Best 4 Bay External HDD Enclosure?

[mac666er]

Yeah, that sounds very much like what I've been hearing about, and good call on the waiting for reviews.

I'd love to hear some people's experiences with CalDigit. I've been perusing their products, and although they are deadly expensive, the reviews seem very positive and I'm feeling like I want to save up and get something proper anyways. ...

Does anyone have anything to say about that unit or CalDigit in general?

Hi,

I thought I chime in on this one. I do have a CalDigit RAID product: a 2TB HDPro that I got as a demo unit from my regular supplier. I got a considerable discount on it being a demo unit and the RAID worked for a while, but then a single drive would not be recognized by the RAID every now and then so that the RAID would run degraded more than half the time.

I called CalDigit and they were very helpful and replaced the unit (without the drives) and as a bonus gave me an extra spare drive. The RAID has worked flawlessly ever since, no hiccups, not even for a year and change.

Now, if you ask around these forums (specially nanofrog), people don't like CalDigit. It seems support is subpar almost always and that products come to market half-baked (my RAID was end-of-lifed some months after I bought it, so it was around for some time already.)

Personally, I have had good experience with their top of the line product, but it seems I am an anomaly sadly.

If you want something proper and are saving for it, what I'm going to do after my HDPro fails or proves just too small to work, is buy an ATTO RAID card and an external SAS enclosure. Also, I will buy the largest "enterprise"-grade hard drives I can afford and stick them in. These are drives with longer warranties and stricter tolerance data quality tests, i.e., their mean time to failure (MTF) is longer than on regular drives.

One thing to remember is, and I don't think it is part of any of these RAID products I have seen in the thread, is that you HAVE to have two batteries, the first one is in the controller card, that makes sure your data is all written properly (since usually your drives can't keep up with the OS) and a UPS. Data is so big these days that it is just not worth it not having both of these and then experience a crash or a power failure and spend 2 days getting everything set up again, if not more.

Good luck in your RAID purchase!

Mac

 

[NoManIsland]

Now, if you ask around these forums (specially nanofrog), people don't like CalDigit. It seems support is subpar almost always and that products come to market half-baked (my RAID was end-of-lifed some months after I bought it, so it was around for some time already.)

Personally, I have had good experience with their top of the line product, but it seems I am an anomaly sadly.

That is saddening to hear that they are prone to such issues, although I am glad to hear your positive experience with their support.

It's not precisely a RAID system that I'm going for, as I am going to be using the enclosure in JBOD as a TM drive (I admit it is probably overkill for what I need). Perhaps once 4TB drives are available, I will replace the 2TBs and switch to RAID 1, but in the meantime I'll be sticking to JBOD. I have to admit that I was looking at their RAID card and liking that I could plug it into the cable that feeds the internal bays, but I'd definitely wait to hear from Nanofrog before committing to something like that (again probably overkill for what I need, as I was planning on just setting up a software RAID 10 and hadn't considered RAID 5 before seeing the card).

I would love to hear from some of the members with negative experiences with CalDigit, so that I can make an informed decision.

 

[nanofrog]

Nanofrong, I followed your link and on their site found this.

Given it's for TM, the USB interface could be lived with, though I personally prefer the additional speed of SATA/eSATA, as backup pools can get huge (it will make a noticable difference the larger you go as to how long the entire process will take - particularly full backups).

As a result, I've never used their USB units (or have plans to).

They also have an 8 bay version of this for about twice the cost, but the price on this one is irresistible. My only concern is build quality. Also, would this unit allow me to use different sizes of drives and combine them into one large volume, or do they all have to be the same size?

The SAS and PM units are fine in terms of build quality (bad unit here and there from what I've seen, but not that many).

As per the update that accompanied this, I've no idea if their USB units are junk or not (I'd need to see what's been posted on it to tell if it's a bad design or primarily user errors of some sort ).

I thought I chime in on this one. I do have a CalDigit RAID product: a 2TB HDPro that I got as a demo unit from my regular supplier. I got a considerable discount on it being a demo unit and the RAID worked for a while, but then a single drive would not be recognized by the RAID every now and then so that the RAID would run degraded more than half the time.

