OWC 8TB Express 1M2 USB4 External SSD

OWC Express 1M2 Overview

Crafted to meet the demands of high-performance users, the 8TB Express 1M2 USB4 External SSD from OWC (Other World Computing) is a powerful solution for photographers, videographers, DITs, prosumers, tech enthusiasts, and other creative professionals. Featuring an 8TB OWC Aura Ultra IV PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD, it delivers lightning-fast speeds up to 3151 MB/s—ideal for 8K raw video, 4K slow-motion footage, ProRes workflows, and high-resolution photo files in both raw and compressed formats.

It comes preformatted in APFS for macOS 10.13 and later, iPadOS 13 and up, and iOS 17, and can also be used with Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android after reformatting. A 40 Gb/s USB4 port ensures top-tier performance while remaining backward compatible with 10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections—delivering real-world speeds up to 990 MB/s.

The Ultimate Creation Tool

Take your creativity to the next level with a portable drive built to your needs—whether that means using your own NVMe SSD or opting for a ready-made solution powered by OWC Aura SSDs. Either way, the Express 1M2 delivers premium speed, stability, and reliability to your workflow.

As Fast as Your Computer or Device

The Express 1M2 is OWC’s fastest single portable SSD, engineered to maximize performance on modern USB4-enabled Macs and Windows PCs. Reach speeds up to 3151 MB/s with most systems from 2020 onward. You’ll also enjoy robust performance on older Thunderbolt and USB-C devices.

When connected to Apple Silicon Macs and iPads or USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports on Windows machines, the Express 1M2 operates at full 40 Gb/s USB4 speeds. On Intel Macs and older Windows systems with Thunderbolt 3 or 10 Gb/s USB-C ports, it runs at up to 990 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2.

Don't Get Fooled

OWC’s deep experience with Thunderbolt technology and its partnership with Intel ensures their hardware meets exacting performance standards. While generic DIY enclosures often underdeliver due to poor design, the Express 1M2 is built to Intel’s USB4 specifications—ensuring consistent, top-level speed and reliability, free from disappointment.

The Power of DIY

Customize the Express 1M2 your way: install a new SSD, reuse an existing one, or go for a prebuilt, plug-and-play OWC setup. However you choose to build it, the Express 1M2 gives you control, flexibility, and high performance.

Use Today's and Tomorrow's Drives

Compatible with virtually any NVMe M.2 SSD in the 2230, 2242, or 2280 sizes, the Express 1M2 supports OWC Aura SSDs up to 8TB and is ready for future capacities of 16TB and beyond.

Built to Handle Demanding Needs

Say goodbye to thermal throttling. The solid aluminum heat sink design ensures efficient heat dissipation for consistent top-tier performance. Unlike flimsy snap-together enclosures, the Express 1M2 uses a screw-secured design for greater protection.

With optional OWC MacDrive software (sold separately), you can also share files seamlessly between Mac and Windows systems.

Express 1M2 is Ideal for…

Creative professionals seeking a reliable, high-speed editing drive for large media files—such as 8K raw video, 4K slow motion, ProRes footage, and ultra-high-resolution images in any format.

DITs who want to pair the NVMe SSD of their choice with peak offload performance and stable thermal control.

Prosumers and performance enthusiasts who need an ultra-fast enclosure for cloning or transferring data with maximum efficiency.

Ready to Go, Right Out of the Box

OWC is known worldwide for its "It Just Works" philosophy. This SSD comes preformatted in native APFS for macOS and iPadOS, so you can plug it in and get to work—no reformatting headaches.

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

While other brands focus on low-cost assembly, OWC prioritizes quality and data safety. Their products undergo extensive testing and real-world stress trials to ensure reliability. Built by creators for creators, OWC’s storage solutions are made to safeguard your most important data—because for them, your files come first.

macOS Compatibility

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