Cooler Master Oracle Air Review M.2 NVMe to USB-C

Introduction and technical specifications of the Cooler Master Oracle Air

Although we are used to testing all kinds of Cooler Master products, today we bring you the Cooler Master Oracle Air Reviewa device that is a bit out of the ordinary and that is nothing more than an external casing to convert any M.2 NVMe SSD into a USB-C External SSD.

Build in aluminum with an external and an internal casing, the Cooler Master Oracle Air is created to be able to keep the temperatures of the SSDs under control without affecting the exterior. Thanks to its NVMe to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (USB 3.1) converter, we have a 10 Gbps maximum bandwidth to achieve transfers above 1,000 MB/s.

In addition, since it comes without any SSD inside, we can use it to convert any NVMe SSD that we have at home or build a custom one.

Technical Characteristics of Cooler Master Oracle Air

• Material: Aluminum with “GunMetal” color
• Connectivity:

  • Internal: M.2 NVMe PCIe.
  • External: USB-C 3.1 (3.2 Gen 2) 10 Gbps.

• Maximum speed: 1054 MB/s of reading and writing.
• M2 SSD Compatibility:

  • M.2 2280.
  • M.2 2260.
  • M.2 2242.
  • M.2 2240.
  • M.2 2230.

• Includes two rubber fixers and two thermal pads.
• Size: 128.5 x 42 x 18.5mm.
• Volume: 0.09L.
• Weight of 130 grams.
• Product code: SOA010-ME-00.
• Price: 59.99 euros.

Design and Connectivity

The design of the Cooler Master Oracle AIR is very striking and it leaves no doubt that it is designed to cool the SSD that is inside. Externally, we have an aluminum structure with a multitude of openings and different angles and curvatures that fold towards the central part symmetrically.

Weighing 130 grams without the SSD and measuring 128.5 x 42 x 18.5, it’s a bit bulky, especially across the width, but it’s still much more portable than a 2.5 or so drive. 3.5 inches.

At one end, tucked in, we have a USB-C 3.1 or 3.2 gen 2 port, with 10 Gbps of bandwidth, while on the other side there is a curious lever system that allows the interior structure of the case to be removed. the casing.

In doing so, we find ourselves with a second module, which on its own could perfectly pass for an external SSD if it were not for the fact that it is divided in two to access the interior. This structure is also made of aluminum and has different strips that function as a heatsink.

When separating the two parts that make up the structure of the Cooler Master Oracle AIR we find a small black PCB where the entire USB-C to M.2 NVMe converter goes.

Another detail that draws attention is the curious fixing system it has for M.2 SSDs. Instead of using a screw, there’s a small orange rubber that slots into the edge of the SSD and snaps it into holes on the bottom. The choice of this system could also help to avoid electrical contact with the casing, in any case, It is appreciated not having to use any tools to assemble it. In addition, a second rubber piece is included in case we lose it.

Once the SSD is mounted, a 250 GB Samsung 960 EVO in this case, we must place one of the two thermal PADs that Cooler Master includes next to the Oracle Air. In this way, the SSD directly contacts the top cover of the internal case when closing it.

Now we will only have to insert this internal module into the outer casing by sliding it on either side until the anchoring system clicks.

The Cooler Master Oracle Air includes a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect it to any compatible equipment (USB-A cable not included), in addition to having a small handle on the opening mechanism to be able to attach it to the shoulder straps. a backpack or bag for example.

Cooler Master Oracle Air Performance and Temperatures

By using a USB-C 3.1 connector, or what is the same, USB 3.2 Gen 2 with the new nomenclature, we have a maximum bandwidth of 10 Gbps, so we will be limited to that speed even if we connect NVMe M.2 SSDs of more speed.

However, for an external hard drive, these speeds are more than enough for file transfers and even installing programs or games on the SSD. It is true that there are faster external SSDs, but there we would need to go to technologies such as USB 3.2 2×2, USB4 or Intel Thunderbolt. Taking into account that these ports are not yet as common, the Cooler Master Oracle Air can be a more than enough option for many users who also do not want to spend a lot of money on an external SSD enclosure.

The SSD information and monitoring utilities detect the unit without problem and even the SSD that we have connected, in this case the Samsung 950 EVO of 250 GB.

Performance tests show performance very similar to, even slightly higher than, the Cooler Master’s advertised performance, which was 1054 MB/s read and write. In this case we have 1076.09 MB/s of sequential reading and 1057.99 of writing of the same type. The test equipment has been the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM that has USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

If we compare it with other External SSD units that we have tested, taking into account that in the Oracle Air we have to put the NVMe SSD, its positioning is very good.

The temperatures go from 36 degrees at rest to 47 degrees under load, making it clear that the dissipation system is more than capable of maintaining good temperatures even in stress tests.

Externally, we have maximum temperatures of 43 degrees that remain stable in a room at 22 degrees of temperature. The outer shell also helps transfer heat, so when you pick it up you feel the temperature.

However, the difference between the temperature of the external and internal casing is about 3 degrees.

Analysis and Conclusion

The Cooler Master Oracle Air is a very simple and capable way to create our own high-performance external SSD with a striking and original design.

Its price should be around 59.99 euros, an amount for which we will get a case with excellent construction quality, entirely made of aluminum and with a tool-free mounting system together with good passive dissipation for high-performance SSDs.

USB 3.1 connectivity (USB 3.2 Gen 2) offers us a bandwidth of 10 Gbps and ensures compatibility with a large number of devices. It is true that we could ask for USB4 or USB 3.2 2×2, but its price would possibly rise considerably and today there are not so many compatible devices, so the choice of USB 3.1 is quite balanced in terms of features and price.

Without a doubt, the Cooler Master Oracle Air is a device to take into account if we want an external NVMe SSD with a USB-C interface to our liking.

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