Unleashing the UT2: Kingston NV3 SSD Upgrade
The UnifyDrive UT2, with its pocket-sized portability and robust feature set, is a compelling solution for creative professionals and anyone managing large data libraries on the go. However, its performance can be significantly enhanced with a suitable internal storage upgrade. In this article, I’ll delve into my experience of boosting the UT2’s capabilities by installing a Kingston NV3 SSD.
Why the Kingston NV3?
The Kingston NV3 is a PCIe 4.0 SSD that strikes a remarkable balance between performance and affordability. Its high read/write speeds, reaching up to 6,000MB/s and 5,000MB/s respectively, align perfectly with the UT2’s emphasis on rapid data access and transfer. Furthermore, the NV3’s compact M.2 2280 form factor ensures seamless integration within the UT2’s internal bay, maintaining the device’s sleek and portable design.
RAW Performance
That goes without saying this kind of performance is obviously overkill for a NAS. However, considering that I might be switching the SSD to my PC, this is a proper investment into future use cases.
The Upgrade Process
Installing the NV3 into the UT2 proved to be a straightforward process:
- Power Down & Access: I began by powering down the UT2. Subsequently, I carefully opened the UT2’s SSD cover.
- NV3 Installation: With the enclosure open, I gently inserted the NV3 SSD into the designated M.2 slot, ensuring proper alignment. Since the UT2 supports two drives, I have both identical NV3 SSDs in place so that the performance is consistent.
- Reassembly & Verification: Once the NV3 was securely in place, I carefully reassembled the UT2 enclosure. Upon powering the device back on, I verified the successful installation and functionality of the new SSD.
Performance Transformation:
Having used to traditional HDD NAS, the conversion to SSD-based NAS is a huge jump in terms of user experience. System app installation and server-based tasks such as file indexing now executed with remarkable speed. Unfortunately we could not provide some sort of benchmark for these actions as the server cache will also play a role in the processing speed as well.
Enhanced User Experience: The responsiveness of the UT2 was significantly improved, making it a more enjoyable and intuitive device to use.
Future-Proofing: By incorporating a PCIe 4.0 SSD like the NV3, I’m future-proofing the UT2. It’s now well-equipped to handle the demands of increasingly data-intensive workloads and emerging technologies.
Conclusion
Upgrading my UnifyDrive UT2 with the Kingston NV3 SSD proved to be a highly rewarding endeavor. The performance gains were substantial, and the upgrade process itself was relatively simple. If you’re seeking to maximize the potential of your UT2, I wholeheartedly recommend considering the Kingston NV3 as an internal storage upgrade.
Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience, and individual results may vary. Always consult the official documentation and adhere to safety precautions when upgrading your devices.
I hope this expanded article provides a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of upgrading the UnifyDrive UT2 with the Kingston NV3 SSD.
