (M.2) enclosure that you will evaluate as “optimal” for frequent carrying to work, for example. It has a number of external features to indicate this. From the small dimensions, low weight, to the good-looking brushed aluminum shell surface and the above-standard SSD support (both NVMe and SATA). The cable with a pair of different USB connectors included with this case is also handy.
Evaluation
Technically, the Axagon EEM2-SB2 is very close to what we would call the “optimal SSD enclosure for the masses”. Decent looks, super compact dimensions, support for SATA SSDs as well (in addition to NVMe) and there is an optional USB-A connector on the cable. Good basic prerequisites for this SSD enclosure to appeal to a wide range of users.
Based on the tests, we can then also note high speeds matching the upper limit of the supported USB 3.2 gen. 2 interface, and then there’s the pleasantly low idle power consumption. Although the latter is usually in the order of a couple of units of watts for external SSDs, each bit of power saving means a higher battery life of the device to which the enclosure is permanently connected.
The power consumption at maximum read and write performance is also attractive (below average). But the latter is already a bit related to the slightly lower speeds than we measured with the enclosures with higher power consumption. Lower speeds do not mean “low” – the difference between the Axagon EEM2-SB2 and the fastest tested case (Asus ROG Strix Arion) is only 10 MB/s, so practically negligible considering that transmission speeds always exceed 1 GB/s.
The cooling is well dimensioned, with some margin, even for NVMe SSDs. The temperature of the enclosure doesn’t say much about these things, but the stable performance under long term load does. For these purposes, we took advantage of the summer heat. Even in windless conditions with the air temperature at 35°C in the shade, the SSD (Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB) speeds didn’t drop. The Netac WH61 in a similar situation could no longer handle such a load and the SSD, as a matter of self-preservation, was already dropping performance/consumption and with it the speeds. The Axagon EEM2-SB2 aluminum shell works as a cooler.
Unlike the EEM2-GTR (also Axagon), there’s also a quick, tool-less (dis)assembly. The Axagon EEM2-SB2 enclosure is actually like the Netac WH61 in many points, but the latter is half the price.
Sure, the Axagon has an all-aluminum shell (instead of a plastic one), and you get a cable with both types of USB connectors (A and C) instead of just one (USB-A in the case of the Netac WH61), but the price still seems a bit high to us. Especially when you can buy a Cooler Master Oracle Air for the same money. That’s admittedly a significantly larger (and heavier) enclosure, and it’s questionable what the value of the miniaturization (Axagon EEM2-SB2) is, probably a bit different for everyone… but now it will only be for the editorial award “Approved“.
However, if you consider the price of the Axagon EEM2-SB2 to be reasonable, the EEM2-SB2 or the EEM2-SG2 (the lighter variant with a gray shell) will be a good choice.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
| Axagon EEM2-SB2 |
| + High speed at the limit of the interface used... |
| + ... also suitable for bulk data backups/transfers |
| + Smaller dimensions |
| + Quick, tool-less assembly |
| + Also supports SATA SSDs |
| + Cable with two USB connectors (A+C). Not a common feature |
| - More delicate structure, or the tray securing mechanism |
| - Relatively higher price given the only mediocre enclosure design |
| Approximate retail price: 30 EUR |
It’s a shame that you couldn’t read the SSD temperature. I don’t think any of this type of slide-in cases can achieve good thermal dissipation – it’s physically impossible for the thermal pad to have good contact with the casing.
Additionally, there is a possibility that the thermal pad could stick to both the housing and the components during long-term usage, making it difficult to open the box. There is a risk of damaging the components by careless opening.