ASUS TUF Gaming A2
Rating
Product Overview
The ASUS TUF Gaming A2 is a portable SSD enclosure designed for gamers and content creators. It features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface for speeds up to 20 Gbps. The enclosure supports both NVMe PCIe and SATA SSDs, and is built with military-grade toughness, IP68 water and dust resistance, and an aluminum alloy chassis with a thermal pad for effective heat dissipation. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and game consoles.
Product Images
Product Specifications
Size & Weight
Features
A function that allows M.2 NVMe SSD installation and removal without any tools. You can easily install or replace the SSD without needing screwdrivers or other tools. Convenient for quickly upgrading storage or swapping SSDs.
The Q-Latch mechanism allows for tool-free installation and removal of the M.2 SSD, making it easy to swap drives without needing any tools. This is very convenient for users who frequently upgrade or change their SSDs, saving time and effort.
A function that incorporates a heat sink or radiating fins on the enclosure exterior to improve heat dissipation efficiency. The SSD's heat can be effectively released, preventing performance degradation due to high temperatures. Enables stable and sustained high-speed data transfer.
The aluminum chassis and thermal pad effectively dissipate heat, preventing performance degradation due to thermal throttling. This ensures stable and sustained performance, especially during extended use or heavy workloads, prolonging the lifespan of the SSD.
A function that prevents data from being written to the SSD. Protects your data from accidental deletion or overwriting. Useful for safely viewing or sharing important data without the risk of modification.
This enclosure does not have a write protection function, which means there is no way to prevent data from being accidentally deleted or overwritten. This could be a concern for users who need to protect sensitive data from modification, limiting its use in certain scenarios.
A function supporting the USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) for faster data transfer speeds. When connected to a UASP-compatible USB port, data transfer speeds are significantly increased compared to conventional USB connections. Reduces transfer times for large files or backups.
UASP support is not explicitly mentioned in the product information. Without UASP support, the enclosure may not achieve the maximum possible transfer speeds, especially with high-performance SSDs. This could result in slower file transfers and backups compared to enclosures with UASP support.
A function that displays the enclosure's operating status with an LED indicator. You can easily check whether the SSD is properly connected and transferring data. Allows for quick troubleshooting of connection issues.
The product information does not mention an LED indicator. Without an LED indicator, it may be difficult to quickly check the enclosure's operating status or troubleshoot connection issues, requiring users to rely on software or other methods to monitor the drive's activity.
A function that supports different M.2 NVMe SSD sizes (e.g., 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280). You can use various sized SSDs with a single enclosure. Provides flexibility when upgrading or repurposing existing SSDs.
The enclosure supports multiple M.2 SSD sizes (2242, 2260, 2280), providing flexibility when upgrading or repurposing existing SSDs. This allows users to use various sized SSDs with a single enclosure, making it a versatile choice for different storage needs and scenarios.
SHOPSTAFF Rating Score
The ASUS TUF Gaming A2 is a robust enclosure offering good performance and durability. It's a solid choice for users needing a reliable and portable storage solution, though the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface is a limiting factor compared to faster interfaces.
Brand & Manufacturer Details
Key Highlights
- Rugged design with IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications
- Wide compatibility with different SSD types and devices
- Effective thermal solution for stable performance
- User-friendly Q-Latch mechanism for easy SSD swaps
Considerations
- Ensure your device supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for optimal speeds.
- Be mindful of the enclosure's weight and bulk when considering portability.
- The screw-based design may not be ideal for frequent SSD swaps.
Recommended For
- Gamers
- Content creators
- Users needing rugged and reliable storage
- Users who prioritize durability and wide compatibility
Not Recommended For
- Users needing write protection
- Users requiring the absolute fastest transfer speeds
- none in particular
Suitable For
- External game storage for consoles and PCs
- On-the-go storage for large media files
- Backing up important data in harsh environments
- Fast transfer of large files between devices
Not Suitable For
- Archiving infrequently accessed data
- Environments requiring complete silence
- none in particular
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.I'm looking for a durable external SSD enclosure. How tough is the ASUS TUF Gaming A2?
Q.What kind of SSDs are compatible with this enclosure?
Q.How fast is the data transfer speed?
Q.Is the enclosure easy to install?
Q.Does the enclosure have any features to prevent overheating?
Q.Is it compatible with different devices?
Q.Some portable SSD enclosures don't cool well. Does this one have cooling issues?
Q.I plan to use this enclosure in different environments. How durable is it against the elements?
Q.What are the drawbacks of this product?
Q.I'm concerned about the type of screws used for assembly.
SHOPSTAFF Rating Ranking
40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure with cooling fan, compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3.2/3.0/2.0.
| Supported SSD Type | NVMe | Supported SSD Size | 2280/2260/2242/2230 |
| Interface | Thunderbolt | Data Transfer Rate | 4.25 Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | Cooling Solution | Cooling Fan |
| UASP Support | - | Trim Support | - |
| Power Source | - | Dimensions | - mm |
40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3 USB4, tool-free installation, supports 2280/2260/2242/2230 SSD.
| Supported SSD Type | NVMe | Supported SSD Size | 2280/2260/2242/2230 |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | Cooling Solution | Heatsink |
| UASP Support | Yes | Trim Support | Yes |
| Power Source | USB bus-powered | Dimensions | - mm |
40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB, supporting multiple SSD sizes.
| Supported SSD Type | NVMe | Supported SSD Size | 2280/2260/2242/2230 |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | Cooling Solution | - |
| UASP Support | Yes | Trim Support | - |
| Power Source | USB bus-powered | Dimensions | - mm |
Aluminum alloy M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for up to 10 Gbps transfer speeds.
| Supported SSD Type | NVMe | Supported SSD Size | 2280/2260/2242/2230 |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy | Cooling Solution | Thermal Pads |
| UASP Support | Yes | Trim Support | - |
| Power Source | USB bus-powered | Dimensions | 7.1 x 3.8 x 1.6 inches mm |
40Gbps USB4 NVMe PCIe SSD Enclosure with aluminum alloy body, dual-sided perforated design, and built-in fan.
| Supported SSD Type | NVMe | Supported SSD Size | 2280 |
| Interface | USB4 | Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbps |
| Material | Aluminum | Cooling Solution | Heatsink & Fan |
| UASP Support | Yes | Trim Support | Yes |
| Power Source | USB bus-powered | Dimensions | 119.38 x 50.8 x 17.78 mm |
