HD enclosure

Arclight · 08-20-09, 03:37 PM

Anyone have any suggestions for what to look for, maybe know a brand that has a good track-record?

I'll be putting in a separate drive, so looking for empty enclosure. E-SATA as primary connection, but USB is desirable so I can take it with me and hook it up to any PC.

The E-SATA bracket in my PC has a molex connector for powersupply. If there are enclosures that use this it's a bonus, but I guess most come with an adapter.

*something that's bothering me: seems like all of them have a limit to HD size they can support. Does this mean the enclosure has a HD controller, and therefore impacts performance?

I always figured it just provided a connection to the PC and the PCs HD controller was responsible for the drive.

Syxx_Killer · 08-20-09, 05:35 PM

I've got a Vantec NexStar 3 enclosure for a 200GB ATA drive I had laying around. I love it and it got good reviews on NewEgg. I looked at a LOT of enclosures before settling on the Vantec. It was $30 then. I don't know what they run now. It's quite sturdy and made of aluminum. Mine is a really nice red color (also came in blue, black, and graphite). I've had it about a year now. It has a stand that you can use to have it sit vertically. It also has rubber "nubs" so you can set it flat. It's a snug fit for the HD. It feels quite secure in there. Data transfers quite fast via USB. I was impressed. The drive doesn't get to warm and is quiet. I wouldn't hesitate at all to get a Vantec NexStar for an E-SATA drive.

Arclight · 08-20-09, 06:13 PM

Thanks, will add it to the list. Seems identical to the AluBox from AC Ryan though.

But this is turning into a nightmare. Figured I'd just pick something that was able to keep the drive cool and be done with it, but it turns out the enclosure indeed impacts performance. Why can't they just patch it through directly?

The only enclosure I've seen that offers eSATA performance equal to internal SATA, is the ICY BOX.. which ironically can't dissipate heat properly.

08-20-09, 03:37 PM	#1
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	HD enclosure Anyone have any suggestions for what to look for, maybe know a brand that has a good track-record? I'll be putting in a separate drive, so looking for empty enclosure. E-SATA as primary connection, but USB is desirable so I can take it with me and hook it up to any PC. The E-SATA bracket in my PC has a molex connector for powersupply. If there are enclosures that use this it's a bonus, but I guess most come with an adapter. something that's bothering me: seems like all of them have a limit to HD size they can support. Does this mean the enclosure has a HD controller, and therefore impacts performance? I always figured it just provided a connection to the PC and the PCs HD controller was responsible for the drive. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.* Last edited by Arclight; 08-20-09 at 04:58 PM.

08-20-09, 06:13 PM	#3
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	Thanks, will add it to the list. Seems identical to the AluBox from AC Ryan though. But this is turning into a nightmare. Figured I'd just pick something that was able to keep the drive cool and be done with it, but it turns out the enclosure indeed impacts performance. Why can't they just patch it through directly? The only enclosure I've seen that offers eSATA performance equal to internal SATA, is the ICY BOX.. which ironically can't dissipate heat properly. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

08-20-09, 05:35 PM	#2
Syxx_Killer Admiral Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 2,387 Downloads: 21 Uploads: 0	I've got a Vantec NexStar 3 enclosure for a 200GB ATA drive I had laying around. I love it and it got good reviews on NewEgg. I looked at a LOT of enclosures before settling on the Vantec. It was $30 then. I don't know what they run now. It's quite sturdy and made of aluminum. Mine is a really nice red color (also came in blue, black, and graphite). I've had it about a year now. It has a stand that you can use to have it sit vertically. It also has rubber "nubs" so you can set it flat. It's a snug fit for the HD. It feels quite secure in there. Data transfers quite fast via USB. I was impressed. The drive doesn't get to warm and is quiet. I wouldn't hesitate at all to get a Vantec NexStar for an E-SATA drive.