by 18 reviews.
ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD 256GB Review: Compact Powerhouse for Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, and Mini PCs
If you’re looking to upgrade the storage of your compact devices like the Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, or mini PCs, the ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD 256GB is a compelling option. This tiny yet mighty SSD packs a punch with its PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, delivering read speeds of up to 3600MB/s and write speeds of 1800MB/s. Designed for space-constrained devices, it features a copper heat sink and graphene heat spreader to ensure optimal thermal performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Key Features at a Glance
- Compact 2230 Form Factor
Perfect for devices with limited internal space. - PCIe 3.0 x4 Interface
Speeds up to 3600MB/s read and 1800MB/s write. - TLC NAND Flash
Balances performance, endurance, and cost. - Copper Heat Sink
Effective heat dissipation for sustained performance. - 3-Year Warranty
Backed by reliable support and durability.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
The ORICO J10 SSD shines when it comes to speed, especially for its price point. Many users have praised its ability to handle large file transfers and gaming workloads with ease. One reviewer noted, “The speed for the cost is amazing. Bye-bye flash drives!” Another user highlighted its performance in creative workflows, stating, “It’s perfect for moving files at work and even for travel.”
However, not all experiences were flawless. A customer using the SSD with a Jetson Orin Nano reported frequent boot crashes, stating, “It would time out loading every time. I switched to a Western Digital SSD, and the issues disappeared.” This suggests that while the ORICO J10 performs well in many scenarios, it may not be suitable for all devices or workloads.
Build Quality and Durability
The inclusion of a copper heat sink and graphene heat spreader has been a standout feature for many users. These components help maintain stable temperatures, even during intensive tasks. One reviewer mentioned, “The SSD stayed warm but not overly hot during extended use, thanks to the heat sink.”
On the flip side, some users found the heat sink to be a double-edged sword. A Steam Deck owner shared, “The heat sink is a bit tall for the Steam Deck’s internals. I had to remove it to make it fit properly.” This highlights the importance of checking compatibility before installation, especially in tightly packed devices.
Ease of Installation
For tech-savvy users, installing the ORICO J10 SSD is a straightforward process. One customer upgrading their Steam Deck said, “It slid right into the M.2 2230 slot, and the performance boost was noticeable.” However, others cautioned that the process can be tricky for beginners. A Surface Pro 9 user advised, “Make sure you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your device.”
Versatility and Compatibility
The ORICO J10’s compatibility with a wide range of devices is a major plus. It works seamlessly with the Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, and mini PCs, and can even be used as an external SSD with the right enclosure. A reviewer shared, “I paired it with an external case for my iPhone, and it handled ProRAW video files effortlessly.”
However, some users noted that the SSD’s PCIe 3.0 interface might not be ideal for devices that support PCIe 4.0. As one customer pointed out, “If your device supports PCIe 4.0, you won’t get the full benefit of next-gen speeds.”
Final Verdict: Is the ORICO J10 Worth It?
The ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD 256GB is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade the storage of their compact devices. Its blazing-fast speeds, effective thermal management, and compact design make it a standout option for Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, and mini PC users.
However, it’s not without its limitations. The heat sink’s height may cause fitment issues in some devices, and its PCIe 3.0 interface might not be ideal for those with PCIe 4.0-capable hardware. Additionally, while most users reported excellent performance, a few encountered compatibility issues with specific devices.
Who Should Buy It?
- Gamers looking to expand their Steam Deck storage.
- Surface Pro 9 owners seeking a faster internal drive.
- Mini PC enthusiasts needing a compact, high-performance SSD.
- Anyone wanting a portable, external SSD solution.
Who Should Skip It?
- Users with PCIe 4.0-capable devices seeking maximum speeds.
- Beginners uncomfortable with advanced installation processes.
- Those with extremely tight device internals where the heat sink might not fit.
In conclusion, the ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD offers excellent value for its price, delivering reliable performance and durability. If you’re upgrading a compatible device, this SSD is a worthy investment.
