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USB 3.0 Performance
To coax maximum performance out of each device we tested them with a Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB solid state drive using CrystalDiskMark's 1000 MB setting using 0x00 fill test data to take advantage of the SandForce controller's proficiency with compressed data.
Connected to an Intel-based USB 3.0 controller, both Icy Dock devices scored
within the same range as the MUKii
TransImp Dock which had been our temporary storage work horse for the
better part of two years. USB 3.0 is limited to 5 Gbps but the results are far
worse than that of a standard 6 Gbps SATA controller. This is apparently an
issue with interface standard itself; we have yet to encounter a USB 3.0 controller
that comes close to taking advantage of all the speed benefits of modern SSDs.
With eSATA, there is no need for any testing. The interface is identical in
performance to internal SATA, and the only significant potential bottleneck
is the extra length of the cable. For all intents and purpose, the eSATA interface
is the same as connecting the drive directly to the SATA connectors on the motherboard.
MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own 11 dBA ambient anechoic chamber, then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual user. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
The recording starts with 5~10 second segments of room ambiance, then the device/fan
at various states/levels. For the most realistic results, set the volume so that
the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don't change the volume
setting again.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In a market filled to the brim with basic drive enclosures, the Icy Dock Blizzard
is a top of the line model with all the extras. It's got a controllable fan
that blows across almost the entire drive, LEDs that connote power, activity,
and temperature, and assembly is completely tool-free. It seems like a bit of
waste to have all these fancy features for just a single drive, though. The
fan is more than capable at the low speed setting; the high and automatic settings
aren't really necessary. In addition, the fan makes enclosure as wide as a dual
drive model — the extra width feels squandered. It's also very unlikely
a hard drive will heat up past 50°C, making the secondary lighting superfluous
for most users. All these extra doodads add up, to the tune of US$60, about
double the price of basic models in the marketplace. Adding a second drive bay
wouldn't cost that much more and would better make use of the space that the
Blizzard occupies. In its current from, it's a bit like an awkward candlelit
dinner for one.
The EZ-Dock is the Blizzard's antithesis. There are multitudes of similar
products and the EZ-Dock could easily be lost just another iteration. It offers
no bonus functionality, unless you consider that many cheaper docking stations
don't even have a release mechanism. This is really a necessary feature in our
view, so rather than praising Icy Dock for including one, it's more appropriate
to chastise the devices that are lacking one. The EZ-Dock is well-built and
more attractive than most; that counts for something. Like the Blizzard, its
pricing (US$45) is a bit higher than some of its competitors but the
difference is small.
Many thanks to Icy Dock for the Blizzard and EZ-Dock samples.
* * *
Icy Dock Blizzard
is Recommended by SPCR
Icy Dock EZ-Dock
is Recommended by SPCR
SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
ADATA XPG SX300 128GB & Intel 525 Series 180GB mSATA SSDs
Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB SSD Review
Intel 520 Series 120GB SandForce SSD
Crucial M4 64GB: Solid-State on a Budget
Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB vs. Samsung 830 Series 128GB
Icy Dock 2.5"/3.5" Drive Accessories
* * *
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