Top Hard Drive Enclosures

macally G-S350SUA Hard Drive Enclosure (1 x 3.5" - 1/3H Internal - USB 2.0, FireWire, eSATA - External)

125 Reviews

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	Price: $38.99
	Price: $37.93
	Price: $54.99
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Pros: Good design, Excellent heat dispersal, FireWire support
Cons: Compatibility issues with large drives, Expensive

If there's one thing that's true about computers, it's that you can never have too much storage. While installing a hard drive into a computer chassis isn't exactly rocket science, there may be circumstances wherein it would be more practical or more convenient to have a drive mounted externally. With the Macally G-S350SUA 3.5" Hard Drive Enclosure, it is now easier to have a large-capacity drive without the trouble of opening up your computer and installing it. This hard drive enclosure has qualities to satisfy both Windows and Mac camps. For example, the different ports at the back panel provides easy access to whatever connection your computer may have, be it USB, eSATA or FireWire. Mac users will also appreciate the shiny aluminum case of the Macally Enclosure that not only allows excellent heat radiation from the drive, but also complements the polished metal look of certain Mac models, like the Mac Mini. The front panel of the enclosure holds the circuit board that handles the interface electronics. This model has a FireWire chipset based on the Oxford model and an internal SATA header that supports either SATA I or II-standard drives. It can also be set up in two configurations for use. One would be a horizontal orientation and the other, a vertical one using the foot attachments. This is recommended if you have smaller desk spaces. As noted, it can handle up to 6.0GB/s of drive speed. There have been reports, however, that seem to indicate that when it comes to capacities, this model has some trouble working alongside drives in the order of 1 terabyte or more. This may be due to the power adapter bundled with the unit being unable to power up and spin the drives in order for them to be read by the computer they are connected to. The issue seems to happen more frequently if the drive is constantly in use rather than being occasionally accessed. Also, if budget is a concern, then you might want to look at other models because the Macally G-S350SUA 3.5" Hard Drive Enclosure is a bit more expensive than the competition.

Icy Dock MB882SP-1S-2B Storage Enclosure - Internal - Black (1 x 2.5" - 9.5 mm Height Internal - Serial ATA)

89 Reviews

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	Price: $14.99
	Price: $16.95
	Price: $19.99
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Pros: Easy installation, Wide compatibility, Superb ventilation
Cons: Plastic construction, Doesn't support dual drives

With its easy installation and efficient ventilation, Icy Dock's MB882SP-1S-2B makes a perfect accessory for your HDD or SSD. It enables you to use your 2.5ö SATA hard disk drive or solid state drive as a regular 3.5" SATA hard drive. It is also suitable for use with Mac Pro systems and designed to fit all Icy dock 3.5" SATA HDD enclosures as well as other 3.5" SATA HDD enclosures. Thanks to its tool-less and screw-less design, you can save time and move on to more important tasks. This enclosure features viewing slots for added peace of mind and universal mounting holes which enable it to fit most PC casings. Installation is as easy as inserting your 2.5" SATA HDD or SSD into the enclosure, placing it in your computer's 3.5" bay and connecting the cable. Although it doesn't support dual-drives, it is compatible with drives of any capacity and boasts a fast transfer rate of up to 6 GB per second. The Icy Dock MB882SP-1S-2B sports an anti-vibration design which permits whisper-quiet operation and airflow vents which keep your drive cool when in use. Its plastic construction makes it look a little cheap but also makes it lightweight. Nevertheless, it offers an inexpensive and easy to use tool for both novice and more advanced users.

macally PHR-S250CC FireWire/USB2.0 Storage Enclosure (1 x 2.5" - 9.5 mm Height Internal - USB 2.0, FireWire - External)

49 Reviews

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	Price: $28.99
	Price: $45.99
	Price: $30.67
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Pros: Robust, Supports FireWire400, Compatible with Mac and PC, Portable
Cons: FireWire 400 only, LEDS are extremely bright

