OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card

OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 1
OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 2
OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 3
OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 4
OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 5
OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card — image 6
86%
92%
Performance
89%
Reliability
84%
Value for Money
90%
Speed (Read/Write)
88%
Ease of Installation
91%
Compatibility with Mac Pro and PC
72%
Thermal Performance
80%
Software/Management (SoftRAID)
95%
Warranty and Support
90%
Build Quality
85%
Capacity vs Price
75%
Noise Level
More

Overview

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card offers an impressive storage solution for those needing massive capacity and fast performance. This 16TB SSD is designed to work with both Mac Pro models (2010-2012 and 2019) as well as PC towers, making it a versatile choice for professionals. With a PCIe NVMe interface, the SSD provides fast data transfer speeds that meet the demands of heavy workloads. The included RAID support also enhances performance and reliability, ensuring that data is managed efficiently during intensive tasks. This SSD adapter delivers an ideal blend of capacity and speed for users who require both.

Features & Benefits

This storage expansion card leverages RAID 0 configuration, allowing for speeds of up to 6,000MB/s, which is ideal for tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering. With its PCIe x8/x16 compatibility, the device is perfect for users looking to enhance their PC tower or Mac Pro with high-speed storage. The OWC Accelsior 4M2 also comes with a 5-year warranty, providing users with peace of mind knowing that the product is backed by the manufacturer. The included SoftRAID software further enhances its value by making it easier to manage advanced RAID sets, ensuring optimal performance and data protection.

Best For

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 is particularly well-suited for professionals working with large files, such as video editors and photographers. Gamers looking to expand their storage capacity while maintaining high-speed performance will also find this SSD adapter ideal. Additionally, Mac Pro and PC users seeking to upgrade or expand their internal storage will appreciate the seamless integration and performance benefits it offers. Whether you need to handle massive raw files or need a quick-access storage solution for gaming, this device provides an easy way to meet those needs without compromising on speed.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this storage expansion card for its fast read/write speeds, which are crucial for demanding applications like video production or gaming. However, some reviews mention concerns about heat management during extended use, especially under heavy loads. Despite this, most feedback highlights the card's reliability and ease of installation, with many noting that it worked out of the box without issues. The 5-year warranty is also frequently mentioned as a positive feature, reassuring users that they are making a durable, long-term investment in their system’s performance.

#Internal Solid State Drives
#Data Storage
#Computers & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • The 16TB storage capacity provides ample space for large video files, 3D assets, and high-resolution media.
  • RAID 0 setup delivers excellent speeds, reaching up to 6,000MB/s, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing.
  • Compatible with both older Mac Pro models (2010-2012) and PC towers, expanding storage without compatibility issues.
  • The 5-year warranty offers reassurance and long-term support for professional users relying on its performance.
  • Installation is quick and straightforward, with many users noting the ease of adding it to their existing systems.
  • It is highly praised for its reliability in professional environments where uptime and performance are critical.

Cons

  • Some users report heat buildup during extended, heavy use, which may require additional cooling solutions.
  • The high price point may be prohibitive for users who don't require 16TB of storage or extreme speeds.
  • Users with older PC models lacking PCIe x16 slots may find it incompatible, limiting its versatility.
  • While RAID 0 offers high speeds, it does not provide redundancy, so users need to manage data risk carefully.
  • The device is larger than typical SSDs, which may be a concern for those with limited internal space or smaller systems.
  • There are occasional concerns about the need for additional software (SoftRAID) for optimal configuration and management.

Ratings

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card has received a mix of positive and critical feedback from users across multiple platforms, languages, and countries. After filtering out spam, bot-driven, and incentivized reviews, we analyzed high-quality, authentic user experiences to generate these scores. While this device excels in performance and reliability, some concerns about heat management during long sessions have been noted. Overall, the scores reflect both its strengths and the areas where it may require some attention, providing a balanced view of this storage expansion card.

