Thunderbolt 5 is a know-how that is solely not too long ago been adopted by Apple, and Thunderbolt 5 SSDs aren’t but widespread. Different World Computing, or OWC, has one of many first Thunderbolt 5 SSDs available on the market.
The bus-powered Envoy Extremely is priced beginning at $330, and it is available in 2TB or 4TB capacities. The SSD has a premium really feel, with a black aluminum enclosure and an inside design meant to dissipate warmth. It is not essentially the most compact SSD, measuring in at 5.1 inches lengthy, 3 inches extensive, and 0.8 inches thick. It weighs 0.75 kilos, so whereas it tucks away simply in a bag, you are not going to need to haul it round in a pocket.
In accordance with OWC, the SSD has an IP67 mud and water resistance ranking, so it will probably maintain as much as short-term immersion in water (although ensure that the cable finish is dry earlier than use). It is hefty and sturdy, however on a unfavorable notice, it has a built-in 9-inch Thunderbolt 5 cable that isn’t removable. I’m not a fan of built-in cables, but it surely does really feel securely connected. The way it’ll maintain up for years of use stays to be seen.
The SSD can attain speeds as much as twice as quick as Thunderbolt 4/USB4 SSDs, maxing out at over 6,000MB/s. In testing with an M4 Professional MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 5, I did not fairly hit that most. In benchmark checks with BlackMagic, it maxed out round 5,255MB/s write and 5,347MB/s learn. Actual world file checks had been tremendous fast, with 50GB transferring in about 15 seconds.
In accordance with OWC, with sustained file transfers, write speeds will drop to round 1,350MB/s for the 2TB mannequin and 1,700MB/s for the 4TB mannequin, whereas learn speeds keep constant. I noticed that dip in write speeds at across the 55GB mark.
Even when transferring massive quantities of knowledge, the Envoy Extremely didn’t get greater than lukewarm, and since there isn’t any fan inside, it affords silent operation.
To reap the benefits of the total velocity of the Envoy Extremely, you want a pc that helps Thunderbolt 5. On the Mac facet, that is Apple’s academic learning Mac fashions with M4 Professional and M4 Max chips. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 Macs are backwards suitable with the SSD and you may nonetheless use it with them, however you are most likely solely going to need to go for a Thunderbolt 5 SSD you probably have the tools for one.
Should you do have a Thunderbolt 5 Mac and wish the quickest switch speeds you will get for duties like shifting large video information round, you are not going to go improper with the Envoy Extremely. It is effectively constructed, and comes from a good firm identified for its drives.
You possibly can get the Envoy Extremely to be used with an older Mac for the aim of future proofing, however the worth distinction is probably not value it. There are so few Thunderbolt 5 SSDs available on the market proper now, so costs are on the upper facet. After all, USB4/TB4 SSDs are additionally not tremendous reasonably priced, and the Envoy Extremely provides you with most Thunderbolt 4 speeds, too.
With an M1 Max MacBook Professional, I acquired constant learn/write speeds proper round 3,000MB/s, so I did hit the Thunderbolt 4 restrict.
2TB USB4 SSDs that function at half of the Envoy Extremely’s velocity are priced at $180 to $250, and in case you do not even want USB4 speeds, 2TB SSDs could be beneath $100.
Backside Line
When you have a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or are going to get one sooner or later and also you want tremendous quick switch speeds, take a look at the Envoy Extremely. It is a stable product and the one draw back for some will be the connected cable.
Find out how to Purchase
The Envoy Extremely could be purchased from the OWC website. The 2TB mannequin is priced at $330, and the 4TB mannequin is priced at $549.
Observe: OWC offered MacRumors with a 2TB Envoy Extremely for the aim of this evaluation. No different compensation was obtained.