Reviewing the TerraMaster D1 SSD enclosure: Durable protection for your valuable storage
The TerraMaster D1 SSD enclosure features a durable aerospace-grade aluminium chassis. Picture: Noel Campion
Buying a MacBook often means accepting limited internal storage. Since you cannot upgrade the drive after purchase, an external solution is required for anyone handling large photo or video files. Of course, external storage isn’t exclusive to Mac users – it offers advantages for others, too. While some users seek extreme speeds, others need something that can survive travel and unpredictable environments without breaking the budget.
The D1 SSD uses aerospace-grade aluminium with large fins to create a sturdy frame. Because it carries an IP68 rating, it’s both dust and water-resistant. To maintain the IP68 rating, you must keep the small rubber plug inside the USB-C port. You are bound to lose that little cover eventually, so it would be helpful if Terramaster included a few spares.
The underside features two rubber feet to stop the drive from sliding on a desk. Although it lacks an LED light to indicate data activity, the build quality feels extremely rugged. Considering the ridiculous price hikes in storage, the D1 enclosure would give me confidence that the expensive drive inside is well protected.
Included in the box are a protective case, a quality USB-C cable, and a screwdriver.
This enclosure supports M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, and installation is simple. You remove one side screw, slot in your drive, and tighten it back down. A thermal pad is preinstalled inside the lid; be sure to peel off the protective film before closing it. This pad helps transfer heat from the SSD to the aluminium body, which aids cooling during prolonged heavy tasks.
My speed test results show the drive reaches approximately 995 MB/s for reads and 970 MB/s for writes. These results tally with the promised 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 standard. During testing, the enclosure stayed around 20 degrees Celsius. This is significantly lower than the temperature of an internal laptop drive, which can reach 40 degrees under similar loads. The fanless design keeps everything silent while preventing heat buildup.
This device suits people who work outside or travel frequently. If you are a photographer moving between locations, the ability to withstand drops or spills provides peace of mind. It’s not as fast as the high-end D1 Pro model, but it serves a different purpose. It is for those who want a reliable, inexpensive way to carry data safely. It works well for backing up files on the move without worrying about expensive cloud subscriptions or needing a constant internet connection. The price point makes it an easy choice for anyone needing a secondary drive that can take a bit of rough handling.
The Terramaster D1 enclosure offers excellent protection and reliable speeds for a low price. It’s an ideal choice for photographers or travellers needing durable, waterproof backup storage on the go.
€43 amazon.ie
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