Performance
92%
Users appreciate the high-speed read and write capabilities, especially when utilizing RAID 0. Many professionals, such as video editors and photographers, have found the device capable of handling large files without slowing down, providing smooth data transfers for demanding applications.
A few users have pointed out that while the speed is impressive, the card tends to heat up during prolonged heavy use. Some users suggested that additional cooling measures may be necessary for optimal performance during extended sessions.
Reliability
89%
Buyers frequently highlight the reliability of this SSD adapter, particularly its ability to maintain performance without failures over time. The 5-year warranty also gives users added confidence, ensuring peace of mind in case of issues down the line.
However, some customers expressed concerns over initial setup issues, with a few reporting occasional compatibility challenges with specific PC configurations. These instances seem to be relatively rare but have caused frustration for some users.
Value for Money
84%
The 16TB storage capacity combined with fast PCIe NVMe speeds makes this a powerful upgrade for those who need both space and speed. Many users find it to be a solid investment, particularly for professionals who need high-performance storage without constantly upgrading.
On the downside, some buyers feel that the price point is quite high for casual users who may not need such large capacity or speeds. While it offers great performance, it may not be the best fit for those seeking more budget-friendly options.
Speed (Read/Write)
90%
Users are generally thrilled with the read and write speeds, especially in RAID 0 configuration. Many have noted that the device significantly boosts performance for workflows that rely on large file transfers, such as 4K video editing or gaming.
Despite the impressive speed, some have raised concerns about occasional bottlenecks in specific environments, particularly when used in older systems. While the speeds are fast, users with non-optimized setups may not always see the full benefit.
Ease of Installation
88%
Installation is widely praised for being straightforward. Users report a smooth process, with the device fitting easily into both Mac Pro and PC towers, especially with the included software that aids setup. Even less experienced users find it manageable.
Some users did experience difficulty with the installation process, especially those unfamiliar with RAID setups. While the card itself is easy to install, configuring the RAID options can be a bit challenging without technical knowledge.
Compatibility with Mac Pro and PC
91%
The SSD adapter's compatibility with both older Mac Pro models and a wide range of PC towers is a major plus. It allows users to upgrade their systems without having to worry about compatibility issues, making it a versatile choice for various setups.
However, some users with less common PC configurations have reported limited compatibility, needing to troubleshoot or upgrade their hardware to make the device work. While most Mac and PC users won't encounter these issues, it's something to keep in mind.
Thermal Performance
72%
28%
When the device is running under lighter loads, many users have had no complaints about thermal performance. The SSD operates efficiently under normal conditions without causing excessive heat buildup, which is beneficial for smaller systems or lighter use cases.
Unfortunately, the card has been criticized by some users for its thermal management under heavy use. During extended high-load operations, the device can get quite hot, leading to concerns over potential thermal throttling or reduced lifespan. Additional cooling solutions may be required.
Software/Management (SoftRAID)
80%
20%
SoftRAID is generally well-received, with many users appreciating the flexibility and control it offers for RAID configurations. It helps ensure that users can maximize the performance of their drives and easily manage their storage setup.
However, some users mentioned that SoftRAID could be a bit cumbersome to navigate for those unfamiliar with RAID setups. A few also encountered bugs or performance hiccups, especially when configuring more complex RAID arrays.
Warranty and Support
95%
The 5-year warranty and solid customer support have earned high marks from users. Many appreciate that they have support for an extended period in case of issues, which adds an extra layer of reliability and customer confidence.
While support is generally praised, a small subset of users has reported slow response times during busy periods. Though most issues were eventually resolved, the delay in responses was a downside for a few customers who needed quick assistance.
Build Quality
90%
The build quality of this storage expansion card is solid, with users praising its durability and the overall construction. The robust materials and design ensure it can handle the demands of both everyday and professional use.
Despite its strong build, some users noted that the size and weight of the card could be cumbersome for certain setups, particularly in more compact systems. It's worth considering if space is limited in the target machine.
Capacity vs Price
85%
The 16TB capacity at this price point is a strong selling point for professionals needing large amounts of fast storage. Users appreciate the value they get, especially when compared to other high-capacity solutions that often cost more.
However, some feel the cost is too steep for those who don’t need such a large capacity. While it’s great for heavy workloads, the price may be prohibitive for users who only need smaller storage solutions.
Noise Level
75%
25%
Many users note that the noise level is relatively low during normal operation, making it a good fit for quiet environments where excessive noise could be distracting. The device runs smoothly without creating significant disruption.
That said, a few users pointed out that the noise can become more noticeable during intense use. The sound level can increase under heavy loads, especially if the system lacks adequate cooling, which might be a concern in noise-sensitive workspaces.

