Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure Review

Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure Review

The Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure presents itself as a leading solution in the realm of portable storage, combining ultra-slim design, robust construction, and innovative features. As an external M.2 SSD enclosure, it’s designed to provide high-capacity storage options for users on the go, whether for work, gaming, or creative applications. This evaluation delves into the design, build quality, features, and overall user experience offered by the Sharge Disk Plus.

The Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure is now LIVE on Kickstarter HERE for $35 (RRP is $69)

About SHARGE Tech

SHARGE Tech, the company behind the Sharge Disk Plus, has built a solid reputation in the tech industry, primarily known for its high-quality power banks. Their sub-brand, Shargeek, consists of a team of experienced engineers and designers dedicated to creating innovative and reliable tech products. SHARGE Tech has successfully launched several products, including the Storm² and SHARGE Disk series, on popular crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. These campaigns have helped them establish a dedicated following of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Feature	Specification
Dimensions	93 × 60 × 6 mm (3.66 × 2.36 × 0.24 in)
Material	Aluminum alloy
Port Type	USB-C x 2
USB-C1 Output	85W (Max)
USB-C2 Input	100W (Max)
Supported SSD Models	2280/2242/2230
Supported SSD Type	M Key M.2 NVMe
Supported SSD Capacity	Up to 4TB
Protocol	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
OS Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Controller	Realtek RTL9210B
Additional Features	Magnetic attachment, thermal pads, built-in data cable

Sharge Disk Plus – Design and Build Quality

One of the primary selling points of the Sharge Disk Plus is its exceptionally slim profile, which is marketed as the world’s thinnest M.2 SSD enclosure. At just 0.24 inches thick, the Disk Plus is comparable in size to a cardholder, making it highly portable. This compact size allows it to easily slip into pockets, bags, or even small compartments, ensuring that users can carry it along without added bulk.

The design takes inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, emphasizing minimalism and functionality. The use of a sleek aluminum alloy for the enclosure not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits. Aluminum is known for its lightweight properties and durability, making the Disk Plus both resilient and easy to carry. The material choice also aids in heat dissipation, which is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of SSDs, especially during intensive tasks.

The overall construction of the Disk Plus reflects a focus on durability and long-term usability. The aluminum alloy body feels solid and well-crafted, giving users confidence in its ability to protect the internal SSD.

The precision engineering ensures that all components fit together seamlessly, providing a cohesive and sturdy product.

Sharge Disk Plus – Storage Support

The Sharge Disk Plus offers versatility in terms of the types of SSDs it supports, accommodating different form factors such as 2230, 2242, and 2280. This range of support makes the Disk Plus compatible with a wide variety of SSDs available in the market, allowing users to choose the best option that fits their needs, whether it’s for high-speed performance, large storage capacity, or a balance of both.

Moreover, the Disk Plus supports M Key M.2 NVMe SSDs, which are known for their superior speed compared to traditional SATA-based SSDs. This ensures that users can take full advantage of the high-speed data transfer capabilities of modern NVMe drives, making the Disk Plus a future-proof solution for evolving storage needs.

(Included M.2 Thermal Pad)

With the ability to support SSDs up to 4TB in capacity, the Disk Plus provides ample storage space for everything from high-resolution video files to large game libraries and work documents.

Sharge Disk Plus – Connectivity

A standout feature of the Sharge Disk Plus is its dual USB-C ports, designed to enhance functionality and usability. One port is dedicated to data transfer, while the other serves as a power pass-through, supporting up to 85W. This dual-port design is particularly beneficial for users who need to charge their devices while accessing data from the SSD.

The power pass-through capability makes the Disk Plus a convenient solution for users with devices that have limited USB ports, such as ultrabooks, tablets, and smartphones. By using the Disk Plus, users can connect their device to the SSD for data access while simultaneously charging the device, eliminating the need for multiple adapters or power sources. This is especially useful for mobile professionals who often work on the go and need to keep their devices powered without sacrificing access to important data.

The inclusion of USB-C ports also reflects the Disk Plus’s commitment to modern connectivity standards. USB-C is becoming increasingly prevalent due to its versatility, speed, and ease of use, and the Disk Plus’s adoption of this standard ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from laptops and desktops to tablets and smartphones.

