A Component To Host Several External Harddrives

MaxArk · Jan 7, 2018

I'm not all that familia with computers and computer components, so I'm hoping that my question can be answered here.

I have a collection of 6 external harddrives, and this number grows annually. I'm running out of USB ports and would really like to reduce the clutter of power cords and cables. All these drives are shared within my home network.

Is there a component out there I should investigate that would allow me to host my current drives, while allowing expansion, into one place with one cable and one power supply?

USAFRet · Jan 7, 2018

MaxArk :

I have one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X26VV4

MediaSonic Probox.
4 bay, connects with a single USB 3.0 and wall plug.

They also make an 8 bay box.

NOTE: This is for bare 3.5" drives, not ones stuck in an enclosure.

13thmonkey · Jan 7, 2018

^ I've also got one, different name in the UK, same device.

das_stig · Jan 7, 2018

Probox looks like a cheap solution, although if you go via esata you need a pci-e adapter card that supports multiplexing to see all drives or stick with USB, also they come in Raid and Non-Raid versions.

USAFRet · Jan 7, 2018

The only complaint I have on the ProBox is the brightness of the blue LED's, and flashing when you access a drive.

Easily fixed with a flap of duct tape.

MaxArk · Jan 7, 2018

Thank you all for your replies and support.
I have to admit ... it all of a sudden got kinda complicated.
Is eSATA the same as USB3?

USAFRet · Jan 7, 2018

MaxArk :

eSATA is "external SATA" connection.
It presents to the PC as (mostly) a regular SATA drive connection. As said above, you may need a different PCIe card in the PC to talk to the individual drives.

I just use mine as USB 3.0 Works fine, with no hassles and no extra stuff.

MaxArk · Jan 9, 2018

So I'm looking at the ProBox (or similar) option to host my external HDDs in one convenient place. I'm still a bit perplexed with eSATA vs USB3. My understanding, and it is weak, is that I won't be able to access multiple drives with just USB3, that I would need to go the route of eSATA. So, if I wanted to copy data between drives, whether between those hosted within the ProBox, or from my PC's HDD to one or more ProBox hosted drives simultaneously, I would have to go the route of eSATA? Those scenarios aren't possible with just a USB connection to the PC?

USAFRet · Jan 9, 2018

MaxArk :

With the USB 3.0 connection, you can absolutely address each drive individually. They each get a different drive letter.
That is exactly how mine is set up. That's the default.

MaxArk · Feb 9, 2018

Thanks for all your replies! It's all very encouraging.
I've been having a hard time finding these things though (locally walk-in anyway). In fact, I went in to our local computer hardware supply store and explained this situation and they only thing they could offer was a USB hub. I guess they didn't hear the part about trying to eliminate 8 obtrusive wall warts any a tangled mess of cables. Will look at mail order now I suppose.

Search

A Component To Host Several External Harddrives

MaxArk

Distinguished

USAFRet

Titan

13thmonkey

Titan

das_stig

Glorious

USAFRet

Titan

MaxArk

Distinguished

USAFRet

Titan

MaxArk

Distinguished

USAFRet

Titan

MaxArk

Distinguished

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page