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    Hard drive docking station is there any differences which buy?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Atk-Pasi, Jul 11, 2013.

  1. Atk-Pasi

    Atk-Pasi Notebook Guru

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    I would like to know is there any differences between different hard drive docking stations?
    If there is, would be really nice if you could tell me what?
    And if possible quick answer would be nice, bacause I have surgery next thursday 18th.
     
    Atk-Pasi, Jul 11, 2013
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  2. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    You don't even link to the ones you're interested in and you want a quick answer too?

    Too many differences to list - but yeah there are differences.

    Good luck with your surgery.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jul 11, 2013
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  3. Jarhead

    Jarhead 恋の♡アカサタナ

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    Well, for a very basic overview, there are ones that connect to a computer via USB 2.0, USB 3.0, eSATA, Thunderbolt (likely), or some combination of those. Then you got models that can support on or two drives at once, though I haven't seen any with three or more. Then you might have to consider the controllers used on the dock, in case of compatibility issues.

    Currently, I use a Thermaltake BlacX ST005U, though from what I understand Rosewill (Newegg) has a model that's basically the same thing but cheaper.

    Good luck on your surgery.
     
    Jarhead, Jul 11, 2013
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  4. Atk-Pasi

    Atk-Pasi Notebook Guru

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    Thank you for answering :). All what I needed to know
     
    Atk-Pasi, Jul 11, 2013
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  5. Marksman30k

    Marksman30k Notebook Deity

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    The main difference is speed, most HDDs are too slow to really make a difference but the Bridge Chip (the IC that controls the SATA to USB3.0 conversion) determines your Speed when docking SATAIII SSDs. I have only encountered the BlacX or the Silverstone RVS02 that uses a specific Asmedia Converter that allows SATAIII SSDs to operate at 400+mb/s. Almost all other docks are capped to SATAII speeds.

    The type of USB3.0 interface is essential. If your machine supports UASP (if your machine is Ivy Bridge and is running Windows 8 with decent drivers), the BlacX (the only one I know of) allows Sata III SSDs to run at full rated capacity. Unfortunately, the RVS02 doesn't support UASP so your maximum transfer speed is 400mb/s due to the limitations of the USB3.0 overhead.

    In summary, there is a huge difference if you are chasing speed (i.e. SATA III SSDs or RAID HDDs) but negligible if only for single HDDs.

    As a final note, TRIM isn't supported over USB3.0 so you need an SSD with REALLY good Garbage collection (e.g. the OCZ Vector)
     
    Marksman30k, Jul 12, 2013
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