Which enclosure for external SATA SSD storage...

[gpspad]

I finally pulled the trigger on a Samsung 860 EVO 2TB with SATA III. I have an 2015 iMac with USB3 and TB2 ports. This will be used to store work files and free the internal 512GB SSD for programs.

Speed is a consideration, but I also wanted to ditch the G-Tech drive that was kind of loud.

What enclosure should I get for it; a Sabernet USB3 enclosure or look into some kind of Thunderbolt2 enclosure?

A USB3 enclosure wouldn't require something else plugged in, but I guess I would be loosing some speed?

 

[CoastalOR]

I'm not sure of the kind of work files you will be placing on the external.

IMO, to store work files, then the Sabernet USB3 enclosure should work fine. Thunderbolt 2 is expensive and the actual performance is not that much better for your planned usage.

 

[SaSaSushi]

If the SSD is only going to be used for storage purposes I agree a USB3 enclosure would be fine.

I do recommend going with Thunderbolt for those planning to boot from external drives for the ability to enable TRIM.

 

[Fishrrman]

USB3 is "all you need".

If you want a bulletproof enclosure, I suggest this one:
https://www.amazon.com/MiniPro-USB-...sure&qid=1551627421&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

I have the earlier USB3.0 version and it's built like a tank. It costs about $10 more than plastic enclosures, but it's money well-spent.

The 2015 has regular "USB-a" ports, right?
Then just use a cable with USB-c on one end and USB-a on the other.

 

[gpspad]

Thanks for the replies and the recommendations on the case.

The drive is going to be tucked inside a twelve south high-rise stand I use, other than the ruggedness, any reason to go with a powered case over a bus powered case?

If I am going with USB3 I figured I'd have one less power concern if I go with bus powered, unless there is a good reason to get a powered usb3 enclosure.

 

[Fishrrman]

The Oyen digital enclosure I linked to in reply 4 has an input port for external DC power. I don't know if they sell a power block for it, but I'll bet you could find an external "wall wart" that would work just fine for $12 or even less.

 

[gpspad]

I did some digging, I guess its optional and doesn't seem to be needed for an SSD.

Not sure if there is any speed increase with power though?

 

[Fishrrman]

The MiniPro drive that I have boots and runs fine from the USB bus power.
Full speed.

 

[EugW]

I don’t recommend bus power unless it’s an external drive specifically built to run off USB power alone since some drive + enclosure + port combinations can be flaky on bus power alone. I’ve encountered this problem on more than one occasion, on both USB and on FireWire (even though FireWire provides even more power than USB). In this context I always recommend an enclosure that provides the option of external power.

However, overall I usually recommend dedicated external drives like the Samsung T5. Fast and small and specifically designed to run off bus power.

 

[gpspad]

The T5’s were more than I wanted in price, a SATA III in an enclosure would give the option to install it in a Mac mini if a better option pops up down the road.

Anyone have a link to a power chord for the Oyen case?

I am going to try running it off both and doing some speed tests, I also have a bus powered usb3 case, I’m going to test all three options.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I'm wondering what is the point of an enclosure for a SATA SSD. Isn't the SSD already "enclosed" in that it doesn't have any exposed circuitry like mechanical drives?

This type of connector works fine:

 

[CoastalOR]

Anyone have a link to a power chord for the Oyen case?

Here is the one suggested in the Amazon page for the Oyen:
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Powe...DV6J2EXHSW0&psc=1&refRID=73AK3KADBDV6J2EXHSW0