I plan to convert my NUC, which is on the approved-equipment list, to ROCK in the next few days. I bought my hardware when ROCK was not a thing yet, at least not publicly, and before I understood fully the best hardware. I bought a NUC with an M.2 SSD, thinking I could expand as needed via the open port in future, which I soon did. But that leaves me now with 400+GB that will be wasted if I keep that M.2 SSD in its current location, running ROCK and housing the DB. I suspect I’m not the only one in this position.
So what else to do with it? Since I’m not in the market for a second NUC, the only thing I can think of is those SSD enclosures that convert an internal drive to USB 3 external. Sounds great–but many consumer reviews say they–or some of them–run hot. That worries me.
Samsung SAMZN5E500BW 500GB 850 Evo M.2. So there’s this and several others. The various “keys” -M-keys, B-keyed, B- and M-keyed M.2s are confusing, but I think I’ve figured that out.
Can’t tell about the M.2 enclosures but I have tried 2.5" enclosure made out of thin aluminum sheet with Samsung 850 Evo SSD without issues. Maybe the M.2 to USB circuitry dissipates more heat but I doubt it will get hot.
From the comments I’m reading, I’m thinking it’s more that the m.2 enclosures are just generally badly designed. Amazon reviews for the one I linked to above aren’t bad overall–4 stars–but just read the negative comments (15% one star) and it makes you want to stay away.