For 10+ years I've used a pair of Rosewill (same as this StarTech) hot swap trayless bays. They are finally starting to fail and require replacement. I only need two but would consider a triple rack that takes two bays. My question is -- might it make a difference (quality wise) whether I choose to replace with trays/rack or change to a docking station? I really only have one available SATA port on the MB which is being used by the currently installed HS bay so would likely have to add a card if additional are required. Opinions on switching from tray to docking station and also any suggestion as to brands to look at or stay away from would be greatly appreciated.
Question Choosing Replacement...Bay/Rack or Docking Station? Make a difference?
- Thread starter golem
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JohnBonhamsGhost
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- Jan 14, 2016
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Thanks for the reply.
That's pretty much where my line of query was headed. Since there's no real operational difference in using either (besides initial setup) I was just looking to see if anyone was inclined to warn me away from one or the other as a more likely point of failure.
*EDIT* -- Should add, if anyone would like to suggest a dual-bay docking station that works well, I'm all ears. ;-)
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- Mar 16, 2013
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I have this 4 bay device:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X26VV4
There are newer variants.
24/7 use since Aug 2016.
Thanks for the insight!
An enclosure like that is quite tempting. The loose drives I have are rarely in use. I'll admit to being a casual hoarder of 1900-1970s digital media for over 20 years (before the kids start - No, not porn). Because of this I have varied collections scattered on numerous HDDs from 1GB up to 20GB. For this reason I've shied away from any non temporary hardware. That's what made tray-less racks so convenient.
So far I like the somewhat small footprint of the Sabrent Dual Docking Station. Unfortunately that model, which allows for both 20GB+ drives and the ability to hotswap, is USB-C. A minor inconvenience that I'm assuming would just require a quality adapter.
The following is probably a stupid question.
Most USB adapters state "This USB (male) to C (female) adapter doesn't support bidirectional transmission, when connect with PC or Laptop". On the face it looks like they're saying if I used this to connect an external HD (USB-C) to a desktop (USB-A) data could only be transferred in one direction? I know I've used adapters before without issue and never even gave this consideration. Help me to clear this confusion. 🤔
Most USB adapters state "This USB (male) to C (female) adapter doesn't support bidirectional transmission, when connect with PC or Laptop". On the face it looks like they're saying if I used this to connect an external HD (USB-C) to a desktop (USB-A) data could only be transferred in one direction? I know I've used adapters before without issue and never even gave this consideration. Help me to clear this confusion. 🤔
- Mar 16, 2013
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Link to something that says that?
ALL data transmission is bidirectional, even just copying a simple file from Drive 1 to Drive 2.
JohnBonhamsGhost
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i've been using a WavLink USB 3.1 dual bay docking station since 2018 that is still working great.
just power it on when i need access to either drive.
this is the link available from my order history but the one i have is a newer version:
https://www.newegg.com/wavlink-st334uc-dock/p/0VN-0069-00002?Item=9SIA6PF3RG5232
Like that suggestion. I actually noticed and gave consideration but it looked to be 16TB limited and not sure it would play well with my 20TB drive. Will have to see if it's an issue or if it really even matters.
Just noticed my earlier posts listed current drives as 20GB max. LOL. Surprised everyone was so kind. 😊
- Mar 16, 2013
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Postings often only list drive sizes available at that time.
My Mediasonic originally said "up to 12TB".
Because that was what was available at the time.
Currently, it has a 14 and 18TB drive in it.
Yeah, that sounds logical. Can't imagine why the doc's minimal circuitry would impose limits although they do enjoy designing in obsolescence. Remember the 60+ year copper water heater manufacturer? Neither does anyone else as they're no longer in business.
Thanks to all. I ended up going with the Wavelink. Funny thing is looks like USAFRet is on to something. Some of the Amazon ads list differing TB counts all over the same product description page. Seems they update the count (whether justifiably or heinously) based on current drive sizes but miss a few of the descriptions along the way.
Was hard to pass up the current discount on a relatively well reviewed dual doc. Wavelink Docking Station
Was hard to pass up the current discount on a relatively well reviewed dual doc. Wavelink Docking Station
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