Take advantage of FireWire connection using the Macally PHR-S250CC. While it only supports FireWire400 and not FireWire800, it is still considerably fast. The case is suitable for use with 2.5" SATA HDD and constructed with solid aluminum body which in contrast with plastic ones, offers extreme durability and keeps your drive cool. There are also shock-absorbent rubber strips on top and bottom of the case which reduce damage in case of a drop and active LED lights that indicate power and activity. The only caveat is that the LEDS are extremely bright, comparable to a mini-flashlight. This can be annoying especially in dark environments. Being widely compatible with Mac and PC systems, this case provides easy connectivity and set-up. It only requires a USB or FireWire port and it works flawlessly with Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista or Mac OS 9.2 and Mac OS X v. 10.1 to 10.5 and above. Unlike other cases, it supports hot plug and play and even has an onboard power switch which enables you to turn your drive on or off. Although it is bus-powered, you can also purchase an optional AC adapter in case you need one. The Macally PHR-S250CC is compact and well-made. It is easier to install and it has the ability to remain cool even after hours of operation. All in all, it can be considered pricier than its competitors but what makes it worth buying is its robust aluminum construction which offers unparalleled protection for your drive.

Icy Dock MB454SPF-B 4 Bays SATA II Enclosure (4 x 3.5" - 1/3H Front Accessible Hot-swappable - Internal - Black)

27 Reviews

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	Price: $135.99
	Price: $108.99
	Price: $119.73
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Pros: Can fit multiple drives, Compact, Easy to install
Cons: Expensive, Screw holes are not well-aligned

The Icy Dock MB454SPF-B allows you to place all your drives into one, easy-to-access location. You can fit up to four drives within a three 5.25” bay fitting and monitor the status of each using the visual and audio indicators. Being hot-swappable, you won't need to waste time shutting down your computer just to remove the drives. Its compact size also enables you to free up some valuable space and minimize the clutter in your workstation. Unlike other enclosures, it requires few tools and features a removable 80mm rear cooling fan for proper ventilation. The fan creates minimal noise and permits a nearly silent operation. There are also LED indicators that alleviate the need to guess if you're drive is functioning or not. The color changes to green to indicate power, amber for overheat or drive activity and red for drive failure. The durable aluminum body not only adds to its overall aesthetics but also helps in keeping the drive cool. Initial set-up remains easy although the screw holes are not properly aligned and the manual is somewhat inadequate. As soon as you figure it out, you'll just need to apply a little force in order to fit it in your case then you're good to go. The Icy Dock MB454SPF-B makes installing and moving your drives almost effortless. It may not be an excellent fit for budget conscious users due to its price but if you value quality and durability then you can't go wrong with this one.

StarTech.com USB 2.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Enclosure (1 x 3.5" - 1/3H Internal - External - Silver)

20 Reviews

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	Price: $28.88
	Price: $26.92
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Pros: Tough aluminum construction, Has LED indicators, Easy installation, Inexpensive
Cons: Short cable

The StarTech External Hard Drive Enclosure gives you the option to reuse your hard drive from a dead computer, store a massive amount of data or simply back-up your files at a wallet-friendly price. It can house most 3.5-inch SATA, SATA II and SATA III drives and is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7, Mac OS 9.0 and up, Mac OS X Leopard and Linux. Unlike other external HD cases, it supports the Time Machine feature for automatic backup. It connects via USB 2.0 and also delivers up to 480 Mbps transfer rates. In contrast with cheaply-made plastic cases, the aluminum construction of this enclosure makes it tougher. It provides maximum protection for your drive while remaining lightweight and the silver exterior also complements your other computer peripherals. There are LED indicators which negates the need to guess if your drive is active or inactive. It turns green when powered on and blinks when reading or transferring data. On a side note, the cables could use a little more length for extended reach. Being Plug-and-Play and Hot-Swap compatible, the StarTech External Hard Drive offers easy installation and high-speed operation. It weighs 11.47 ounces or 325 grams and has overall dimensions of 4.45 in x 7.6 in x 1.22 in (H x L x W). A power adapter, a 2-year warranty as well as a lifetime technical support rounds out the package.