OWC 4TB Express 1M2 USB4 External SSD

OWC Express 1M2 Overview

Engineered for power users, the 4TB Express 1M2 USB4 External SSD from OWC is made for photographers, videographers, DITs, prosumers, and creative professionals. It houses a 4TB OWC Aura Ultra IV PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD, offering blazing speeds up to 3151 MB/s—perfect for editing 8K raw video, 4K slow-motion footage, ProRes, and high-res photography in raw or compressed formats. Preformatted in APFS for macOS 10.13 and newer, iPadOS 13 and up, and iOS 17, it’s also compatible with Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android after reformatting. A 40 Gb/s USB4 port powers the drive and ensures backward compatibility with 10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections, delivering real-world speeds up to 990 MB/s.

If you ever want to upgrade the storage, the Express 1M2 includes an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs in 2230, 2242, or 2280 sizes. Its rugged aluminum body not only protects the internal drive but also acts as a heatsink for optimal cooling and performance. While booting from the drive is supported only on Mac, setup is plug-and-play—no drivers required—and it runs entirely on bus power through the included USB4 cable.

The Ultimate Creation Tool

Power up your creative workflow with either a DIY SSD install or an OWC Aura-powered Express 1M2. Whether reusing a drive, installing a new one, or choosing a ready-made solution, you’re guaranteed top-tier performance and reliability.

As Fast as Your Computer or Device

This is OWC’s fastest portable SSD, designed to unleash full performance on USB4-equipped Macs and PCs. Achieve up to 3151 MB/s speeds on most devices from 2020 onward. Whether using Apple Silicon Macs, Thunderbolt 4 PCs, or USB4 ports, you get max speed. On older Thunderbolt 3 or 10 Gb/s USB-C ports, you’ll still get solid performance—up to 990 MB/s for pro editing needs.

Don't Get Fooled

OWC’s close collaboration with Intel gives them deep insight into Thunderbolt and USB4 performance. Unlike generic enclosures that don’t follow spec and deliver subpar speeds, the Express 1M2 ensures top USB4 performance. It’s a future-ready solution with trusted OWC speed and reliability.

The Power of DIY

Build it your way—install a new drive, repurpose an old one, or pick a ready-to-go OWC option. The Express 1M2 puts flexibility and control in your hands.

Use Today's and Tomorrow's Drives

Compatible with NVMe M.2 SSDs in 2230, 2242, and 2280 form factors, including OWC Aura SSDs up to 8TB. It’s also ready to handle future capacities like 16TB and beyond.

Built to Handle Demanding Needs

Forget thermal throttling. The aluminum heat sink enclosure keeps things cool under pressure, ensuring peak performance. Built with screws for solid protection—not a flimsy snap-together design—and compatible with both Mac and Windows. Share between platforms using OWC MacDrive software (sold separately).

Express 1M2 is Ideal for…

Photo and video pros needing a high-performance drive for backup and editing of 8K video, 4K slow-mo, ProRes, and ultra high-res images in raw and compressed formats.

DITs who want to pair their preferred NVMe SSD with the highest transfer speeds and rock-solid thermal management.

Prosumers and enthusiasts looking to clone internal drives at high speed or use an enclosure that keeps up with their workflow.

Ready to Go, Right Out of the Box

OWC is known for reliability and ease of use. This drive comes preformatted in APFS for macOS and iPadOS—no need to reformat. Just plug it in and get to work.

Your Data's Reliability is OWC's #1 Priority

Unlike cheap enclosures thrown together from generic parts, OWC products are rigorously tested and certified. Built by creatives, for creatives—they prioritize your data’s safety and long-term reliability above all.

macOS Compatibility

macOS 10.13 High Sierra
macOS 10.14 Mojave
macOS 10.15 Catalina
macOS 11 Big Sur
macOS 12 Monterey
macOS 13 Ventura
macOS 14 Sonoma

Windows Compatibility

Windows 10 (32-Bit)
Windows 10 (64-Bit)
Windows Server 2016
Windows 11

Linux Compatibility

Yes

Mobile OS Compatibility

iPadOS 13
iPadOS 14
iPadOS 15
iPadOS 16
iPadOS 17
iOS 17
Android 13.x

Other OS Compatibility

ChromeOS version 102 and later