Update Oct 2021: At first, I thought it was a driver issue with Windows 11, but no i think the enclosure has gone bad. This drive has been causing my system to freeze up and I keep getting Blue Screen errors since the OS update. I tried multiple working NVMe drives, a Samsung 960Evo and and Kingston A2000. I even tried it on Linux, drive still freezes and causes kernel panic. Lasted less than a year. I'll try to RMA it with Asus.
Original Review April 2021: I like the design, and assembly is easy enough. Full body aluminum should work well for heat dissipation. Works well, transfers are pretty fast as you'd expect. I didn't do speed tests, because i frankly couldn't care enough.
One odd thing i noticed was about the included cables. The USB-C to A cable is labeled as USB 3.0 (so USB 3.2 Gen 1), and the USB C to C is USB 3.1 (USB 3.2 Gen 2). The enclosure is rated as USB 3.2 Gen 2, so I would assume the included cable should have the same rating. I haven't gotten around to testing if it actually makes any difference, but theoretically Gen 1 is half the speed of Gen 2. Maybe I'll do it eventually and then update this review.
A sim ejector like tool for opening the case would not have been my first choice. It is easy to lose and you'll be left looking for one down the line if you need to change out the drives.
| Item Weight | 98 Grams |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Desktop, Personal Computer |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Inches |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 1 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1E+1 Gigabits Per Second |
| Manufacturer | ASUS, ASUS GLOBAL PTE LTD |
| UPC | 192876449899 192876449851 |
| Series | ROG Strix Arion ESD-S1C |
| Form Factor | M.2 |
| Item Height | 1.6 Inches |
| Item Width | 3.8 Inches |
| Product Dimensions | 18.03 x 9.65 x 4.06 cm; 98 g |
| Item model number | ROG Strix Arion ESD-S1C |
| Hard Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Hard Drive |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.2 |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Included Components | ROG Strix Arion portable Enclosure, R Hook and Protective holder, Pin Ejector, USB-C to USB-C Cable, USB-C to USB-A cable |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item Weight | 98 g |
