The Freebox Ultra features an M.2 port to install an SSD, thus allowing you to utilize this storage across your network. Here’s everything you need to know to select the right model and take advantage of the best deals to purchase at the lowest price.
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An SSD Port Under the Freebox Ultra
The Freebox Ultra replaces the four SATA ports from the previous version with a single M.2 NVMe port. Although this change limits the ability to configure RAID arrays, which require multiple hard drives or SSDs, it provides much faster access to storage, a significant advantage for certain specific uses.
Installing the SSD is made easy with a small hatch located under the box, making the process quick and intuitive. Free provides detailed instructions to guide you through this setup.
- Unplug your Internet Server’s power.
- Turn over the Internet Server and open the hatch.
- Handle the hatch gently to avoid damaging it.
- Insert your NVMe hard drive diagonally into the connector, then position it flat in the slot until you hear a click.
- Once the hard drive is inserted, reposition the hatch and reconnect your Internet Server’s power.
- All options related to using your NVMe hard drive (NAS, formatting, storage, etc.) are available through the Freebox Files app and Freebox OS.
A Super Simple Installation
Some users report interference affecting Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz band, commonly used by smart home devices, when they connect hard drives or SSDs via the USB port of the Freebox Ultra. To access storage with this box, it is therefore advisable to use an SSD on the M.2 port, which avoids this type of problem.
Which SSD for the Freebox Ultra?
Free does not provide a list of compatible SSDs nor models in its accessories store, but still offers some useful guidelines:
- Type of disk: NVMe
- Disk format: 2280, M-key, without heat sink
- Generation: PCIe 3 or lower
To equip your Freebox Ultra, you should choose an M.2 NVMe SSD, making sure not to confuse it with the rare SATA models, and opt for an M.2 2280 format (22 mm wide and 80 mm long, the most common format). It is important to not install an SSD with a heat sink, as space is limited, and the box’s ventilation system handles cooling.
The port on the Freebox Ultra is compatible with PCIe Gen3 SSDs and lower versions. The standard is backward compatible, allowing the installation of PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 SSDs, though performance will be capped at the speeds of PCIe Gen3 (i.e., 1 GB/s per lane, with 4 possible lanes for a maximum of 4 GB/s). While some may regret the lack of compatibility with a newer standard, this limitation remains suitable for the box, which is limited to a 10 GbE network (approximately 1,250 MB/s theoretical). PCIe Gen3 SSDs, already very efficient, are more than sufficient to exploit this bandwidth.
To benefit from the best speeds, configuring a 10 GbE network is recommended, now made easier with the SFP+ to RJ45 adapter offered with the Freebox Ultra.
Finally, with the widespread availability of PCIe Gen4 SSDs, these are often offered at prices comparable to, or even lower than, Gen3 models. Below is a selection of models offering excellent value for money/performance, carefully recommended by the editorial team for their quality/price/performance ratio.
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