We got a chance to test out the OWC Envoy Pro EX SSD with USB-C. We reviewed a 1TB version of this external SSD drive in a video workflow environment. While we didn’t use it as our sole storage medium, it served as a great staging drive for current video projects.
Editor’s Note: Check out our review of the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Performance and Endurance
The Envoy Pro EX with USB-C packs production-level performance in a tiny enclosure. Measuring just 2-9/16″ x 4.5″ x 1/2″, this drive goes anywhere you do.
The rounded and beveled anodized aluminum enclosure is simply beautiful. It also comes with an IP67 rating, so getting it wet while running through rain shouldn’t kill the drive—or your project.
Inside, you get an OWC Aura Pro P12 SSD that scored higher than any other drive we’ve tested on the Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test software. OWC claims speeds up to 980MB/s and we measured close to that at 939.9 MB/s on our 2017 4.2GHz Intel Core i7 iMac.
What does that mean? For one, the OWC Envoy Pro EX with USB-C SSD supports many multiples of 1080p read and write speeds. It also tackles 2160p60 video at ProRes 422 HQ and Cinema DNG RAW resolutions. For 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 it tackles up to 2160p30. Stripe these drives, and you become unstoppable.
Obviously, if you edit video, 1 or 2 TB won’t cut it for long. However, as a fast “What am I working on right now” drive, the OWC Envoy Pro EX is hard to beat.
OWC Envoy Pro EX SSD with USB-C Compatibility
The OWC Envoy Pro EX includes both Thunderbolt 3 compatibility and USB-C backward-compatibility. This drive performs well enough for video storage, but its size also makes it great for a fast, portable backup drive.
We do admit trying to format it at one point for extended storage on our PS4. Alas, it doesn’t have compatibility for that particular use.
OWC offers a 3-year warranty with this drive. Pricing seems reasonable for these speeds and the warranty:
- 0GB SSD – $94.99 (drive only)
- 250GB SSD – $129.99
- 500GB SSD – $179.99
- 1TB SSD – $249.99
- 2TB SSD – $429.99
OWC OWCENVPROC2N10 Specs
- Interface: USB-C + Thunderbolt 3 compatible
- Read/write speeds up to 980MB/s
- Capacity: (bare)/250GB/500GB/1TB/2TB
- IP67 rated (dust-tight + water-resistant for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water)
- NVMe M.2 SSD
- Compatible with Mac & PC
- Direct-connects to devices like the latest USB-C cameras from Blackmagic
- Bus-powered
- Fanless operation
Conclusion
The OWC Envoy Pro EX SSDs look like a “win” for both Pro and serious prosumer users. If you need a fast workflow (video editing, graphics, etc), this USB-C/Thunderbolt 3-compatible SSD won’t disappoint. It truly does perform at the top of its class with blazing read/write speeds. Top that off with the IP67-rated aluminum case and you have a recipe for success.
Get more information at MacSales.com.
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