Question 1

how heavy is it?

Accepted Answer

I have a Western Digital 1TB Black in my enclosure, I know this isn't scientific or anything but just picking it up, it maybe weighs 2-3 lbs. Definitely not heavy. It is sturdy.

Question 2

Will this enclosure work with a 3 TB hard drive on my PC Windows 7?

Accepted Answer

I shopped the Startech website for a drive with fan and 4tb drive support. Now every (full!!) 4TB is not seen by the equipment (dvd player), when i connect the enclosure to a windows 7 pc, the drive is not seen, the windows disk management tool shows 2 drives with the first drive being 2TB.

I check the websites and Startech still shows it says "Large capacity drives (tested with up to 4TB) can be used to greatly enhance your computer's storage/backup capabilities." while Newegg shows it as "Up to 2TB".

So far this as scrambled 2 drives. I was able to recover the first drive ok, now need to try the second drive.

ttfn

Question 3

Does the package supplied include cables and mounting hardware necessary to install SATA drive, or do these need to be obtained separately?

Accepted Answer

The one I bought had everything included, including the USB 3.0 cable. I also have to just add that this has been a rock-solid purchase for me and something I use every day.

Question 4

How difficult is it to swap hard drives? Are screws involved or can you just pop it in and out?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 screws on the enclosure, but you only have to remove 2 of them to access the drive (it's a split clamshell design).  Pop out the screws, easily remove the shell, and boom, drive the drive in.

This would not work easily as a regular swap in/out device, unless you kept the enclosure open.  Should probably look into a hot-swap dock in that case.

Question 5

windows 8.1 compatible?

Accepted Answer

Yes this is Windows 8.1 compatible, I use it with my 8.1 laptop and it works great.

Question 6

Can this be used laying on its side as long as the fan is up?

Accepted Answer

It should be able to as long as you don't block the airflow to the fan.

Question 7

Is the fan a standard type that can be easily replaced when it wears out?

Accepted Answer

The fan is NOT the typical PC case type fan, being quite thin, low speed and silent...It's possible to change...if you could find one...not easy.  Also, the newest production have the fan controlled by an internal Asmedia IC, the fan will only spinup when BOTH the external DC power and USB connections are made.

Question 8

The USB 3.0 cable that came with this device is very short.  I want to purchase a longer cable but can't determine which of the 16 connector type options for sale on Newegg match this device.  Does anyone know the Newegg connector type terminology for a USB 3.0 cable with the proper connectors for this device?

Accepted Answer

The included cable is USB A to USB B in the 3.0 standard.
So, look at USB cables,
Home >  Computer Hardware > Computer Accessories > Cables > Computer Cables > USB Cables
Then check "USB 3.0" box in the "Type" section on the left, and scroll down to find and expand the "Connector Type" section, in which you would choose "USB A to USB B".
I would post a link, but they're not allowed in Q&A.

Question 9

Question. I am putting an enterprise grade drive in this enclose it will be running 24/7. I am worried about the power supply and controller going out any  thoughts on length of service?

Accepted Answer

I'm not stressing mine anywhere close to what you plan to. But if it helps, I have this hooked up to my NAS via USB to perform once a month backups. The drive doesn't get much work aside from that. But the enclosure itself is on 24/7 and I haven't had any issues. Can't recall if I'm running the fan; I may have turned it off.

Question 10

can you install a 4tb drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. I use a 4TB HGST Deskstar NAS H3IKNAS40003272SN (0S03664) in this as a USB backup for my Synology NAS. No issues after 3 months, running 24/7.

Questions & Answers