Suitable for:

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card is ideal for professionals who need a high-performance storage solution. Video editors, photographers, and gamers will especially benefit from its large 16TB capacity and high-speed data transfer rates. Those working with large media files, such as 4K video or high-resolution images, will find its RAID 0 configuration and PCIe NVMe technology essential for quick data access. Additionally, users with older Mac Pro models or high-performance PC towers looking to expand internal storage will appreciate its seamless compatibility and easy installation process. The device's long warranty adds peace of mind for those in need of a reliable, long-term solution for heavy workloads.

Not suitable for:

This SSD adapter may not be the best fit for casual users or those on a tight budget. The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card’s high price point may be excessive for individuals who don’t need such extensive storage capacity or fast read/write speeds. It's also not ideal for users with older PCs that lack PCIe x16 slots or those looking for a simpler, plug-and-play solution. Additionally, some users have noted that the device can heat up during prolonged, intensive use, so individuals without proper cooling solutions may find this a limitation. If you need a more budget-friendly, lower-capacity storage upgrade, this high-end solution might not be the most practical choice.

Specifications

  • Capacity: Offers 16TB of storage space for high-capacity data storage needs.
  • Interface: Uses PCIe NVMe for fast data transfer speeds.
  • RAID Support: Supports RAID 0 configuration for improved read/write performance.
  • Max Speed: Delivers speeds up to 6,000MB/s for fast data access.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Mac Pro models (2010-2012, 2019) and PC towers.
  • Form Factor: Has a PCIe x8/x16 form factor for installation in compatible slots.
  • Warranty: Comes with a 5-year warranty for added user confidence.
  • Included Software: Includes SoftRAID software for configuration and management.
  • Dimensions: Measures 7.1 x 0.9 x 5 inches in size.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.31 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for its storage capacity.
  • Flash Memory Type: Uses solid-state drive (SSD) flash memory for quick data retrieval.
  • Power Consumption: Designed to operate with low power consumption compared to traditional hard drives.
  • Cooling: May require additional cooling during extended high-performance use to prevent overheating.
  • Form Factor Compatibility: Compatible with standard PCIe slots in desktop towers (x8/x16).
  • Installation: Easy to install with no special drivers required; simply plug into a compatible PCIe slot.
  • Read/Write Speed: Achieves read and write speeds of up to 6,000MB/s when configured in RAID 0.
  • Use Case: Ideal for video editors, photographers, and gamers needing high-capacity, fast storage.
  • Software Support: SoftRAID software helps manage the RAID configuration and monitor performance.

FAQ

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter Card is designed to expand the internal storage of Mac Pro (2010-2012, 2019) and PC towers with a massive 16TB capacity, providing fast data transfer speeds via PCIe NVMe technology, ideal for users with high storage and speed demands, like video editors and gamers.

Installation is straightforward. Simply insert the PCIe x8/x16 card into a compatible PCIe slot in your Mac Pro or PC tower. It requires no special drivers, though you'll need to install SoftRAID software to configure the RAID setup for optimal performance.

RAID 0 is a data storage configuration that combines two or more drives to improve performance by striping data across multiple disks. This setup allows the OWC Accelsior 4M2 to achieve read/write speeds up to 6,000MB/s, making it suitable for demanding applications like video editing and large file handling.

This SSD adapter is compatible with Mac Pro models from 2010 to 2012 and 2019. However, it requires a PCIe x8/x16 slot, which may not be available in all systems. It's important to check compatibility with your specific Mac Pro version before purchasing.

The device offers excellent performance thanks to its PCIe NVMe interface. With RAID 0, it delivers read/write speeds up to 6,000MB/s, making it one of the fastest storage solutions available for video editing, gaming, and other high-performance computing tasks.

Some users have raised concerns about heat management during extended use. While the device is designed to handle heavy workloads, additional cooling may be necessary during long sessions to ensure it operates optimally and to prevent overheating.

Yes, this SSD adapter is compatible with most PC towers that have a PCIe x8/x16 slot. Ensure your system meets the necessary PCIe slot requirements before installation, and check that your motherboard supports NVMe drives.

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 16TB SSD comes with a 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind for users concerned about the longevity and reliability of their storage solution.

The OWC Accelsior 4M2 measures 7.1 x 0.9 x 5 inches and weighs 1.31 pounds. It's a relatively compact form factor for a high-capacity PCIe SSD adapter, although it may still require enough space in your PC or Mac Pro for proper installation.

Yes, this SSD adapter is ideal for gamers who need both high capacity and fast read/write speeds. With 16TB of storage and RAID 0 performance, it can easily handle large game libraries, reducing load times and providing smoother gaming experiences.