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sneaky_canuck
01-04-2008, 01:05 PM
Does anyone know where I can find reviews/round-ups/guides on eSATA enclosures? I can only find reviews on enclosures that come with hard disks in them already.

I was looking at the Enermax EB307ES-B and it looks good on paper but I can't find any reviews (nor can I find any place that sells them):
http://www.enermaxusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_31&products_id=136

If anyone has any suggestions, they'd be appreciated. Important:
- true eSATA spec (e.g. I've read the Vantec Nexstar3 isn't and the drives need to be set to SATA150) as well as USB 2.0 (don't need firewire)
- hot-swappable (which I think all true eSATA are) ...I'm sure my Asus P5B-E supports it
- supports at least up to 1TB drives (I think they all support any drive regardless of what their specs say?)
- decent temps (if it has a fan, great, if not, fine as long as my hard disk doesn't fry in there)
- tooless not required (but would be nice)
- under or around $50

BillLeeLee
01-04-2008, 01:18 PM
Here's a review of the Antec MX-1, which is probably in your price range.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article728-page1.html

I use an Azio enclosure (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=Azio+esata&x=0&y=0=), which is not actively cooled, so yes it gets warm.

sneaky_canuck
01-04-2008, 01:55 PM
I've looked at the MX-1 but it's really bulky and there's a discrepancy with the loudness of the fan ...many reviews claiming it's silent while many customer reviews saying it's very loud and annoying.

Old Hippie
01-04-2008, 02:39 PM
If you can go 60.00, I have one of these (http://www.cooldrives.com/nasadrenwiou.html). There's no fan noise.

TechLarry
01-06-2008, 12:47 AM
I went with a coolmax. It has eSata and USB 2.0.

No particular reason. The local store simply had them. I put a 300GB Seagate in it to expand my SA8300HD DVR. Works like a charm.

Nice, complete kit. Included eSata and USB 2.0 cables. Oh, and a screwdriver :)

It was $60 but I have no doubt it's at least $10 cheaper online.

One complaint. The power and data lights are VERY brite. Since this went into my Home Theatre rack, I have to disconnect them.