Specification ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD 256GB, PCIe 3.0 x4, Superior TLC NAND, 3600MB/s Read, Copper Heat Sink, Compatible with Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, Mini PCs - J10-2230:
Comments from Amazon:
The ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD is a compact, high-performance storage solution explicitly designed for devices that require the smaller 2230 form factor—such as the Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, and various mini PCs. If you’re looking to upgrade your storage without compromising on speed or reliability, here’s why this little drive stands out. Key Features Compact 2230 Form Factor The 2230 size is critical for devices like the Steam Deck or Surface Pro 9, where internal space is extremely limited. This SSD fits neatly in place of the original drive without needing an adapter—making the upgrade process more straightforward (though always check manufacturer guidelines for specific compatibility and installation steps). PCIe 3.0 x4 Interface Rated at up to 3600MB/s read speeds, the ORICO J10 takes full advantage of the PCIe 3.0 x4 lane bandwidth. While not as fast as a cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 SSD, it’s more than sufficient for most gaming, productivity, and everyday computing tasks—especially on devices not equipped with PCIe 4.0 support. Superior TLC NAND The drive uses TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND, which typically strikes a good balance between performance, endurance, and cost. It should handle frequent read/write cycles reliably over its lifespan, making it suitable for gaming, office work, and creative applications. Copper Heat Sink A noteworthy addition is the copper heat sink, designed to help dissipate heat more efficiently. In smaller devices where thermal management can be challenging, this can help maintain stable performance under heavy loads. However, be aware of clearance: in very tight enclosures (like some tablets or ultra-compact mini PCs), the added height of a heat sink might create fitment issues. Always measure or check device-specific instructions. Installation & Compatibility Steam Deck: Upgrading the Steam Deck’s internal SSD is a moderately advanced task (involving opening the device). However, for those comfortable with the process, the ORICO J10 slides right into the M.2 2230 slot. Just be mindful that some users prefer not to use a taller heat sink due to space constraints; you might need to remove or modify the included heat sink if it interferes with reassembly. Surface Pro 9: Microsoft has made their newer Surface devices more upgrade-friendly, and the 2230 slot is accessible with the right tools. The process is simpler than older Surface models but still requires caution. Mini PCs: Many mini PCs (like Intel NUCs and similar systems) support 2230 SSDs. Installation is often straightforward—unscrew the chassis, swap the drive, and secure it with a single screw. Performance Snappy Load Times: With read speeds up to 3600MB/s, games and apps open quickly, and file transfers are speedy. Real-world write performance will vary depending on the workload, but it’s typically in a similar mid-to-high range for PCIe 3.0. Thermal Management: During stress tests or extended gaming sessions, the copper heat sink does a decent job of keeping temperatures under control—improving longevity and helping sustain high performance. Pros & Cons Pros Perfect Fit for 2230-Specific Devices: Ideal for Steam Deck, Surface Pro 9, and others that require the smaller form factor. Fast Speeds for PCIe 3.0: Up to 3600MB/s read is more than enough for most users. Durable TLC NAND: Balances endurance and cost-effectiveness. Copper Heat Sink: Helps maintain stable temperatures and performance. Cons Possible Clearance Issues: The heat sink may be too tall in very tight enclosures—always check before installing. Limited to PCIe 3.0: If your device supports PCIe 4.0, you won’t tap into next-gen speeds (though many 2230 devices only have PCIe 3.0 anyway). Advanced Installation: Opening devices like the Steam Deck or Surface Pro 9 can be tricky for novices. Final Thoughts The ORICO J10 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD (256GB) offers an excellent blend of speed, reliability, and compact form factor—tailored for devices that specifically use 2230 slots. Whether you’re looking to expand your Steam Deck’s game library or speed up a Surface Pro 9, this SSD delivers a noticeable performance boost without breaking the bank. Just be sure to confirm that the included heat sink will fit your device’s tight internals, and follow proper installation procedures to avoid damage. Overall, a strong recommendation for those seeking a small yet powerful PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD upgrade.
I bought this for a Jetson Orin Nano and it was just too slow for it to be useful. Boots would crash every time as it would time out loading with this card. I tried a Western Digital SSD of the same size, and I had no issues, and the WD SSD was quite fast in reading and writing. So, while it may be useful for other applications (and it WAS cheap), this SSD was "throw it in the trash" for me.
Es lo descrito en la publicación
Très bien pour le prix, fonctionne parfaitement sur Orange Pi5 Livré avec radiateur et un vrai tournevis (ce n'est pas souvent le cas)
SSD davvero veloce, il prezzo è altino, vista la dimensione, ma le performance sono molto buone. Utilizzato in accoppiata con un case esterno per iPhone si è rivelato ottimo per conservare i file video ripresi con l'iPhone, riuscendo a supportare il bitrate dei video ProRAW di iPhone. Lo consiglio!