I called CalDigit and they were very helpful and replaced the unit (without the drives) and as a bonus gave me an extra spare drive. The RAID has worked flawlessly ever since, no hiccups, not even for a year and change.

Now, if you ask around these forums (specially nanofrog), people don't like CalDigit. It seems support is subpar almost always and that products come to market half-baked (my RAID was end-of-lifed some months after I bought it, so it was around for some time already.)

Personally, I have had good experience with their top of the line product, but it seems I am an anomaly sadly.

When dealing with RAID, you need a company that knows what they're doing from design to support. CalDigit's fallen short on that for most of their RAID products (they do not design their own products, so the support engineers don't know how to solve an issue - think unstable RAID array when they qualified the disks you're using with the card - HDD Compatibility List = Passed, ....). Now in the case of the CalDigit RAID Pro, they eventually got it sorted out. But the initial product release was a total disaster. There's also been issues of unfulfilled promises (support that's claimed to be coming that never shows up). Yet another issue is a sudden EOL of a product, and drop all support.

If you experienced any of this, you'd feel the same as the rest of us, as such nonsense is not acceptable with RAID. The whole point is stability and reliability (save the bastard children, Striping and JBOD).

BTW, when you use JBOD, most of us think of spanning, not single disk mode (to anyone that's using JBOD to indicate single disk mode - not aimed at any one person).

One thing to remember is, and I don't think it is part of any of these RAID products I have seen in the thread, is that you HAVE to have two batteries, the first one is in the controller card, that makes sure your data is all written properly (since usually your drives can't keep up with the OS) and a UPS. Data is so big these days that it is just not worth it not having both of these and then experience a crash or a power failure and spend 2 days getting everything set up again, if not more.

Areca offers a better value for your money than ATTO, though ATTO makes some really great products (especially if you need Fibre Channel products).

Ideally, you run the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) and the UPS. In a pinch, get the UPS first, then the BBU (budget issues, which are unfortunately common). Good to see you've remembered this, as it's critically important. Unfortunately, not everyone seems to realize this.

That is saddening to hear that they are prone to such issues, although I am glad to hear your positive experience with their support.

I would love to hear from some of the members with negative experiences with CalDigit, so that I can make an informed decision.

It's in the forum if you do a search of "CalDigit" (may be a bit to read through, so start with the newest first - I think it will get you the relevant information faster).

 

[NoManIsland]

It's in the forum if you do a search of "CalDigit" (may be a bit to read through, so start with the newest first - I think it will get you the relevant information faster).

Jesus Bloody H Christ... Read a lot of threads and I'm shocked at what I've heard. What boggles my mind is that CalDigit's website proudly displays that they design and oversee the full manufacturing process of their items (which they don't, not even a little bit), and that their solutions are "100% hardware RAID" (which they aren't). I cannot believe how bold-facedly false they are

Thanks for saving me from stepping on a landmine there buddy

Now I'm at a loss, though: what would you recommend for a 2-bay enclosure if I were looking to spend the extra and get something really well made and reliable?

 

[kellen]

I have OWC's 2 bay external esata enclosure. Seems to fit most of your wants except it is a 2 HD enclosure.

Has esata, will support discs of unequal size, works great with time machine, matches the mac pro and is cheap at $50. I use the same one for time machine and other storage. Either adding another one or getting the 4 bay OWC model.

Link

Coupled with their pci-e card or using the ODD sata ports, it would give you a cheap way (<$100) to get an external setup.

Could use it in the meantime until you find what you want and then use it as an offsite backup later.

 

[barmann]

Now I'm at a loss, though: what would you recommend for a 2-bay enclosure if I were looking to spend the extra and get something really well made and reliable?

If it has single-disk-mode (aka JBOD ), how bad can any enclosure be ?
No Raid, less mess - when it brakes you still have the HDDs intact .

 

[nanofrog]

Jesus Bloody H Christ... Read a lot of threads and I'm shocked at what I've heard. What boggles my mind is that CalDigit's website proudly displays that they design and oversee the full manufacturing process of their items (which they don't, not even a little bit), and that their solutions are "100% hardware RAID" (which they aren't). I cannot believe how bold-facedly false they are

Thanks for saving me from stepping on a landmine there buddy

Now I'm at a loss, though: what would you recommend for a 2-bay enclosure if I were looking to spend the extra and get something really well made and reliable?

