Orico M234C3-U4 M.2 SSD Enclosure for Hailo-8

Orico M234C3-U4 M.2 SSD Enclosure for Hailo-8

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the Orico M234C3-U4 M.2 SSD Enclosure with Hailo-8/8L modules on devices with Thunderbolt support. Whether you’re using a laptop or desktop, this guide will help you identify the device or variant in an online store and ensure compatibility and proper installation.

Below are images to help identify the device when purchasing online.

The image shows the Rose Gold version; Silver and Grey are also available.

Specifications

Here are some parameters that may help you search for or identify the adapter, or find alternative versions. These adapters are often slightly modified by the manufacturer.

  • Model: M234C3-U4 M.2
  • Product Name: M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure
  • Chip Used: JHL7440 (Thunderbolt 3 controller from Intel)

Cable

The box includes one cable. To use the enclosure with a Hailo module, you must connect the cable with the two USB-C connectors. The USB-A type connector will not work.

Installation

Hailo-8 M.2 module

The tested adapter supports four PCIe lanes, allowing you to use a Hailo-8 M.2 module with either a key M or key B+M (two PCIe lanes). When connecting the Hailo chip to the enclosure, make sure to use the thermal pad provided in your Hailo-8 starter kit for proper heat dissipation. Since the module sits a bit deeper inside the case, you will need to use a thicker pad.

Thunderbolt port

Ensure that your computer supports Thunderbolt. Although Thunderbolt uses the USB-C connector, it combines PCIe and DisplayPort protocols. You can usually identify a Thunderbolt port by the lightning bolt symbol next to the connector.

Before installing the HailoRT PCIe driver, it’s recommended to test your system. The PCIe capabilities of all devices are negotiated at boot or plug-in without needing custom drivers. You should be able to see the Hailo-8 when running lspci on Linux or in the Windows Device Manager.

Linux lspci command

04:00.0 Co-processor: Hailo Technologies Ltd. Hailo-8 AI Processor (rev 01)

or

04:00.0 Co-processor: Device 1e60:2864 (rev 01)

Windows Device Manager

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to post them in the forum.

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