Thermaltake BlacX ST0005U HDD Docking Station Review

👤by Vinh Thai Comments 📅23-07-09
Features and Specifications
The Thermaltake BlacX series includes three different models: the USB BlacX (N0028USU), the USB and eSATA BlacX (ST0005U), and the BlacX SE (N0029USU). The three models share many common features, but they differ in terms of connectors. The first only supports USB 2.0, the second supports USB 2.0 and eSATA, and the third only supports USB 2.0, but has a built-in 4-port USB hub. As stated in the introduction, the BlacX (ST0005U) will be the subject of this review.

The BlacX HDD docking station supports SATA hard drives. Given the fact that SATA hard drives have standardized connectors, this means that virtually any SATA hard drive is compatible with the BlacX HDD docking station. Thermaltake does mention, however, that only hard drives up-to 2TB are supported. The support for both 2.5” and 3.5” hard drives is a welcomed feature given the fact that most hard drive enclosures only support one of the two sizes. IDE hard drives are, unfortunately, not compatible with it.

Link: Features



In order to optimize performance, the BlacX (ST0005U) offers USB 2.0 and eSATA connectors. In terms of data transfer speed, eSATA is rated at up to 3 Gb/sec, 300 MB/sec, whereas USB 2.0 offers a mere 480 Mb/sec, or 60 MB/sec. These are theoretical values, and it is rare that hard drives reach such transfer speeds because of hardware limitations. Nevertheless, modern SATA hard drives will exceed the bandwidth offered by USB 2.0, resulting in a bottleneck. Therefore, the eSATA connector of the BlacX allows users to fully maximize the performance of their hard drives, seeing as the eSATA connector is basically the same as an internal SATA connector. Asides from the increased transfer speed over USB 2.0, eSATA also supports S.M.A.R.T. and other features commonly found on SATA, such as temperature monitoring and hard drive name recognition.

Another interesting feature of the BlacX is the hot swap capability, which is available by SATA design. It allows for removal of the hard drive from the BlacX without the need of a power down or a software input, such as using “Safely Remove Hardware” in Windows. It is needless to say that the hot swap capability adds great convenience in quickly accessing numerous hard drives.

Link: Specifications



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