USB 3.0-to-SATA Adapter Gives HDDs SuperSpeed

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Now here's a nifty little device for those old hard drives stacking up and collecting dust like old nudie magazines. USB peripheral manufacturer Brando has devised of a way to connect those SATA HDDs by way of USB 3.0. via its new Unitek USB 3.0 to SATA adapter (Y-1034). The device can even be used with older IDE-based drives using an extra IDE to SATA docking converter.

Of course, the drawback here is that--in addition to paying a meager $48 plus shipping costs--you'll need a USB 3.0 compliant motherboard or PCI-e card installed to use the SuperSpeed connection. The specs reveal that it's still compliant with USB 2.0, so it seems possible to use the new adapter in current, USB 2.0 machines.

According to the company, the adapter supports Windows XP, Vista, the new Windows 7, and Linux. The device also handles HDD capacities up to 2 TB.

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Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.

21 Comments Comment from the forums
  • AtuBrian
    "those old hard drives stacking up" you would think of ide drives not sata. -1
    Reply
  • Now this looks like it'll be a great device to add to my arsenal for when I work on other systems and I have to pull the drive to check it for any serious problems before working directly on the system in question.

    It always helps to be prepared when doing tech support. :)
    Reply
  • azgard
    I knew you guy's were slow on the uptake, but damn welcome to 3 weeks ago on your own website.

    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/usb-3.0-performance,2490.html
    Reply
  • nick_nz
    @azgard - Now, I've taken my share of shots at toms in its current guise however in this case I think you are being unfair. This article is about a USB3 to SATA adapter. The article you linked is about USB3 itself. Related:yes, same:no.

    To me, this appears to be a good, well timed primer for the USB3 reviews that are no doubt coming in the near future.

    Kevin - good on ya for a short, accurate article...
    Reply
  • rand_79
    Renegade_WarriorNow this looks like it'll be a great device to add to my arsenal for when I work on other systems and I have to pull the drive to check it for any serious problems before working directly on the system in question.It always helps to be prepared when doing tech support.

    translation: faster to copy porn off the customers computer before returning it.

    just kidding
    Reply
  • lashabane
    Brando, it's got what geeks crave.
    Reply
  • MitchMeister-
    atubrian"those old hard drives stacking up" you would think of ide drives not sata. -1
    "The device can even be used with older IDE-based drives using an extra IDE to SATA docking converter."

    Did you read the article?
    Reply
  • AtuBrian
    MitchMeister- IDE to SATA docking converter."Did you read the article?yes its pointless device
    Reply
  • uh_no
    MitchMeister-"The device can even be used with older IDE-based drives using an extra IDE to SATA docking converter."Did you read the article?
    pretty sure the device doesn't come with the ide-sata converter.....
    Reply
  • liquidsnake718
    atubrianyes its pointless deviceYour message is pointless. This is a gread device if you want to actually upgrade older parts or if you have a new motherboard and you can still use your old HDDs to make them a bit faster. Its nifty until usb3.0 becomes mainstream and then this will be forgotten...
    Reply