Glad it helped.

The "We're an OEM supplier" bit really got me the most too.

If it has single-disk-mode (aka JBOD ), how bad can any enclosure be ?
No Raid, less mess - when it brakes you still have the HDDs intact .

They can all do single disk mode. So most of use equate JBOD = Spanning.

Just trying to solve some confusion (most of us do not think of single disk mode when we see JBOD, even though we may know somewhere in a tiny dusty corner of our minds single disk mode is also included in the term).

It's also important for new users of JBOD to realize that even though the other disks (spanning) still contain their data (only the DOA disk's data is truly lost as far as the disks in the set are concerned), it's not available to be accessed. Recovery software has to be used to gain access to it (usually send it to another disk).

In the case of the JBOD used as a backup, the data should still exist on the primary data location (otherwise, it's purely an archive without a backup solution = lost data is just gone - just like a single disk).

 

[NoManIsland]

I have OWC's 2 bay external esata enclosure. Seems to fit most of your wants except it is a 2 HD enclosure.

Has esata, will support discs of unequal size, works great with time machine, matches the mac pro and is cheap at $50. I use the same one for time machine and other storage. Either adding another one or getting the 4 bay OWC model.

Coupled with their pci-e card or using the ODD sata ports, it would give you a cheap way (<$100) to get an external setup.

Could use it in the meantime until you find what you want and then use it as an offsite backup later.

That's definitely an attractive option, as the enclosure, eSATA card and 2x2TB Hitachi comes to about $340 - deadly inexpensive and good enough for what I need I suppose. My main gripe is that I'm losing a PCIe slot for the card, which is why I was hoping to stick to FireWire, and both ports are being used for the one enclosure. Perhaps it could still work if I chose an eSATA card with more ports - any recommendations?

And does anyone have a recommendation for a solution that might be higher end (more bays, connection options etc)? As much as I love the low price of the OWC model, it also makes me nervous about the quality, and I'd still prefer to connect over FW 800 and save myself the PCIe slot.

 

[barmann]

They can all do single disk mode. So most of use equate JBOD = Spanning.

Just trying to solve some confusion (most of us do not think of single disk mode when we see JBOD, even though we may know somewhere in a tiny dusty corner of our minds single disk mode is also included in the term).

Just kidding you .

One question, are you sure they all can do single disk mode ?
I'm confused there, as many enclosure are advertised as Raidx + Spanning ready, but not for single disk mode .

I understand a port-multiplier eSATA PCI card with a PM enclosure can do it, but how about a FW/ multiport enclosure like this one by OWC , or this one ?

In the describtion, single drive mode is not mentioned, so I always was assuming it won't work , at least not without additional PCI cards.

And does anyone have a recommendation for a solution that might be higher end (more bays, connection options etc)? As much as I love the low price of the OWC model, it also makes me nervous about the quality, and I'd still prefer to connect over FW 800 and save myself the PCIe slot.

Well, OWC has some FW enclosures, and people speak well about their customer service .
I chose the Datoptic for the tray-less bays, low noise, good cooling, and FW interface.
And single-disk mode, but maybe Nanofrog can add some information re that, see questions above.

 

[NoManIsland]

Well, OWC has some FW enclosures, and people speak well about their customer service .
I chose the Datoptic for the tray-less bays, low noise, good cooling, and FW interface.
And single-disk mode, but maybe Nanofrog can add some information re that, see questions above.

Yeah, I looked at their other versions like this, but they only offer them as hardware RAID 0 or RAID 1, and I need a 4TB or more volume, so RAID 1 is out, and I don't like the failure potential that comes with RAID 0. Ideally I would like to have a unit that could give me JBOD, with the option to do RAID 1 down the line, once 4TB drives come out. The dual eSATA model can do exactly that (in software), but I really begrudge losing a PCIe slot to it, as they are in short supply on a MP. I guess I could feel better going for the dual eSATA model if I found a good PCIe card that gave four or more eSATA ports, so I could at least get some extra use out of that slot.

