If you're building an external storage device or looking into USB-C enclosures, you've probably stumbled across two popular controller chips: the ASM2464 and JHL7440. These tiny but mighty chips determine how fast your data transfers and how well your device performs. But which one should you choose?
In this detailed comparison, we'll break down everything you need to know about the asm2464 vs jhl7440 debate. We'll look at their specs, real-world performance, pricing, and help you figure out which controller fits your needs best.
What Are USB-C Controller Chips Anyway?
Before we dive into the asm2464 vs jhl7440 comparison, let's quickly understand what these chips actually do.
Controller chips are like the brain of your external drive or docking station. They manage how data moves between your computer and storage device. Think of them as translators that help your SSD talk to your computer through USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.
The quality of this chip directly impacts your transfer speeds, compatibility with different devices, and overall user experiance. That's why choosing the right controller matters more than most people realize.
ASM2464: The Budget-Friendly Performer
The ASM2464, made by ASMedia, is a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 controller that supports speeds up to 20Gbps. It's become increasingly popular in affordable external SSD enclosures over the past couple years.
Key Features of ASM2464
- Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
- Works with NVMe SSDs through PCIe Gen 3x2
- Compatible with UASP protocol for better performance
- Lower power consumption compared to Thunderbolt solutions
- TRIM support for maintaining SSD health
The ASM2464 works really well for most everyday users. It doesn't require active cooling in many cases, which means quieter and more compact enclosure designs.
JHL7440: The Thunderbolt Powerhouse
Intel's JHL7440 is a completely different beast. This is a proper Thunderbolt 4 controller that brings way more to the table than just storage connectivity.
Key Features of JHL7440
- Full Thunderbolt 4 support (40Gbps)
- Backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0
- Supports PCIe Gen 3x4 for maximum SSD performance
- Can handle dual 4K displays or single 8K display
- Daisy-chaining capability for multiple devices
- Enhanced security features
The JHL7440 isn't just about storage. It's designed for docking stations and devices that need to do multiple things at once. According to recent tech analysis from Big Write Hook, Thunderbolt 4 controllers have seen increased adoption in professional workflows.
ASM2464 vs JHL7440: Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | ASM2464 | JHL7440 |
| Maximum Speed | 20Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Protocol | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| PCIe Lanes | Gen 3x2 | Gen 3x4 |
| Display Support | No | Yes (dual 4K/single 8K) |
| Daisy Chaining | No | Yes (up to 6 devices) |
| Power Delivery | Limited | Up to 100W |
| Typical Price | $30-50 (enclosure) | $150-300 (enclosure) |
| Cooling Required | Usually passive | Often needs active cooling |
| Compatibility | Most USB-C devices | Thunderbolt 3/4 required for full speed |
| Power Consumption | Low | Higher |
Performance: Speed Tests and Real-World Usage
When it comes to the asm2464 vs jhl7440 performance battle, the numbers tell an intresting story.
Sequential Read/Write Speeds
With a fast NVMe SSD, the ASM2464 typically delivers:
- Read speeds: 1,800-2,000 MB/s
- Write speeds: 1,600-1,800 MB/s
The JHL7440 with the same SSD can reach:
- Read speeds: 2,700-3,000 MB/s
- Write speeds: 2,500-2,800 MB/s
But here's the catch - you'll only see these Thunderbolt speeds if your computer actually has a Thunderbolt port. If you plug a JHL7440 device into a regular USB-C port, it falls back to USB speeds.
Random Performance
For small file transfers and random operations, the jhl7440 has a slight edge thanks to its four PCIe lanes versus the ASM2464's two lanes. This matters when you're working with thousands of small files or running applications directly from the external drive.
Design and Build Considerations
The choice between asm2464 vs jhl7440 affects more than just speed.
Thermal Management
The ASM2464 runs cooler and can work fine with just a metal enclosure acting as a heatsink. This allows for sleeker, more portable designs.
The JHL7440 generates more heat, especially during sustained transfers. Many JHL7440 enclosures include small fans or require larger heatsinks. This means bulkier designs but better sustained performance.
Enclosure Complexity
Devices using the ASM2464 are simpler to manufacture. They need fewer components and less complex PCB designs.
JHL7440 implementations require more sophisticated engineering. The chip itself is larger, needs more supporting components, and requires careful thermal design. This complexity contributes to higher prices.
Compatibility: What Works Where?
This is where the asm2464 vs jhl7440 discussion gets really practical.
ASM2464 Compatibility
- Works with any USB-C port (with appropriate adapter)
- Full speed on USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports
- Falls back gracefully to slower USB standards
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPad Pro
JHL7440 Compatibility
- Needs Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port for full performance
- Works on regular USB-C but limited to USB speeds
- Best experience on Intel Macs and modern Windows laptops
- Limited compatibility with older systems
- Not all Android devices support Thunderbolt
If you frequently switch between different computers or use older machines, the ASM2464's broader compatibility might be more valuable than the JHL7440's raw speed.
Price Analysis: Value for Money
Let's talk dollars and cents in the asm2464 vs jhl7440 equation.
