Questions & recommendations for external HDD enclosure.

[WuckFad]

Hi, I recently purchased a 4tb WD RED and i'm seeking recommendations for an HDD enclosure that can support it. Looking for usb3.0 and a cooling fan for $20-30, maybe up to $40 if it seems worth it.

Was looking at a Thermaltake Max 5G Active Cooling HDD enclosure but the Amazon site says it only supports up to 3tb, even though a reviewer stated that "unofficially" it supports up to 4tb. http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1V2MXP5Q5HFXV/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004G8QETI

Also not opposed to Docking Stations but am concerned about dust getting to the drive. Could put HDD in an HDD protector when not in use, but all reviews i've come across complain that the covers crack easily.

Any good recommendations?

 

[ArtPog]

Take a look at this Newegg listing of USB 3.0 enclosures whose specs indicate they work with drives up to 4 TB. I haven't had any personal experience with working with a 4 TB HDD in a USB enclosure so can't offer you any personal recommendation.

Have worked with a variety of docking stations over the years and never encountered a dust problem. I really wouldn't be particularly concerned with that aspect unless you're working in an unusually dusty environment.

 

[ArtPog]

Oh, and here's the listing...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=usb+enclosure+3.0&N=100008040 600287260&isNodeId=1

 

[WuckFad]

Take a look at this Newegg listing of USB 3.0 enclosures whose specs indicate they work with drives up to 4 TB. I haven't had any personal experience with working with a 4 TB HDD in a USB enclosure so can't offer you any personal recommendation.

Have worked with a variety of docking stations over the years and never encountered a dust problem. I really wouldn't be particularly concerned with that aspect unless you're working in an unusually dusty environment.

Oh, and here's the listing...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=usb+enclosure+3.0&N=100008040 600287260&isNodeId=1

Thanks for the link. i shall check it out...

Am now looking at this KingWin True Dock USB 3.0 Lay Flat Docking Station http://www.amazon.com/KingWin-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Clone-EZD-2537U3/dp/B00N1QL9K0/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1430159456&sr=1-7&keywords=rosewill+4tb and everything looks good but it was mentioned elsewear that HDD's connectors can be fragile and only good for a few connects and disconnects before the gold connector plates start decaying. I don't plan on disconnecting my HDD from the docking station much if dust isn't a concern.

Thanks...

 

[ArtPog]

The link you indicated is for Kingwin's EZ Dock model, not the "Lay Flat" model you referred to. The EZ Dock's configuration is what's commonly referred to as a "docking station" so I suppose that's what you are looking for, yes? The "Lay Flat" model would usually just be considered as a USB external enclosure.
Coincidentally we've been working with a couple of USB enclosures that look virtually identical to the "Lay Flat" model - an Orico model http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1B0-0003-00056
Newegg had them on sale for $19.99 earlier this year. Experienced no problems with them to date.
Frankly, I'm not a particular fan of the docking station types. Not crazy about their bulk and we've experienced difficulties with the drive ejection mechanism on a couple of units. But they're very popular with most users.
My primary requirements for a USB enclosure (other than hoping they're reliable and have decent longevity!) is that it's equipped with an easily accessible power ON-OFF button/switch - NOT on the backside of the unit - and a power LED that's reasonably bright to let you know the unit is powered-on. Of course the unit should accommodate both 2 1/2" & 3 1/2" drives. A secure USB connection on the unit is, of course, a must.

BTW, it doesn't appear those Kingwin units include a USB cable, so you might want to check that out.