 

[nanofrog]

One question, are you sure they all can do single disk mode ?
I'm confused there, as many enclosure are advertised as Raidx + Spanning ready, but not for single disk mode .

For 4 bay units and larger, Yes if it specifically states JBOD in my experience (here's where the inclusion of single disk mode in JBOD makes a difference as to reading the specs). And as you mention, PM chips aren't an issue, nor are PCIe based proper RAID cards.

It's the non PM based 2 bay enclosures that may not, depending on what hardware chip they used (some use switches on the back, others set via software).

The Qx2 for example, has a switch on the back (RAID or JBOD), and it would be able to run single disk mode. But the other (2 bay unit), I'm not certain, as I don't see any switch on the rear photo image on OWC (BTW, it uses an Oxford 936DS from what I can tell).

In both of the products you linked, it's using a RAID on a Chip (RoC), and you do have to pay closer attention. You may have to contact the vendor to be sure (good idea as to not make a mistake if it's unclear).

Yeah, I looked at their other versions like this, but they only offer them as hardware RAID 0 or RAID 1, and I need a 4TB or more volume, so RAID 1 is out, and I don't like the failure potential that comes with RAID 0. Ideally I would like to have a unit that could give me JBOD, with the option to do RAID 1 down the line, once 4TB drives come out. The dual eSATA model can do exactly that (in software), but I really begrudge losing a PCIe slot to it, as they are in short supply on a MP. I guess I could feel better going for the dual eSATA model if I found a good PCIe card that gave four or more eSATA ports, so I could at least get some extra use out of that slot.

You can use a 2 port eSATA with PM enclosures (just make sure the card supports PM chips). 4 port versions do exist, but they're expensive (cheapest example from OWC).

 

[barmann]

For 4 bay units and larger, Yes if it specifically states JBOD in my experience (here's where the inclusion of single disk mode in JBOD makes a difference as to reading the specs). And as you mention, PM chips aren't an issue, nor are PCIe based proper RAID cards.

It's the non PM based 2 bay enclosures that may not, depending on what hardware chip they used (some use switches on the back, others set via software).

Thanks mate, that's helpful.

I wished the vendors and manufaturers were a little more specific in the tech specs sometimes.
With Datoptic, even the pictures are outdated ...

 

[nanofrog]

I wished the vendors and manufaturers were a little more specific in the tech specs sometimes.

You're definitely not alone here.

Unfortunately, it seems to be a side effect of vendors not designing their own products.

I am looking to purchase an empty 4 bay external HDD enclosure and am looking for some recommendations.

1) I need it to work well with Time Machine, as that will be its purpose.
2) I don't need any RAID levels, just JBOD, and if possible I'd like one that allows me to use disks of unequal sizes.
3) I want it to match the Mac Pro aesthetically if possible. I will prefer to connect it via FireWire 800: eSATA is a bonus but not a requirement.
4) Obviously I want as inexpensive a solution as I can get, but I want it to be long-lasting and well made.

I'd recommend a Sans Digital PM based unit (TR4MP - comes with the eSATA card). Use Disk Utility to setup the JBOD, and you're done (cheap and easy too).

 

[NoManIsland]

I am looking to purchase an empty 4 bay external HDD enclosure and am looking for some recommendations.

1) I need it to work well with Time Machine, as that will be its purpose.
2) I don't need any RAID levels, just JBOD, and if possible I'd like one that allows me to use disks of unequal sizes.
3) I want it to match the Mac Pro aesthetically if possible. I will prefer to connect it via FireWire 800: eSATA is a bonus but not a requirement.
4) Obviously I want as inexpensive a solution as I can get, but I want it to be long-lasting and well made.

I'm confused by this: that's my list from the beginning of the thread... Did you try and quote it and your post got scrambled?

 

[NoManIsland]

You can use a 2 port eSATA with PM enclosures (just make sure the card supports PM chips). 4 port versions do exist, but they're expensive (cheapest example from OWC).

Nano, what's the difference between a card like this, and a card like this? I see that both seem identical except the first uses 4 lane PCIe, and the second 8 - how much does that actually affect performance? And, other than having two more ports, how are they superior to this? The NewerTech card comes bundled with the dual eSATA enclosure for a ridiculously low price, so I might go for it if it isn't awful, and suck it up about losing a PCIe slot...

