NVMe31-FastLock - External hard drive Fantec - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	External M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
Model	NVMe31-FastLock
Brand	Fantec
Supported SSD Form Factors	M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
Interface	USB 3.1 (USB-C, 10 Gbps)
Compatibility	Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS 9.X or above, Linux 2.4.2
Enclosure Material	Aluminum
Dimensions	Approximately 105 x 30 x 10 mm
Weight	Approximately 50 g
Power Supply	Bus-powered via USB-C
Package Contents	Enclosure, USB-C to USB-C cable, thermal pad, manual, warranty card
Thermal Pad	Included for heat dissipation from SSD
Installation Mechanism	FastLock tool-free sliding bar
LED Indicator	Yes (on enclosure)
Operating System Support	No driver required (plug and play)
Safety Instructions	Protect from moisture and direct sunlight; prevent static discharge during assembly
Maintenance	Wipe off thermal pad residues; keep foil for reuse
Spare Parts	Thermal pad can be replaced; not sold separately
Warranty	RMA service via dealer outside Germany

Frequently Asked Questions - NVMe31-FastLock Fantec

What sizes of M.2 SSD are supported?

The Fantec NVMe31-FastLock supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors. Use the adjustable sliding bar to secure the drive.

How do I install the NVMe SSD into the enclosure?

Remove the rear cap by sliding it 5mm to the left. Slide out the inner part. Adjust the sliding bar to match your SSD length. Insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a slight angle, then press it down until it clicks. Apply the thermal pad and reassemble.

Does the enclosure require external power?

No, it is bus-powered via the USB-C connection. The USB 3.1 interface provides sufficient power for the SSD.

Is the drive compatible with Mac or Linux?

Yes, it works with Mac OS 9.X or above and Linux 2.4.2. For Windows, it supports 7/8/10. No additional drivers are needed.

How do I format the SSD after installation?

Right-click 'This PC' and select 'Manage'. Go to 'Disk Management'. Right-click the uninitialized disk, choose 'Initialize Disk' with GPT partition style. Then right-click the unallocated space and select 'New Simple Volume' to complete formatting.

What is the thermal pad for and how do I apply it?

The thermal pad transfers heat from the SSD to the aluminum housing. Cut it to cover the SSD chips entirely. Remove one foil, place it on the SSD, press lightly, then remove the second foil. Keep the foils for future removal.

Can I use SATA M.2 SSDs?

No, this enclosure only supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs (Key M or Key M+B). It does not support SATA M.2 drives.

How do I remove the SSD later?

Protect the thermal pad by placing the foil back on one side. Carefully remove the pad together with the foil. Then unclip the SSD and lift it out of the M.2 slot.

What should I do if the SSD is not recognized?

Ensure the SSD is fully inserted and locked in place. Check that the USB-C cable is connected properly. If still not recognized, try a different USB port or cable. You may need to initialize and format the disk in Disk Management.

Is the enclosure hot-swappable?

While the enclosure supports hot-swapping, it is recommended to safely eject the drive before disconnecting to prevent data loss or corruption.

USER MANUAL NVMe31-FastLock Fantec

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③

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Your package contains the following components:

FANTEC NVMe-Fastlock

USB-C to USB-C cabel

Thermalpad

Manual

Warranty Card

DESCRIPTION:

This enclosure supports the installation of an M.2 PCIe NVMe (Key M or Key M+B) SSD in the 2230,2242, 2260 and 2280 format. The connection to the computer is via USB 3.1.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• Windows 7/8/10
  • Mac OS 9.X or above
• Linux 2.4.2
• USB-C port

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

• Protect the product against moisture and direct sunlight.
• Prevent static discharge during assembly.

RMA SERVICE:

For RMA service outside Germany, please contact your dealer!

INSTALLING THE SSD MEMORY CARD:

1. Place the housing on a suitable mounting surface with the LED field facing down and the USB connector facing left. Pay attention to the arrow markings on the right side at the back.

1. Push the rear cap above the arrow 5mm to the left. Carefully remove the cap and set it aside so that you know in which position the cap will be put back on.

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1. Slide the inner part of the housing completely out to the lower left. Set the aluminum housing aside so that you know how to put it back together. Orient yourself to the arrow at the back top right.

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1. Place the inner part on the table and align the sliding bar in the mechanism in the housing according to the length of your NVMe. Position the bar exactly over the corresponding openings in the rail.

1. Place the NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot. It bounces up slightly, but can be pressed down easily. When you align the NVMe horizontally and press it slightly under the sliding bar, you correct the latch and press it slightly against the table. It snaps into place with a clear „click“.

1. Correct the length of the thermal pad. It has to cover the chips of the NVMe SSD over the entire length, but should not protrude beyond the ends. The width usually does not have to be corrected.

1. Remove the foil from one side and place the thermal pad with the side without the foil on the NVMe SSD. Press the thermal pad lightly against the NVMe SSD. The NVMe SSD must not bounce loosely, but must be firmly clamped under the latch. Now carefully remove the second foil.

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1. Slide the housing back together. Orientate yourself by the arrow at the top rear right. There will most likely be residues of the thermal pad on the edge of the casing. Wipe these off carefully. If everything is seated correctly, place the housing back on the table, put the cap back on the open end slightly offset by 5mm and slide the cap back to the right.

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1. Keep the foil remnants in case you want to remove the NVMe again. To protect the thermal pad, put one foil back on the thermal pad and carefully take the pad down together with the foil and then put the pad on the second foil.

first foil on thermal pad

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Remove Thermal pad

second foil on thermal pad.

FORMATTING THE SOLID STATE DRIVE:

1. Right-Click on „This PC“ icon and select the „Manage“ column.

1. Select „Disk Management“ and you will se your SSD showed „Not initialised“ and „Unallocated“

1. Right-Click on the red Symbol and select „Initialise Disk“.

1. Select „GPT“ mode. Then press OK button finish the initialising procedure.

1. Right-Click on the "Unallocated" block and select „New Simple Volume“. Then follow up the dialogue box with pressing the „Next" button until the „Finish" will start the formatting procedure.

1. When formatting is completed, the external SSD will be recognized as a „New Volume“.