Author: Andrew Schembri Date: August 05, 2008 Manufacturer: Thermaltake Provider: Thermaltake

A Closer Look » Page 1: Thermaltake BlacX Hard Drive Docking Station

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Adding more and more storage to one’s PC is inevitable as more and more media files, applications, games, and random program installs are saved to a user’s hard drive. Consequently, the need to transfer these files and the ability to easily back them up also increases. The Thermaltake BlacX makes life easier by allowing quick installations and disconnects of hard drives.

The Thermaltake BlacX is a hard drive docking station that allows quick and easy hard drive swaps for one’s computer. It is meant to be a stationary piece as exemplified by its heavy, sturdy base with non-slip rubber feet. Let’s get to the specs and features before we move on:

Specs & Features

• USB 2.0
• Up to 480 Mbps max transfer rate
• Compatible with SATA I and SATA II hard drives
• Compatible with all 2.5” and 3.5” SATA HDDs up to 1TB
• Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2003/2000/NT/98/95, Mac 10.3 and later
• Constructed from ABS Plastic
• Power input: 100-240V /50-60Hz / 1A
• Power output: 12VDC / 2A
• Dimensions: 130 x 90 x 65 mm (L x W x H)
• RoHS Compliant
• Hot-Swap capability
• Compact design to maximize heat dissipation

The specs show us that the BlacX only provides a USB 2.0 port for connectivity. It would be nice to see a Firewire port as well to allow for faster speeds. Thermaltake also sells a part number ST0005U which adds an eSATA port to the mix for speeds that equal internal hard drives. Remember that in order for an eSATA device to be hot swappable, the controller, which the eSATA device is connected to, must support hot swapping. Unfortunately, most do not.

All the rest here is standard fare, but what they don’t tell you is how well this thing is constructed. It is very sturdy and well constructed. It does not slide on the desk easily due to the non-slip rubber feet, as well its heft. On the other hand, the weight of the unit makes the BlacX not very portable friendly.

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A Closer Look » Page 1: Thermaltake BlacX Hard Drive Docking Station Page 2: A Closer Look Page 3: Testing