You're holding an M.2 SSD (from a laptop upgrade, or bought separately) and you're not sure it will fit in an external enclosure before you order. Fair question: M.2 drives come in different lengths and with two types of connectors, and not every enclosure supports all of them. Fortunately, only two things determine whether your SSD fits, and you can check that in a few seconds.
Two things determine whether your SSD fits
Before diving into the details: an M.2 SSD fits in an external enclosure if two things are correct.
- The length: M.2 drives come in four standard lengths.
- The connector type: the notch on the connector (M-key or B+M-key).
The Switss® M.2 SSD enclosure with heatsink covers the full width on both checks: "NVMe or SATA, M-key or B&M-key, the Switss® enclosure recognizes both" (source: sw-plus-popup, live product page). Below, we'll work through the two checks one by one, so you can check for yourself whether your SSD fits.
Check 1: the length of your SSD (2230, 2242, 2260 or 2280)
M.2 SSDs aren't a single uniform size: they come in four lengths, identified by a four-digit code: 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 (the first two digits are the width in mm, always 22; the last two or three digits are the length in mm). The Switss M.2 SSD enclosure with heatsink supports all four formats (2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280) up to 2 TB capacity (source: specification table and FAQ, live product page).
Where do you find the length code on your SSD?
General technical knowledge, not a Switss product spec: the length code is usually printed as a number on the SSD's own circuit board, often close to the label. If you're not sure, you can also find it in the original specifications of the laptop or PC the SSD came from.
Do you have a longer SSD (for example 22110)?
There's also a longer size, 22110 (110 mm), mainly used in servers and some business laptops. That length isn't included in the confirmed Switss specifications for this product: only 2230 through 2280 are confirmed. So a 22110 SSD presumably doesn't fit in this compact enclosure. `[SPEC UNKNOWN: owner to confirm whether 22110 fits or not]` If you're unsure, contact customer service before ordering.
Check 2: the connector (M-key or B+M-key) doesn't matter with Switss
Besides the length, an M.2 SSD also has a notch in the connector, the "key" type. One notch usually indicates NVMe (M-key), two notches usually indicate SATA (B+M-key). If you want the full explanation of the difference between NVMe and SATA (including speed), read NVMe vs SATA M.2 SSD: what's the difference (and what do you need)?; here, it's only about whether it fits.
The good news: with the Switss M.2 SSD enclosure with heatsink, that difference doesn't matter. The enclosure recognizes both M.2 NVMe (PCIe, the newer, faster technology) and M.2 SATA (NGFF, the older technology), with M-key or B+M-key (source: specification table + sw-plus-popup, live product page). You connect the enclosure via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps: that's the bandwidth of the connection itself, not the speed at which you transfer files (source: specification table, live product page).
Checklist: 3 steps before you order
No new explanations here: this is the summary you can tick off:
- Length checked? 2230, 2242, 2260 or 2280: then it fits.
- Connector checked? NVMe or SATA, M-key or B+M-key: with Switss it makes no difference.
- Capacity checked? Up to 2 TB is supported (source: product specification).
Three times "yes"? Then your SSD fits the Switss M.2 SSD enclosure with heatsink.
Turns out your drive isn't M.2 after all?
Did you discover while reading that you actually don't have a narrow circuit board, but a rectangular case about the size of a pack of chewing gum? Then you have a 2.5-inch SATA drive, not an M.2 SSD. No problem, this simply isn't the right enclosure for you. Reusing an old 2.5-inch laptop drive as an external drive points you to the right one. Not yet sure exactly which type of drive you have? Which enclosure do I need for my old hard drive? lays out all the options.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what length my M.2 SSD is?
The length code is usually printed as a number on the circuit board itself, or can be found in the original specifications of the laptop or PC the SSD came from. (General technical knowledge, not a Switss product spec.)
I see two notches on my SSD, does it still fit in an M.2 enclosure?
Yes. Two notches usually indicate a B+M-key (often SATA): the Switss M.2 SSD enclosure with heatsink recognizes both M-key and B+M-key.
My SSD is longer than 2280 (for example 22110), does it fit the Switss M.2 SSD enclosure?
The confirmed specifications go up to and including 2280; 22110 isn't listed, so it presumably doesn't fit in this compact enclosure. `[SPEC UNKNOWN: owner to confirm]`
I have a rectangular drive, not a narrow circuit board, is that an M.2 SSD?
No, that's probably a 2.5-inch SATA drive, a different format. See "Turns out your drive isn't M.2 after all?" above for the right enclosure.
Does the enclosure come with an SSD, or do I need to buy one myself?
No, the enclosure is supplied without an SSD. You install your own M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD; it clicks into place without screws.
What if my SSD turns out not to fit after all?
Then you have 30 days to return it free of charge, with Dutch customer service.
Next step
Now certain your SSD fits? Check the specifications and current price on the product page: Switss M.2 SSD Enclosure with Heatsink (€18,99, checked 24-07-2026): a small, sensible purchase, not a luxury product. This Switss M.2 SSD enclosure comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, and you have 30 days to return it free of charge. Want to see the installation right after you order? Turn an M.2 SSD into an external drive: step by step lays out every step.