Sharge Disk Plus – Realtek RTL9210B Bridge Chip

Central to the functionality of the Sharge Disk Plus is the Realtek RTL9210B, a high-performance USB 3.1 Gen 2 to PCIe Gen3x2/SATA Gen3 bridge chip. This bridge is crucial for the Disk Plus’s ability to deliver high-speed data transfers and seamless compatibility between different interface standards. The RTL9210B supports both NVMe and SATA protocols, making it highly versatile and capable of handling various types of SSDs.

• High-Speed Data Transfer: The RTL9210B enables the Disk Plus to achieve data transfer rates up to 10Gbps, maximizing the potential of USB 3.2 Gen 2. This chip ensures that the Disk Plus can handle large files and data-heavy applications efficiently, providing users with fast and reliable performance.
• PCIe Gen3x2 and SATA Gen3 Support: By supporting PCIe Gen3x2, the RTL9210B can interface directly with high-speed NVMe SSDs, leveraging their capabilities for faster data access. Additionally, its support for SATA Gen3 means that the Disk Plus can also accommodate older SATA-based SSDs, offering flexibility in terms of SSD compatibility.
• Power Management and Efficiency: The RTL9210B includes advanced power management features that help optimize power consumption and reduce heat generation. This is particularly important for maintaining performance and ensuring the longevity of the SSDs, as well as the overall efficiency of the Disk Plus.

The Realtek RTL9210B bridge chip is a key component that makes the Sharge Disk Plus a versatile and high-performance SSD enclosure. Its ability to handle both NVMe and SATA protocols, combined with high-speed data transfer capabilities, ensures that the Disk Plus meets the needs of a wide range of users.

Sharge Disk Plus – Accessories

Another innovative feature of the Sharge Disk Plus is its magnetic attachment system, which provides a secure and stable connection between the SSD enclosure and various devices. This system includes magnetic panels that can be attached to devices such as phones, laptops, or even desktop setups. The strong magnets ensure that the Disk Plus remains firmly in place, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection, which can be a common issue with traditional wired connections.

The magnetic attachment system is particularly useful for users who frequently move their devices or work in environments where space is limited. By securely attaching the Disk Plus to their device, users can maintain a tidy and organized workspace without the clutter of dangling cables. This feature also makes the Disk Plus ideal for use with handheld devices, as it allows for seamless and stable connectivity without the need for cumbersome setups. Additional magnetic rings are provided to make the Disk Plus compatible with non-magnetic devices, further enhancing its versatility. This adaptability means that users can easily integrate the Disk Plus into a variety of setups, whether at a workstation, on the road, or in a mobile environment.

Sharge Disk Plus – SSD Performance Tests

Testing the Sharge Disk Plus was always going to be a little vague, as the system does not arrive with an SSD by default – so therefore the quality of the SSD, the capacity of the SSD, the on board DRAM and Gen/Speed of the drive would all play a part on performance. I opted for the installation of a very, very basic WD Green SN350 1TB NVMe Internal SSD Solid State Drive (Gen3 PCIe, QLC) and performed tests in ATTO DiskBenchmark, AJA and a standard windows transfer. Here are those results:

Almost complete USB 3.2 Gen 2 bandwidth saturation was achieved on the ATTO test:

The AJA tests were the tiniest pinch lower, but still well, well within the expected bandwidth for a 10G USB Enclosure:

For the Windows transfer test, I opted for 100GB transfer of mixed files from my Gen4 SSD-equipped Windows PC (2390 Files) and although there was the expected up/down caused by the file differences throughout, it still maintained performance pretty consistently over 500MB/s and peaked at 680MB/s. Very good real world transfer speeds.

Overall, really happy with the performance with even this entry-level budget SSD inside and I am sure that higher IOP and sustained performance drives will result in even higher consistent numbers for the windows tests, as well as spike up those AJA numbers further. Good stuff!

