Late final yr, we took inventory of the the state of the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ecosystem. It was not a rosy outlook at the moment. But since then, many distributors have launched new merchandise within the 20 Gbps-performance class, and host assist has additionally began to lookup. Just a few new enclosures on this velocity class have additionally appeared out there.
In parallel, we’ve seen 3D NAND layer counts go up and QLC turn into extra prevalent. Capacities of SSDs and exterior bus-powered direct-attached storage (DAS) units have elevated, with 4TB being provided by nearly all distributors. Consumer developments by way of DAS workloads has additionally undergone some shifts.
To that finish, in the present day we’ll take a contemporary take a look at the marketplace for 20Gbps exterior storage enclosures, because of some new enclosures in addition to our new DAS take a look at suite. Both SilverStone and Yottamaster have put out new enclosures in current months with their respective MS12 and HC2-C2 enclosures, and we’re anxious to see if the state of Gen 2×2 units has improved in any respect within the final a number of months. So with that mentioned, let’s dive in.
Introduction and Product Impressions
External bus-powered storage units have grown each in storage capability in addition to speeds over the past decade. Thanks to fast developments in flash expertise (together with the arrival of 3D NAND and NVMe) in addition to sooner host interfaces (reminiscent of Thunderbolt Three and USB 3.x), we now have palm-sized flash-based storage units able to delivering 3GBps+ speeds. While these speeds may be achieved with Thunderbolt 3/4, mass-market units are inclined to depend on USB for value and compatibility causes. Within the USB ecosystem, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) is quick changing into the entry degree for thumb drives and moveable SSDs. Premium units sporting the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps) interface have been making it to the market over the past 18 months or so, however have been held again by the dearth of widespread host assist in desktops and different computing platforms.
The SilverStone MS12 and Yottamaster HC2-C3 we’re taking a look at in the present day are each primarily based on the ASMedia ASM2364 bridge chip, and are able to accommodating M.2 NVMe SSDs as much as 80mm in size. Both are aluminum enclosures. While the MS12 comes solely with a single Type-C to Type-C cable (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is barely supported through Type-C), the HC2 comes with each Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables, with the latter able to working at as much as 10 Gbps. SilverStone gives spare thermal pads together with those pre-installed contained in the enclosure. The SSD set up includes securing the drive with a screw.
SilverStone MS12 Package Contents
The Yottamaster HC2-C3, then again, provides thermal pads individually. The bundle additionally features a spare M.2 SSD securing tab, with one pre-installed in the principle board contained in the unit. The plastic tab answer is a nifty one, because it makes the inner SSD set up a tool-less one. The underside of the case nonetheless must be secured with a screw, although.
Yottamaster HC2-C3 Package Contents
Both enclosures are being reviewed with the SK hynix Gold P31 1TB NVMe SSD put in, a really stable and low-power drive that is a very good match for these exterior chassis. The galleries beneath present the internals of each enclosures.
The thermal answer and SSD mounting mechanisms are introduced out within the above photos. Both these features are integral to the person expertise. The effectiveness of the thermal answer may be measured objectively (completed in a later part), whereas the mounting mechanism can solely be subjectively evaluated. The MS12 makes use of a screw to safe the SSD, whereas the HC2-C3 adopts a pre-mounted plastic tab. The latter permits a tool-less expertise for the mounting section. User desire might depend upon the utilization state of affairs – in circumstances…