The alternative of course is to use one of OWC's multi interface enclosures: they can't do JBOD (choice of RAID 0 or RAID 1), but they can connect via FireWire 800, 400, USB or eSATA for not that much more than the dual eSATA enclosure (once you account for the PCIe card). Then I keep my PCIe free. HOWEVER, this means I'm going to be using a RAID 0 volume as a backup, as I can't get a RAID 1 to 4TB with two drives - is backing up to a RAID 0 really that bad? I know it doubles my chances of losing my backup, but I'm also going to have the data on a RAID 10 inside the MP. It's not ideal, but it looks like 4 port eSATA cards are bit pricey for what I want to do, and losing a slot to one drive is frustrating.

 

[nanofrog]

Nano, what's the difference between a card like this, and a card like this? I see that both seem identical except the first uses 4 lane PCIe, and the second 8 - how much does that actually affect performance?

The difference is in the lane count.

What you have to realize, is that both cards are 3.0Gb/s compliant. This means that you can get a real world throughput of ~275MB/s per disk. But if the lanes aren't fast enough, you'll slow down a bit. PCIe 1.1 lanes are only good for 250MB/s, and you've 1x port per lane.

In the Stardom card, they're using 2x lanes per port to be able to get the max bandwidth out of each SATA port on the card.

This only matters if you've sufficient disks running to push the limit in the first place, as a single HDD can't go anywhere near the limit. Port Multiplier chips hit their limit at 250MB/s max, and that's in a stripe configuration. SSD's can however. So if you were running a modern SSD (figure ~250 - 285MB/s, assuming the disk can reach what's claimed in real world conditions), you can throttle a bit with the Firmtek model. You'd be OK with the Stardom.

So it will depend on the specifics if it's relevant to you.

And, other than having two more ports, how are they superior to this? The NewerTech card comes bundled with the dual eSATA enclosure for a ridiculously low price, so I might go for it if it isn't awful, and suck it up about losing a PCIe slot...

Please note:

• 1x PCIe lane card
• 6.0Gb/s SATA compliant

You've got both ports running on a single lane, so if you're runnign 2x disks simultaneously, it will throttle if the disks can exceed PCIe Gen 2.0 (500MB/s). Average it out, and you're still stuck at 250MB/s per disk for this card. Also note that the 6.0Gb/s is capable of ~540 - 550MB/s, so it's already a bit gimped (limited to the controller chip design - they made a compromise to cut costs by keeping it to 1x lane).

But if you run a single disk such as an SSD, it's capable of running faster than either the Firmtek or Stardom cards you linked. This won't be an issue with mechanical disks. So it's back to the specifics of what you're trying to do.

Keep in mind however, the version you linked does not support Port Multiplers. Fortunately, newertech does offer a version that does, and it's reasonably priced as well (here). In this case, once 6.0Gb/s PM chips make it to market, you can get faster performance out of mechanical disks in a software RAID (0 or 10).

This is simple storage, and as you can see, it's still a little trickey to figure out the right way to go. Always the details...

 

[NoManIsland]

Nano, what are your thoughts on this? It seems to fit the bill pretty well for me: it's four bay, it's JBOD, and it can attach via USB which is fine for TM. It also has the added bonus of fitting well into my setup under my monitor. However, I can't seem to find much in the way of legitimate reviews, and they say on the Stardom page that it is "now compatible with up to 1.5TB drives"... worrying. It is also a bit expensive for what it does

Finally found a store that sells it.

EDIT: Finally found a reputable store that sells it.

 

[NoManIsland]

I've been in communication with TransIntl about the Stardom unit, and I must admit I'm confused: they seem to be offering the same unit, here and here for different prices, yet ostensibly the same specifications. I called them for clarification and they don't seem to know much about their own products, as they were unable to inform me, and asked if they could call Stardom and phone me back

Does anyone here have some insight into the unit? I'm trying to also find out if it presents the disks as separate or a single volume, and given either, whether disks of different size and/or manufacture can be used together without lost capacity.

