efv usable space disappears faster than you can say "day-one patch." And PC gamers? Don't even get us started on massive game libraries and mod folders.
That's where external hard drives like the Avolusion M2 M2BK-1TB-PS come in. It promises a simple, plug-and-play solution to expand your storage without breaking the bank. But is it any good? I've been using one for several weeks on both my PS5 and gaming laptop to find out.
Spoiler: It’s a compelling option, but with one very specific quirk you need to know about.
First Impressions: Sleek, Simple, and Straightforward
Right out of the box, the Avolusion M2 makes a good impression. Its "ultra-slim" claim holds up; it’s a compact, lightweight black slab that feels surprisingly premium for its price point. It won't look out of place sitting next to your sleek PS5 or a modern laptop. The build quality is solid, with a metal casing that suggests it can handle the occasional bump during travel.
Included in the box is the drive itself and a USB 3.0 cable—everything you need to get started. The setup is, as advertised, a true plug-and-play experience... mostly. We'll get to that "mostly" part in a moment.
The Killer Feature: That 7200RPM Enterprise-Grade HDD
This is where the Avolusion M2 truly differentiates itself from many budget external drives. While most consumer external hard drives use 5400RPM drives to keep heat and cost down, Avolusion has opted for a 7200RPM Enterprise-class Hard Drive.
What does this mean for you? Speed.
- Faster Load Times: Compared to a standard 5400RPM drive, you'll see noticeably reduced load times in games, especially on PS4 and for backwards-compatible titles on PS5.
- Better Performance for Active Use: An enterprise drive is built for 24/7 operation in servers, meaning it's designed for durability and consistent performance under load. This isn't a drive that's meant to sit in a drawer for backups; it's built to be used actively.
It’s worth noting that Avolusion is transparent about using a "like-new refurbished" internal drive. However, they assure it has 0 power-on hours, zero bad sectors, and 100% health after rigorous testing. In my use, the performance and reliability have been flawless, living up to these claims.
The Important Quirk: The Two USB Port "Requirement"
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. The product description clearly states that the drive's high-performance nature means it may require two USB ports to boot up. This sounds like a hassle, but the reality is much simpler.
The drive comes with a bypass USB port built into the cable. Technically, you are only "occupying" one port on your device. The second USB-A connector on the cable simply draws extra power from another port to ensure the 7200RPM drive spins up correctly. If your PC or laptop has robust USB power delivery, it might even work with just the single primary connector.
For PS5/PS4 users: This is a non-issue. The PS5 has two USB-A ports on the front. You simply plug the main cable into one, and the smaller bypass connector into the other. It's a one-time setup and you'll never think about it again.
For Laptop users: If you have a modern laptop with only one or two USB ports, this could be a minor inconvenience. You might need to unplug another peripheral temporarily or use a powered USB hub for the best results.
Seamless Console & PC Compatibility
Setting up the Avolusion M2 on a PS5 is a breeze:
Plug both USB connectors into the front of your PS5.
The console immediately recognizes the new storage.
It prompts you to format the drive (which is quick).
You're done!
Now, you have a massive 1TB expansion for your PS4 and backwards-compatible PS5 games. You can play PS4 games directly from this drive, freeing up the internal SSD for your native PS5 titles.
A CRUCIAL NOTE FOR PS5 USERS: As Sony designed it, you cannot download new PS5 games directly to a USB hard drive. They must be downloaded to the internal SSD first. However, you can then "Move/Copy" them to the Avolusion drive for cold storage. This process is incredibly fast—transferring a 100GB game takes only 3-5 minutes. This is a game-changer for managing your library. When you want to play a moved game, you just move it back to the internal SSD. It's far faster than re-downloading it.
For PC and Mac, it's even easier. The drive comes pre-formatted in the exFAT file system, which is readable by both Windows and macOS. Just plug it in and it appears as a new drive. It's perfect for storing your Steam or Epic Games library, serving as a massive backup drive for your system, or holding media files.
Speaking of backups, the description's warning is spot on: "Do it before it crash, you never know when it will happen!" Using a drive like this with Windows Backup or Time Machine for Mac is cheap insurance against a catastrophic system failure.
How Does It Stack Up? A Quick Comparison
When shopping for an external game drive, you'll inevitably come across big names like the Seagate Game Drive. How does the Avolusion M2 compare?
I found an excellent, in-depth analysis of a similar product that sheds light on what to look for. As this review of the Seagate Game Drive points out, the underlying drive technology and real-world speed are what truly matter, not just the brand name on the case. The Avolusion's use of a 7200RPM enterprise drive gives it a tangible performance edge over many standard 5400RPM competitors in its class, often for a lower price.
You can check out that detailed Seagate drive review here: Review: Seagate Game Drive 2TB External HDD for PS4 & Xbox One
Final Verdict: Who Is This Drive For?
The Avolusion M2 M2BK-1TB-PS is a niche product that absolutely nails its target audience.
Get this drive if:
- You are a PS5 or PS4 owner needing affordable, high-speed storage for your game library.
- You're a PC gamer on a budget who wants to expand storage without opening your case.
- You value performance and appreciate the benefits of a 7200RPM enterprise-grade HDD.
- You need a reliable, large-capacity drive for system backups.
Look elsewhere if:
- Your laptop is severely limited on USB ports and you can't accommodate the dual-connector cable.
- You require the absolute fastest possible load times and are willing to pay a premium for an external SSD.
- The idea of a refurbished internal component (even a rigorously tested one) makes you uncomfortable.
In a market flooded with generic options, the Avolusion M2 stands out by offering a specific, performance-oriented solution for gamers. Its unique design and high-quality internal drive make it a fantastic value and a highly effective tool for conquering the modern storage crisis.
Ready to expand your gaming horizons? You can find the Avolusion M2 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon here: Check the current price on Amazon
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