Ease of Use and Installation

The Sharge Disk Plus is designed with user convenience in mind, making it easy to install and use right out of the box. The enclosure requires only two Torx screws to secure the SSD, with a screwdriver and spare screws included in the package. This straightforward design ensures that users can quickly and easily install their SSD, taking less than 30 seconds to complete the setup. This ease of installation is a significant advantage for users who may not be technically inclined, as it minimizes the hassle typically associated with setting up external storage devices.

The Disk Plus also includes a built-in data cable, which is cleverly integrated into the design of the enclosure. This eliminates the need for users to search for extra cables, providing a neat and organized solution. The cable is designed to be flush with the enclosure, maintaining the sleek and minimalist aesthetic while ensuring that it is always readily available when needed.

Sharge Disk Plus – Power Loss Protection (PLP)?

While the Sharge Disk Plus offers a range of innovative features and design elements, there are a few considerations that potential buyers should keep in mind. One notable omission is the lack of Power Loss Protection (PLP). PLP is an important feature for preventing data corruption in the event of unexpected power loss or disconnection, as it provides a brief power reserve to allow the device to safely complete any ongoing data transfers. The absence of PLP in the Disk Plus could be a concern for users who handle critical or sensitive data, as it increases the risk of data loss in the event of a sudden power interruption.

Additionally, the Disk Plus does not come with any bundled software for backup or encryption. While many users may rely on third-party solutions or their operating systems for these features, the lack of integrated software options may be a drawback for those looking for a more comprehensive storage solution. Users seeking one-touch backup, encrypted backups, or password-protected storage will need to seek additional software to achieve these capabilities.

Availability and Pricing

The Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure is currently available on Kickstarter, where it has garnered attention from backers for its innovative features and sleek design. Early bird pricing is set at $35 USD, offering a significant discount compared to the Kickstarter price of $45. Once the campaign ends, the MSRP will be $69, making the early bird option an attractive deal for early adopters looking to secure this cutting-edge storage solution. You can learn more and back the project here.

Sharge Disk Plus – Verdict and Conclusion

The Sharge Disk Plus SSD Enclosure is a thoughtfully designed, highly portable storage solution that caters to the needs of modern users. With its ultra-slim profile, robust aluminum construction, and versatile features, it stands out in a crowded market of external SSD enclosures. The use of the Realtek RTL9210B bridge chip ensures high-speed data transfer and compatibility with both NVMe and SATA SSDs, making it a future-proof option for various storage needs. The innovative dual USB-C ports, magnetic attachment system, and easy installation process further enhance its appeal, providing users with a seamless and efficient storage experience.

While it lacks Power Loss Protection and bundled software, the Sharge Disk Plus delivers on its promises of style, functionality, and performance. Whether for work, gaming, or content creation, this SSD enclosure is a compelling choice for those who value portability and speed without compromising on design. At its competitive price point, especially with the early bird offers on Kickstarter, the Sharge Disk Plus is an excellent investment for tech-savvy individuals looking to enhance their storage capabilities.

PROs of the DISK PLUS NAS

CONs of the DISK PLUS NAS

Ultra-Slim Design: The world’s thinnest M.2 SSD enclosure, making it highly portable and easy to carry. Robust Build Quality: Made from durable aluminum alloy, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical heat dissipation. Versatile SSD Compatibility: Supports multiple SSD form factors (2230, 2242, 2280) and types (NVMe and SATA), offering flexibility. Dual USB-C Ports: Allows simultaneous data transfer and device charging, enhancing convenience for users with limited ports. High-Speed Data Transfer: Powered by the Realtek RTL9210B chip, enabling transfer rates up to 10Gbps – Which was hit comfortably in my testing over USB 3.2 Gen 2 Magnetic Attachment System: Provides a secure and clutter-free connection, ideal for mobile and desktop use. Easy Installation: Quick and simple SSD installation process with included tools, taking less than 30 seconds. Competitive Pricing: Attractive early bird pricing on Kickstarter, offering great value for money.

Lack of Power Loss Protection (PLP): No built-in PLP to prevent data corruption during unexpected power loss. No Bundled Software: Absence of integrated backup or encryption software requires reliance on third-party solutions. Limited Advanced Features: Lacks features such as fingerprint security or one-touch backup that some users might desire.

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