 

[NoManIsland]

Okay, TransIntl contacted me back about the unit: he said that the price and description discrepancy was a typo, and that the unit connects via USB or a single eSATA cable through port multiplication. He also said that the form of JBOD used presents four independent disks, not a single volume, and that because of this the disks needn't be the same size, which would be perfect for me... HOWEVER, I'm not entirely convinced. This guy really didn't seem to understand his product, and I found a major Korean tech website that described the unit as presenting as one large volume (albeit this was through Google translate). I also couldn't seem to get an answer out of him about the enclosure supporting disks larger than 1.5TB, so I'm going to call them back and ask for someone different tomorrow - hopefully I'll be able to get some information I can trust...

 

[ICY DOCK]

Hey NoManIsland,

There are some really good removable 4 bay storage solutions that do not have any chipsets for RAID that even fit really well (i.e color, design, etc) with what you're looking for. There are also many that use multiple interfaces and adjustable fan speed. If you search on Newegg for example, you may be able to find some that fits your wants and needs!

Hope this helps a little bit!

 

[NoManIsland]

Hey NoManIsland,

There are some really good removable 4 bay storage solutions that do not have any chipsets for RAID that even fit really well (i.e color, design, etc) with what you're looking for. There are also many that use multiple interfaces and adjustable fan speed. If you search on Newegg for example, you may be able to find some that fits your wants and needs!

Hope this helps a little bit!

I wasn't aware that contributing to this forum was an opportunity for advertising Does anyone have experience with the Stardom enclosure? (Tip: don't respond if you work for Stardom )

 

[nanofrog]

Nano, what are your thoughts on this? It seems to fit the bill pretty well for me: it's four bay, it's JBOD, and it can attach via USB which is fine for TM. It also has the added bonus of fitting well into my setup under my monitor. However, I can't seem to find much in the way of legitimate reviews, and they say on the Stardom page that it is "now compatible with up to 1.5TB drives"... worrying. It is also a bit expensive for what it does

Finally found a store that sells it.

EDIT: Finally found a reputable store that sells it.

Too expensive for what it is. Take a look at the Sans Digital TR4U if you're determined to use USB rather than eSATA.

 

[barmann]

Maybe it'd be easier for you if narrowed down your list ; I can only speak for myself, but these are the things I've been looking for, which limited the choices drastically :

- # of bays : 4+ required in my case; 2 bay enclosures are smaller and a tad cheaper, but less flexible in the long run, even if you only need 2 now.

- Single disk mode (with all connections !), as I do manual backups/ clones mostly (dual/triple backups of image archives, project files, low volume).
TM I run on a seperate external HDD (single).

- Connectivity: FW for a minimum of speed, and best flexibility, to run the enclosure from any of my Macs if I have to ; right now my enclosure is daisy-chained through a portable HDD to an MBP .

No need for PCIe card, though I'll get the eSATA module when/if it'll be available for my model.
On the other hand, eSATA (/+USB) only enclosures have become quite cheap recently, and so have capable PCIe cards.

- Fan noise; very important to me, as the unit will be close to my workplace, even though it won't be on 24/7 .

- Tray design: For me a smooth tool-less tray/bay is a big plus; if you very rarely switch your HDDs, it's not a big advantage.
Be aware that some enclosures can not be opened without voiding the warranty (eg Lacie).

- Looks and chip manufacturer are somewhat low on my list, I'll just live with the JMicron in the Datoptic, and kind of like the plain design .

- Manufacturer support : I just hope I won't need it, and the JBOD mode will help to prevent compatibility issues in the future .

 

[NoManIsland]

Too expensive for what it is. Take a look at the Sans Digital TR4U if you're determined to use USB rather than eSATA.

Yeah, it does seem rather expensive. What are your thoughts on its sister product, which has RAID 5 built in and can connect via FireWire 800? I wasn't planning on using a RAID scheme, but RAID 5 on my backup would be that much more secure, would it not?

I'm also interested in another Stardom device, here. Again expensive, but with 8 bays. I was thinking of pairing it with this. I lose a PCIe slot, but for 8 bays I can justify it.

 

[kellen]

What do you use your pci slots for now? Do you not have a free one or down to your last one?