Opinion on HDD Docks

[ChicoDeGoma]

Well, I was messing around to get a dock for a future NAS I want to make, and I was wondering about them without knowing nothing. But this is not a question like "what should I buy".

I'm more interested on the people's opinion on docks. If you like them or not, if you think they're great or not. In case you're using one why, etc. . .

My wish (bad english) is to use a hdd dock with two hdd that will be plugged onto a Orange PI, for a NAS. So I think I will have to research to speeds (from dock to OPi) and consume (since one of the hdd will be a WD Red spinning 24/7 and will make regular backups)

So, well, that's all I guess. Sorry for my bad english and I hope I could explain myself.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, ChicoDeGoma.

In my opinion docking stations are a good option to extend a NAS' capacity or to back it up. Many users dislike that option due to the fact that they are more prone to damage than a drive in an enclosure, due to the way they are setup (you can easily bump them with something while working) and also can be damaged by liquid spills, accumulate more dust, etc. However, in my opinion if you keep it in a safe place, it's really a good option.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

 

[Starcruiser]

I mostly see docks as another point of failure. I've seen several people that have external hard drives and the drive is fine, but the dock is dead/dying.
The orange pi will be limited in speed by its USB 2 ports as well, unless you plan on using 2 SATA drives in one port.

 

[ChicoDeGoma]

Hey there, ChicoDeGoma.

In my opinion docking stations are a good option to extend a NAS' capacity or to back it up. Many users dislike that option due to the fact that they are more prone to damage than a drive in an enclosure, due to the way they are setup (you can easily bump them with something while working) and also can be damaged by liquid spills, accumulate more dust, etc. However, in my opinion if you keep it in a safe place, it's really a good option.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

Well, that's really the plan. The OPI and the dock being in a stable place which I never touch unless I need to access to the hardware. Would you recommend me a dock or a site to learn a little about them? I would like to research a little before wanting to buy something

I mostly see docks as another point of failure. I've seen several people that have external hard drives and the drive is fine, but the dock is dead/dying.
The orange pi will be limited in speed by its USB 2 ports as well, unless you plan on using 2 SATA drives in one port.

Maybe you're right. I was checking again all the models and seems like the only SATA 2 interface I can get comes from the OPI plus, and I think that's a little more to pay.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Unfortunately, as an official WD rep, I can't really recommend anything that's not under the WD brand. However, you could check out that link with recommendations for HDD/SSD docking stations: https://flipboard.com/@kinida/best-hard-drive-docking-station-reviews-2016-2017-vqmc2fgaz. Hopefully you find some useful info there (at least you'd be able to compare different models). Sorry if that's not enough or the answer you were looking for. :\

 

[ChicoDeGoma]

Thanks Boogieman, I will check it tomorrow after some sleep. I was searching more to research than a concrete answer, so this is a lot better that what I expected. Thanks so much!

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Sure thing.