ASM2464 enclosures typically cost between $30-70, depending on build quality and features. You can find decent options around $40 that work great for most people.
JHL7440 enclosures start around $150 and can go up to $300 or more. You're paying a significant premium for that Thunderbolt capability.
Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
For professional video editors, photographers working with large RAW files, or people who need docking station functionality, the JHL7440 makes sense. The time saved with faster transfers pays for itself.
For casual users, students, or anyone just needing portable storage for documents and media, the ASM2464 offers 90% of the practicle benefit at 20% of the price.
Power Efficiency and Battery Life
If you use your external drive with a laptop, power consumption matters.
The ASM2464 sips power - usually drawing under 5W during active use. Your laptop battery barely notices it.
The JHL7440 can pull 10-15W during heavy use, plus whatever the SSD itself consumes. This noticably impacts laptop battery life during file transfers.
Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?
Choose ASM2464 If You:
- Need affordable, portable storage
- Use multiple computers with varying port types
- Don't regularly transfer huge files
- Want longer laptop battery life
- Prefer compact, fanless designs
- Work with files under 50GB typically
Choose JHL7440 If You:
- Transfer large video files daily
- Need docking station features
- Want to run applications from external drive
- Have Thunderbolt ports on all your devices
- Need maximum sustained performance
- Work with 4K/8K video editing
- Want to connect multiple displays
Pros and Cons Summary
ASM2464 Advantages
- More affordable - significantly cheaper
- Universal compatibility - works everywhere
- Cooler operation - no fan needed
- More compact designs possible
- Better power efficiency
ASM2464 Disadvantages
- Half the maximum bandwidth
- Only two PCIe lanes
- No display or docking features
- Lower sustained performance
JHL7440 Advantages
- Blazing fast - up to 40Gbps
- Versatile - storage, displays, peripherals
- Future-proof - Thunderbolt 4 standard
- Better for professional workflows
- Four PCIe lanes for maximum SSD performance
JHL7440 Disadvantages
- Much more expensive
- Requires specific Thunderbolt ports
- Higher power consumption
- Often needs active cooling
- Overkill for basic storage needs
Future-Proofing Considerations
When thinking about asm2464 vs jhl7440 long-term, consider where technology is heading.
USB 4 is becoming more common, which narrows the gap between USB and Thunderbolt. The next generation of USB controllers will likely offer speeds closer to Thunderbolt while maintaining broader compatibility.
However, Thunderbolt 5 is also coming, which will leave both these controllers behind eventually. Technology always moves forward.
For most people, buying based on current needs makes more sense than trying to future-proof. A $40 ASM2464 enclosure that works great today is better than a $250 JHL7440 device you can't fully utilize.
Key Takeaways
- The ASM2464 offers excellent value with 20Gbps speeds for everyday users
- The JHL7440 delivers professional-grade 40Gbps performance but costs significantly more
- Compatibility matters - ASM2464 works anywhere, JHL7440 needs Thunderbolt ports
- Thermal design differs - ASM2464 runs cool, JHL7440 needs better cooling
- Your actual use case should determine which controller makes sense
- Price difference is substantial - 3-5x more for Thunderbolt capability
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a JHL7440 device on a regular USB-C port? Yes, it will work but only at USB speeds (up to 10Gbps typically). You won't get the full Thunderbolt performance without a Thunderbolt port.
Q: Is the ASM2464 fast enough for video editing? For 1080p and light 4K editing, absolutely. For professional 4K/8K workflows with large files, the JHL7440 would be better.
Q: Do both controllers support TRIM for SSDs? Yes, both support TRIM commands which help maintain SSD health and performance over time.
Q: Which controller has better Linux support? The ASM2464 generally has better plug-and-play support on Linux. Thunderbolt on Linux can be trickier depending on your distribution.
Q: Can I upgrade my enclosure's controller chip later? No, the controller is soldered to the circuit board. You'd need to buy a new enclosure entirely.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
After examining every angle of the asm2464 vs jhl7440 comparison, here's the bottom line:
Choose the ASM2464 if you're a typical user who needs reliable, fast portable storage without breaking the bank. It's the smart choice for students, casual users, and anyone who values compatibility and affordability. You'll get speeds that feel instant for everyday tasks, and it'll work with every device you own.
Choose the JHL7440 if you're a creative professional who regularly moves large files and needs every bit of performance. Video editors, photographers, and power users who have invested in Thunderbolt ecosystems will appreciate the extra speed despite the higher cost.
For about 85% of people reading this, the ASM2464 is the better choice. It's fast enough, costs less, works everywhere, and won't leave you feeling like you overpaid for features you don't use.
But if you know you need Thunderbolt - if you're already feeling limited by slower transfer speeds in your daily work - then the JHL7440 is worth the investment.
The good news? Both controllers are solid, reliable options. You can't really go wrong with either one as long as you choose based on your actual needs rather than just chasing the biggest numbers on paper.
Remember, the best controller is the one that fits your workflow, your budget, and your devices. Take an honest look at how you'll actually use your external storage, and the right choice in the asm2464 vs jhl7440 debate will become pretty clear.