Multi-port drive docks?

[stlc8tr]

Anyone use one of these multi-port drive docks?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078H8L04

I have a bunch of smaller HDDs lying around so it would be nice to use something like this to array them (using Storage Spaces or some other soft RAID) for the occasional backup. The $70 price seems decent too.

But the reviews aren't great so any other model suggestions would be welcomed. The Amazon commenters seem to like the StarTech model but it's more than twice the price at $153!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MA1N8GA/

 

[dave_the_nerd]

StarTech and Mediasonic are both alright brands, although neither is "premium." I'd want to know what controller chips the docks are using. But you're right - the preponderance of reviews would see to suggest the StarTech is the right choice here.

Other companies make similar things - do a search on newegg for "RAID enclosure" or "JBOD enclosure" (they're the same thing, usually.)

I'd look at some 2-drive docks and see if 2x2 is cheaper than 1x4, also shop around a little - eBay maybe.

 

[rchunter]

I'd rather not deal with usb since I have an old chipset.
I bought one of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/331059492898?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Haven't installed it yet though. It's basicly just a passthrough to the internal sata ports.

 

[larryccf]

i went with one of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A2WSTUX2A6RQ1A

it worked decently enough that i bought a second and stacked them - in the 4 or 5 months i've had them, i've had no issues. RIght now i've got six 4TB drives in them, with two slots in reserve

i wasn't crazy about the open docks like the one you posted, simply cause of the dust collection aspect

 

[stlc8tr]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

There are two reasons that I was looking at this Mediasonic open dock instead of an enclosure like that Mediasonic ProBox.

1. No fans. I'd rather not have another device with a fan. Noisy and gets clogged. I don't plan on running it 24/7 so I don't think heat will be that big of an issue.

2. Tool-less use. The ProBox and other docks like it need a handle to be screwed on the drives. Since I will be swapping out drives somewhat frequently, it would be nice to just do it with bare drives.

 

[larryccf]

good points - the fans on mine are fairly silent (i don't hear them) but i'm also 66 and my hearing may not be as sensitive as it was.

There are some other enclosures that are tool-less but still incorporate fans so it looks like you've narrowed it down to what you're going with