Why the TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus Is a Better Choice Than the OWC Express 1M2?
In fast-paced professional environments where content creation and data processing are at the core, many users instinctively turn to the OWC Express 1M2 when choosing a high-speed Direct Attached Storage (DAS) solution—particularly in the form of an external SSD enclosure. With its proven reliability and consistent performance, it has long been a preferred option among photographers, video editors, and other creative professionals.
The TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus builds upon the core strengths that have made the OWC Express 1M2 so popular—high performance, rugged build quality, and professional-grade reliability—while introducing a range of innovations that deliver greater versatility and overall value. Here are the key reasons why D1 SSD Plus emerges as the better choice:
1. Unmatched USB4 Performance
While the OWC Express 1M2 meets the needs of most workflows, when it comes to 4K/8K video editing, real-time rendering, or transferring massive files, every bit of speed makes a difference.
Equipped with a 40Gb/s USB4 interface, the D1 SSD Plus achieves actual read/write speeds of up to 3641MB/s when paired with high-performance NVMe SSDs such as the Samsung 990 PRO or WD Black SN850X. This outpaces the OWC’s top performance of 3151MB/s, enabling a smoother experience for media-intensive workloads and even direct app execution from the enclosure.
Advantage: The D1 SSD Plus features a firmware-optimized architecture to maintain consistent performance under sustained workloads, dramatically reducing thermal throttling. Even during multi-hour 4TB data transfers, users enjoy uninterrupted high-speed throughput, giving it an edge over OWC in long-session usage.
2. Superior Thermal Design for Continuous Performance
Like the OWC Express 1M2, the D1 SSD Plus is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum and uses a fanless design with large heat dissipation fins for passive cooling. However, TerraMaster takes it further with a dual-sided fin layout that increases surface area and enhances thermal performance. Under full load, SSD temperatures remain between 36–44°C, on par with OWC’s reported results.
Advantage: The D1 SSD Plus includes high-quality thermal pads that improve heat transfer between the SSD and enclosure. Even with high-power Gen 4 SSDs, the unit avoids throttling—making it ideal for continuous high-performance tasks like real-time video rendering or large-scale database operations.
3. Premium Build, Better Value
With a sleek, CNC-machined aluminum enclosure, the D1 SSD Plus matches the premium aesthetic and protection of the OWC Express 1M2. It pairs seamlessly with Mac and PC setups while offering a more competitive price—just $109, saving $10 compared to OWC’s $119.
Advantage: TerraMaster offers a 2-year global warranty, matching OWC’s coverage. Additionally, the D1 SSD Plus addresses user concerns—its microporous LED indicator is carefully tuned to avoid excessive brightness in dark environments, enhancing usability during night sessions or in low-light studios.
4. Broader Compatibility and DIY Flexibility
The D1 SSD Plus supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2280 format, just like the OWC Express 1M2, allowing users to install anything from entry-level drives to high-capacity 8TB SSDs. It supports USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4/5, and USB-C devices, and is fully compatible with macOS, Windows, Linux, and even PlayStation 5 consoles.
Advantage: Exclusive to TerraMaster is the TDAS mobile app (iOS & Android), which lets users back up photos and videos directly from their smartphones to the enclosure—something OWC does not offer. D1 SSD Plus also supports next-generation high-capacity SSDs, ensuring long-term adaptability to evolving storage demands.
5. Silent Operation and User-Centric Design
The D1 SSD Plus is engineered for silent operation (0dB) thanks to its fanless build—ideal for sound-sensitive environments like studios or home offices, just like the OWC Express 1M2. But TerraMaster improves ease of use with tool-free SSD installation and a single-screw enclosure design that speeds up SSD swaps to under 2 minutes.
Advantage: The D1 SSD Plus comes with anti-slip rubber feet that reduce the risk of accidental drops and provide enhanced stability on any surface. It also resolves a key usability complaint from OWC users—no need to remove rubber pads to access screws, making installation simpler and more practical.
6. Professional Features for Creative Workflows
Built with creative professionals in mind, the D1 SSD Plus supports macOS boot drive functionality, enabling users to run their OS or applications directly from the enclosure with near-native SSD performance. It handles 4K/8K editing, large photo libraries, and real-time data analytics with ease—on par with OWC’s professional focus.
Advantage: The D1 SSD Plus includes TerraMaster’s free TPC Backupper software, which offers scheduled backup and cross-device data sync, enhancing data security for professionals. By comparison, the OWC Express 1M2 does not offer built-in backup software, making the D1 SSD Plus a more complete storage solution.
While the OWC Express 1M2 is undoubtedly an excellent product, TerraMaster aims to offer a more forward-thinking, versatile, and user-centric alternative with the D1 SSD Plus. It’s not just about pushing the limits of performance—it’s about refining every detail, from hardware engineering to software integration, from seamless creative workflows to robust data protection. The D1 SSD Plus is crafted to be a truly dependable high-performance external SSD solution that professionals can count on.