M.2 SSD as an external drive?

[Karpy]

Just got a Mac book pro late 2016 model. Has 256 GB of flash storage, which is fine now, but want to plan ahead. I want an external SSD to store my files and such. Would my mac book recognize a m2 drive if i put it in an enclosure and connected it via USB-c? Any help is appreciated!

 

[RetiredChief]

M2 SSD gets it speed boost over a SATA -III SSD by using two sata ports. Using a USB-c is not any faster than usb 3.1. Is Faster than USB 3.0 Ref: "is theoretically twice as fast as USB 3.0"
Also: Quote " it basically works at the same 5Gbps speeds as USB 3.0. USB 3.1 Gen 2 refers to data signaling rates at 10Gbps, double that of USB 3.0, and matching the speeds of single-channel Thunderbolt" end quote The 10Gbps is Theoretical and does not take in the added overhead associated with a SATA III port.
I don't think you will see a nickels worth of performance deference between the M2 SSD(Which may run Hotter) than a plain jane 2 1/2 in SATA III SSD.

 

[superninja12]

I would get this : https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T3-Portable-SSD-MU-PT500B/dp/B01AVF6UQQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1501505276&sr=1-2&keywords=external%2Bssd&th=1

 

[ArtPog]

1. First of all, I am virtually unfamiliar with Mac systems and generally am loathe to provide any suggestion/comment with respect to that system because of my ignorance re that system.

2. But I can confirm that RetiredChief's comments are right on the mark insofar as they pertain to any perceived advantage re speed using a Type-C USB connector.

3. The Samsung T3 device is nothing more than a USB external drive that in practical terms should be designated as a USB 3.0 device. It is, however, designated as a USB 3.1 Gen 1 device. Note the "Gen 1" designation; it's equivalent to what we formerly designated as a USB 3.0 device.

The simple truth is that the nomenclature promulgated for these "USB 3.1" external drives is a disgrace; it has confused perhaps millions of PC users thinking they're getting "USB 3.1" faster data response speeds over USB 3.0 when that is NOT the case. One presumably achieves USB 3.1 speeds when the device is designated as a "USB 3.1 Gen 2" device.

Again, a Type-C connector has no impact on this. That type connector can be installed on either a USB 3.1 Gen 1 OR USB 3.1 Gen 2 device. The Samsung T3 is a perfect example of this.

Incidentally while the Samsung T3 is equipped with a Type C to Type A cable, I'm under the impression that the Type C connector is the connector to the T3 and the Type A connector (the "usual" USB connector in the PC world) would be the connector to the computer or whatever device is being utilized. I'm not entirely sure about this and it's even possible another adapter is included in the packaging. But check this out if you're interested in that item.