Das Produkt wurde mir im Rahmen des Amazon Vine Programms zum Testen zur Verfügung gestellt. Ich habe die SSD nicht in einem Steam Deck oder Surface Pro 9 verbaut, sondern nutze sie als externe Festplatte in einem passenden Gehäuse. Trotzdem wollte ich sehen, wie sich die kleine NVMe SSD in puncto Geschwindigkeit, Verarbeitung und Kompatibilität schlägt. Design und Verarbeitung Auf den ersten Blick wirkt die ORICO 256GB 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD recht unscheinbar. Der typische 2230-Formfaktor ist wirklich winzig, kleiner als eine klassische SD-Karte. Das Design ist minimalistisch gehalten – eine kleine Platine mit dem blauen ORICO-Sticker, der allerdings ziemlich schnell abging, als ich die SSD in mein externes Gehäuse eingesetzt habe. Unter dem Sticker verbirgt sich ein schlichter NAND-Speicherchip sowie der Controller. Positiv aufgefallen ist mir, dass die SSD einen Kupferkühlkörper besitzt, der Wärme gut abführt. In einem Gehäuse oder in einem stark genutzten System kann sich das als echter Vorteil erweisen, um eine Drosselung durch Hitze (Thermal Throttling) zu verhindern. Einbau & Nutzung als externe SSD Ich habe mir ein NVMe-SSD-Gehäuse dazu gekauft, um die ORICO SSD extern als schnelle Speicherlösung für mein Steam Deck und PC zu nutzen. Der Einbau war unkompliziert: Die SSD wird einfach in den M.2 2230 Slot gesteckt und mit einer Schraube gesichert. Nach dem Einbau und der Formatierung auf exFAT wurde sie sofort von Windows, Linux und SteamOS erkannt. Der Vorteil dieser Nutzung liegt auf der Hand: Ich kann damit Spiele direkt von der SSD starten, sie zwischen verschiedenen Geräten austauschen oder einfach eine extrem kompakte externe Speicherlösung nutzen. Geschwindigkeit & Performance Beim Kopieren großer Dateien (mehrere GB) fiel mir auf, dass die SSD durchgehend hohe Schreibraten hält und nicht plötzlich stark einbricht. Das ist ein gutes Zeichen dafür, dass der verbesserte TLC-NAND mit SLC-Caching sauber arbeitet. Hitzeentwicklung & Kühlung Nach etwa 20 Minuten Dauerbelastung beim Schreiben größerer Dateien wurde die SSD recht warm, aber nicht besorgniserregend heiß. Die Kühlung mit Kupfer- und Graphenschicht scheint ihren Zweck zu erfüllen. Wer die SSD in einem Mini-PC oder Laptop nutzt, sollte aber darauf achten, dass genügend Luftzirkulation vorhanden ist. Kompatibilität & Nutzungsmöglichkeiten Getestet habe ich die SSD mit verschiedenen Geräten, darunter: ✔ Steam Deck (als externe SSD) – funktioniert problemlos ✔ PC (USB-C Gehäuse) – sofort erkannt ✔ MacBook M1 (Adapter erforderlich) – läuft Das zeigt, dass sich die ORICO 2230 SSD nicht nur für interne Upgrades eignet, sondern auch als tragbare, externe Lösung gut funktioniert. Fazit – Empfehlenswert mit kleinen Einschränkungen Die ORICO 256GB 2230 M.2 NVMe SSD ist eine gute Wahl für alle, die eine kompakte, schnelle und preiswerte SSD suchen. Sie liefert ordentliche Geschwindigkeiten und ist eine attraktive Lösung für das Steam Deck, Mini-PCs oder als externe NVMe-SSD. ✔ Gute Performance für PCIe 3.0 ✔ Läuft stabil und wird nicht zu heiß ✔ Sehr klein & kompakt – ideal für portable Lösungen ✔ Preislich fair im Vergleich zu anderen 2230-SSDs ✖ Sticker löst sich leicht ab (kein Dealbreaker, aber unschön) ✖ Kühlkörper könnte in sehr engen Laptops Probleme machen Für meine Nutzung als externe SSD für PC und Steam Deck funktioniert sie einwandfrei. Wer einen kompakten, leistungsfähigen Speicher für unterwegs sucht, wird hier nicht enttäuscht.
Saw this SSD as wel as a small enclosure on a YouTube review. This was extremely low price, but performance for using it at work to move files is perfect. Speed for the cost is amazing. Bye Bye flash drives. Will use this when I travel also. Small, fast, and not out a large amount of money if lost or stolen. Cannot speak to longevity yet.