StarTech 1:1 M.2 NVMe Drive Duplicator & Dual-Bay Dock

The StarTech.com 1:1 M.2 NVMe Drive Duplicator is a purpose-built, standalone cloning solution designed for IT professionals, data enthusiasts, and teams that demand fast, reliable storage management. This dual‑bay docking station doubles as a high‑performance M.2 NVMe SSD copier, enabling exact 1:1 copies from a source drive to one or two target drives without the need for a computer. With a robust hardware-based cloning engine, you can duplicate drives efficiently while maintaining data integrity, minimizing downtime, and simplifying the process of upgrading or archiving NVMe storage. The integrated USB-C 3.2 interface delivers up to 20 Gbps for fast data transfer when used in PC mode, while the standalone cloning mode eliminates software dependencies and driver conflicts. Whether you’re upgrading workstations, refreshing lab machines, or migrating large archives, this device provides a reliable, compact, and future‑proof solution.

• Standalone 1:1 NVMe cloning: Perform exact, hardware-accelerated 1:1 copies of NVMe M.2 SSDs without tying up a PC. The built-in cloning engine handles the entire process, preserving data structure, partitions, and bootability where applicable, with no software installation required. This makes it ideal for quickly duplicating boot drives, system drives, or large data drives across multiple devices in a data center or lab environment.
• Dual‑bay M.2 docking for source and target drives: Two M.2 slots allow you to place the source drive and one target drive in a single, compact enclosure. This design streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to swap drives between devices and reduces handling time during mass duplication or deployment projects. It supports simultaneous readiness for cloning, backups, or imaging tasks in a space‑saving form factor.
• High-speed USB-C 3.2 connectivity: The USB-C 3.2 interface delivers up to 20 Gbps, enabling rapid data transfer when you connect the dock to a computer for non-cloning tasks or when verifying cloned data. The fast interface ensures quick setup, efficient data movement for large workloads, and smooth integration into existing workflows that rely on USB‑C peripherals.
• Efficient, reliable data management: Hardware‑based cloning minimizes the risk of driver conflicts and software errors that can occur with PC‑based cloning. The unit is built for consistent results, enabling repeatable deployments across multiple drives and ensuring the target drive mirrors the source exactly, including partitions and capacity layout where supported by NVMe M.2 drives.
• Durable design for IT environments:Designed to withstand daily use in professional environments, the enclosure provides a stable, hot‑swappable workflow and compact footprint that fits on crowded desks, server racks, or maintenance carts. The blend of portability and ruggedness makes it a practical tool for technicians performing routine upgrades, migrations, or data preservation tasks.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 1:1 M.2 NVMe Drive Duplicator

• Cloning method: 1:1 copy of NVMe M.2 SSDs without a PC
• Bays: Dual M.2 slots for source and target drives
• Interface: USB-C 3.2 with up to 20 Gbps transfer rate
• Drive support: M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs in common form factors (industry standard lengths such as 2230/2242/2260/2280)
• Operation: Standalone hardware‑based duplicator for offline cloning and data migration

How to install StarTech.com 1:1 M.2 NVMe Drive Duplicator

Follow these steps to begin a 1:1 clone using the standalone cloning function:

• Prepare the drives: Ensure you have two NVMe M.2 SSDs ready for cloning. Confirm both drives are compatible with the device’s supported form factors (typical lengths such as 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280). Handle drives carefully to avoid static damage and ensure they are clean and free from debris.
• Insert the source and target drives: Place the source M.2 NVMe SSD into the designated “Source” bay and the target SSD into the other bay. Align the notches and gently seat each drive until it is securely connected. Do not force the drives—if they do not seat easily, recheck alignment and try again.
• Power the unit and connect as needed: Power on the duplicator according to the included setup guidance. If you are performing cloning in standalone mode, you do not require a computer. If you are using a PC for auxiliary tasks, you can connect the USB-C interface to your system for optional data verification or management tasks, keeping in mind the cloning itself is hardware-driven.
• Initiate the clone: Use the on‑device controls to start the 1:1 copy. The exact control method may vary by model revision, but typically there is a dedicated Clone or Start button. Confirm the target drive selection if prompted by the device’s interface, then initiate the operation. The device will begin duplicating the source drive to the target at its rated speed.
• Monitor progress and complete: Observe the status indicators or LED indicators on the unit for progress updates. Wait until the cloning process completes and a completion signal is displayed. Once finished, power down the unit (if required) and remove both drives. Test the clone in a compatible system to ensure bootability and data integrity, if applicable.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the StarTech 1:1 M.2 NVMe Drive Duplicator best used for? It is designed for fast, hardware-based 1:1 cloning of NVMe M.2 SSDs, enabling IT teams, technicians, and enthusiasts to duplicate drives offline without software, drivers, or a host computer. It’s ideal for deploying identical drives across multiple systems, upgrading workstations, or archiving and refreshing storage in a controlled, repeatable manner.
• Do I need a PC to clone drives with this device? No. The device functions as a standalone duplicator, performing 1:1 copies without the need for a PC. USB-C connectivity is available for optional tasks such as data transfer or verification, but the cloning operation itself does not require computer software.
• What is the cloning speed? The unit is rated for high‑speed cloning, delivering up to 90 GB per minute under typical conditions. Real-world performance can vary based on drive model, NVMe type, and thermal conditions, but the hardware‑based approach remains consistently fast for mass deployments.
• Which drives are supported? This duplicator supports NVMe M.2 SSDs in common form factors (for example 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280) and uses PCIe NVMe interfaces. It is not designed for SATA-based M.2 drives unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer, so confirm NVMe compatibility before purchasing or cloning.
• Is the device portable enough for on-site work? Yes. The dual‑bay dock is designed for portability within IT environments. Its compact footprint, dual slots, and hardware cloning capability make it an excellent tool for field technicians and on-site upgrades, as well as for lab setups where space is at a premium.
• Can the cloned drive be used as a boot drive? In most cases, a 1:1 NVMe clone preserves the bootable structure of the source, allowing the target drive to boot in systems that support NVMe boot. After cloning, it’s wise to test boot functionality in the intended hardware to confirm bootability and proper OS behavior.
• Is any software required for post-clone verification? Since the cloning is hardware-based, you can use the device’s status indicators to confirm completion. If you need further verification, you can connect the dock to a computer with USB‑C for diagnostics or data verification, but software verification is optional and not required for the cloning process itself.