Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews Inside TV, your go-to channel for in-depth, no-nonsense tech reviews. Today, we’re taking a look at the ASUS ROG STRIX Arion Aluminum Alloy M.2 NVMe SSD External Portable Enclosure Case Adapter, a sleek, high-performance solution for anyone looking to maximize the speed of their M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just someone in need of fast, portable storage, this product promises to bring your M.2 drives to life with blazing fast transfer speeds and customizable lighting effects. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s find out.
This product is all about convenience and performance. The ASUS ROG STRIX Arion is designed to house your M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD and transform it into an external drive. The key feature here is its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which allows for transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, meaning you’re getting some seriously fast data transfer rates. But before we get into how well that works in practice, let’s talk about what’s inside the box. It comes with two cables: one USB-C to USB-C cable and one USB-C to USB-A cable. This gives you some flexibility depending on the type of devices you’re working with, whether it’s a laptop, PC, or other compatible devices.
The enclosure itself is made from aluminum alloy, which not only gives it a premium feel but also plays a crucial role in heat management. The ROG Arion comes with thermal pads designed to pull heat away from the M.2 drive, ensuring that the SSD stays cool during extended use. This is particularly important when you’re pushing those high-speed transfer rates, as overheating can throttle performance. The standout feature, though, has to be the RGB lighting. The Aura Sync RGB lighting adds a visually striking element, offering a spectrum of customizable colors that can sync with other Aura-enabled ASUS products.
In terms of usability, setting up the ASUS ROG STRIX Arion is straightforward. If you’ve ever used an external SSD enclosure before, you’ll feel right at home. You simply slide your M.2 PCIe NVMe drive into the enclosure, connect the cable, and you’re good to go. I tested this on both a desktop and a laptop, and the device worked seamlessly. The RGB lighting is a fun touch, though it may not be for everyone—if you’re not into flashy lights, you can always turn it off. But for those who enjoy a bit of customization, the synchronization with other Aura Sync products is a nice bonus.
Now, let’s talk about performance. I tested the Arion with a few different M.2 drives to see how it handles in real-world scenarios. First up was file transfer speeds. On a PC with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, I saw the promised 10 Gbps speeds, meaning large files moved quickly without any issues. During prolonged usage, such as transferring a multi-gigabyte video file, the heat dissipation system did its job, keeping the drive cool to the touch. I did notice that when I tested with a non-Gen 2 port, speeds were lower, but that’s to be expected. If you’re going to get the most out of this, you’ll want to make sure your device has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.
One of the biggest selling points of this product is the thermal management system. If you’ve ever used an external SSD that gets uncomfortably hot, you’ll appreciate how the Arion stays cool even under load. The thermal pads are a smart inclusion that helps ensure that high-performance tasks don’t cause your SSD to overheat, which can be a concern for some other enclosures.
Now, no product is without its flaws. One thing to note is the size and form factor. While the Arion is compact, it’s a bit bulkier than some other external SSD enclosures. This isn’t a huge deal if you’re not concerned about portability, but if you’re looking for something that easily fits in your pocket, this may not be the most compact option out there. Also, the RGB lighting is a bit of a double-edged sword. While it’s a cool feature for some, it might be a bit much for those who prefer a more understated look. But for fans of the ROG aesthetic, it’s an added bonus that pairs well with other Aura Sync products.
In terms of value, the ASUS ROG STRIX Arion is a solid product, but it does come at a premium price, especially considering the cost of similar enclosures on the market. For example, the Samsung T7 Touch offers similar performance but doesn’t come with the customizable RGB lighting. The trade-off here is that the T7 Touch is often priced a bit higher due to its built-in security features, which the Arion doesn’t offer. If you’re looking for top-tier speed and thermal management, the Arion might be worth the extra cost, but if security features are important to you, there are alternatives worth considering.
When comparing it to other external SSD enclosures, the Arion stands out thanks to its performance and the added bonus of RGB lighting, but it does come at a higher price point. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind spending a little extra for the extra features like Aura Sync and heat dissipation, then this is a solid choice. However, if you’re only after basic, fast storage, there are more budget-friendly options available that can get the job done without the flashy extras.
As for build quality, the aluminum alloy construction feels premium and durable. The material does a great job of ensuring that the device doesn’t overheat during prolonged usage. While I haven’t used it long enough to speak to long-term durability, ASUS has a solid reputation for building reliable products, so it’s safe to assume that this enclosure will stand the test of time, provided you don’t drop it or put it through extreme conditions.
When it comes to customer support, ASUS has a decent reputation in the industry. I didn’t need to contact them for this particular product, but based on past experiences with ASUS, I’ve found their support to be responsive and helpful when issues arise. They also offer a solid warranty, which gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the product.
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG STRIX Arion Aluminum Alloy M.2 NVMe SSD External Portable Enclosure Case Adapter is a high-performance, feature-packed product that delivers on its promises. With fast transfer speeds, efficient heat dissipation, and customizable RGB lighting, it stands out in a crowded market. While the premium price might not appeal to everyone, if you’re looking for a product that combines speed, design, and functionality, the Arion is definitely worth considering. It’s best suited for gamers, content creators, or anyone who wants to pair high-speed storage with a visually striking design.
Thanks for watching! If you’re interested in getting the ASUS ROG STRIX Arion, check the comments box for more details. Feel free to leave any questions or share your experiences if you already own one. Till next time, this is Reviews Inside TV, and remember: when it comes to tech, we’ve always got the inside scoop!
Available to buy here:
