Monoprice

RAID arrays are the best way to get either maximum data access speeds or the security of mirrored, redundant data storage. Now you can afford a RAID array for your own use with this deluxe eSATA/Firewire800/USB2.0 RAID enclosure from Monoprice!

RAID arrays can be complicated to configure, with special software drivers or setups required, but making a RAID array with this deluxe enclosure is as simple as installing a pair of standard 2.5" internal SATA drives (1.5 Gbps or 3 Gbps), choosing the type of RAID array you want with the front panel controls and LCM display, and then plugging it into your PC's USB, eSATA, or Firewire port.

This array supports both RAID 0 and RAID 1. With a RAID 0 setup you can achieve maximum speed of access to your data. The array alternates information storage between the two drives, so that the second drive can be seeking for the data while the first is transferring it's portion of your file. However, if one drive fails, you will lose all information on both drives, unless it is backed up, of course.

RAID 1 is the safest form of storage for your data. Both drives store the exact same data, one being an exact mirror copy of the other. While it is no faster than an ordinary drive configuration, if one drive fails, you still have all of your data safely stored on the other drive. To recover, just insert a replacement for the failed drive into the enclosure and let it copy all the data to the new drive for continued data security.

The major drawback with RAID 1 is that your total storage space is limited to that of the smaller of the two drives in the array. For example, if you had a 1 TB drive and a 750 GB drive installed, your total storage capacity would be 750 GB. Of course, you'd need as much space as one drive would hold for a backup of your data and RAID 1 ensures that you always have a current backup without any extra effort, reminders, or computer activity.

This enclosure includes three different interface types for optimal connection to both PCs and Macs. The USB 2.0 interface is universally utilized by all compatible computer types, but offers the slowest transfer maximum rate of only up to 480 Mbps (60 MBps). The USB interface is also backwards compatible with USB 1.1, which supports up to 12 Mbps (1.5 MBps) speeds.

The Firewire 800 interface can be connected to both Firewire 400 and Firewire 800 equipped computers. Firewire 800 offers a data transfer rate of up to 800 Mbps (100 MBps), while Firewire 400 supports up to 400 Mbps (50 MBps). The eSATA interface offers the highest throughput, up to 3.0 Gbps (300 MBps)!

The built-in LCM display utilizes the hard drive S.M.A.R.T. feature to provide information about the status of your drives, including drive model numbers, serial numbers, capacity, and current operating temperatures. The display is also used to configure the array and setup the enclosure options, such as automatic fan speed settings, alarms, etc.

This RAID kit comes with everything you need to make your own RAID array, except the hard drives. It even includes cables for each of the three interface types, so you won't need to buy anything other than the drive. All the necessary controllers and drivers are contained in the enclosure. You just plug it in to any USB, Firewire, or eSATA equipped computer and use it! What could be easier?