Dynamode USB 3.0 2.5" HDD enclosure review

Gallery

Verdict:

Dynamode's USB3 2.5in hard disk enclosure disappointed us with its inconsistent performance and non-standard connector.

Review Date: 5 Apr 2010

Price when reviewed: £29

Supplier: http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop

Our Rating 2 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

Dynamode's latest hard disk enclosure is the first 2.5in model we've seen to have a USB3 connection. Unusually, it doesn't use a standard miniUSB3 connector, but instead uses a full-size USB3 connector. This means the included non-standard cable is fairly difficult to replace, which could be problematic if you lose or forget your cable while on the move. Fitting a hard disk isn't difficult and takes just a few minutes. While the metal enclosure itself feels sturdy, the internal circuitry flexes under pressure, so care should be taken when installing a disk.

Although it's far faster than any USB2 disk at copying files, its performance was inconsistent with write speeds that were noticeably slower than its read speeds. When fitted with a 5,400rpm 640GB 2.5in hard disk its performance was similar to an eSATA disk - large files were read at 66.5MB/s but written more slowly at 54MB/s. Small files were read at 54MB/s and written at 36.4MB/s.

Even when fitted with a fast solid state disk (SSD), this pattern repeated itself. Large files were read at a fast 106.3MB/s, but written more slowly at 75MB/s. Small files were written at 67MB/s and read at 81MB/s. This is still substantially faster than USB2, but it's slower than the preassembled USB3 hard disks that we’ve tested. The SSD we used is capable of much faster speeds, so it's definitely being held back by the enclosure.

Even if you're tempted by its USB3 connection, its multiple performance issues and non-standard connector makes Dynamode's enclosure one to avoid.

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