Fast backup media

I was seriously considering (still might) building a NAS machine for backups and server use but passed on it for now. My WD NAS is giving me all I need at the moment.

SIW2 said:

Can you recommend one of those tool less adapters? I have a couple of Orico caddies ( similar to your CSL ) that take 3.5 hd. An adapter to 2.5 might be useful for those.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ORICO-5-25-Inch-Trayless-Drive/dp/B07T2J7P13/ref=pb_allspark_dp_sims_pao_desktop_session_based_5/262-3727308-6639936?pd_rd_w=h2Int&pf_rd_p=031e9adc-6c1e-4f98-ae5b-de7000de6ded&pf_rd_r=WQJ5E79XV85WVS1143XB&pd_rd_r=81e888e8-e9ce-4432-9dc9-7cfa3afeb6af&pd_rd_wg=oKvjY&pd_rd_i=B07T2J7P13&psc=1

@barman58

Click to expand...

The one I'm using is not totally tool-less in that it comes with a good selection of screws, but for a quick access the Power/Data connector will hold them steady enough for use, A piece of foam at the other end of the drive will keep things even more secure - or a single screw will make it solid enough for longer use.

The one that Amazon suggests on your link is I think the one I have and It's solid, (plastic so not ideal for devices that run very hot, but it's not a cheap plastic so it would last with most drives I've used ), the other thing for you is it's an ORICO device so should be perfect fit for you. There are metal adaptors from the likes of Sabrent, if you have hot running SSD's but they do need assembly with screws

To be honest I tend to use USB3 or USB-C cases for the 2.5" drives and for those I've got a few Sabrent ones

Sabrent 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-free External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized For SSD, Support UASP SATA III] Black (EC-UASP) - Sabrent

I do like their stuff, and it's not let me down, but they do have their own way of thinking - These cases have a USB3 "A"connector at both ends, but it does make them more solid than USB Mini or Micro connectors

I saw those plastic things, but as you say they are not great fo rair ciculation. Something like this might be better, though perhaps not so easily slipped in and out of the caddy

I did look at one of those Sabrent ones the other day, but couldn't really justify it at the moment. The airflow around the 5.25" bays on my case, above the fans on the Water cooler, are pretty well cooled so the plastic type are OK

If I ever have an issue with heat on an SSD there are other options ...


and I have a 16 Inch floor fan

These days, you'll get the best results from a Thunderbolt 4 capable USB-C enclosure (external) plugged into a Thunderbolt 4 equipped USB port on a 2020 or 2021 vintage laptop. Right now using an older Sabrent USB 3.1 Gen 2 enclosure with a PCIe x3 256 ADATA SSD inside, I'm getting a maximum of about 1.05 Gbps read and 0.975 Gbps write on a 2018 vintage Lenovo X1 Extreme laptop. You should be able to double those numbers with newer hardware. And don't forget Macrium is pretty savvy at using compression during backup, so your backup results will be 50% or so higher still. For example, Macrium shows me speeds of 2.4 to 2.5 Gbps during backup on that same machine.
HTH,
--Ed--

I was unaware that TB4 had any higher speed ratings for normal data throughput,

I know it has higher Bandwidth than TB3 for video applications, and better security than TB3

I'm using a Dell XPS17 9700 that has 4 TB3 Ports from late 2020 and it has 10Gb ports that can also feed 4K@60Hz and 100W Plus PD ( the actual Power supply is rated at 130W), just think of a 16" Macbook Pro on steroids

I have a single TB3 rated rated USB-C port on the desktop but still use a regular Gigabit network and USB3 so will be interesting to see what TB4 can really do

Biggest issue I find with TB3 is the "patent tax" that's still pushing up cost of peripherals hopefully TB4 coming online to the mainstream will move that surcharge away from TB3

For me, the point is to have the disk in the case ( via a caddy inserted into 5.25 bay) yet only switch it on when needed. No point in having it running when not in use. Plus the ability to hotswap in a different disk without having to go inside the case and detach/reattach cables. The 5.25 to 3.5/2.5 caddies are perfect for that. Ideal solution for desktops.