eSATA port multiplier enclosures recommendation wanted

[darcilicious]

I'm looking for recommendations for an eSATA port multiplier enclosure, minimum of four bays, no RAID needed, just need to be able to connect to my HP MediaSmart 490. I haven't had to shop around for one of these before so...

Suggestions?

[CarlR]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I have a Rosewill 8 bay enclosure, which also comes in a 5 bay version.

It has been working ok for a while, though the speeds with the included eSATA card are much slower than I expected (even considering bandwidth sharing of the port multiplier - this is a somewhat common complaint in the comments). It should work with any eSATA card that supports port multiplication.

My unit has also recently started causing the PC to which it is attached freeze during boot. I have to turn off the enclosure until I get into windows and then turn it back on. I'm planning to try a different PCIe card on the PC end that will hopefully solve both issues.

[madpoet]

I use the San Digital 4bay eSata enclosure with my HP 470.

[bhyman1]

Originally Posted by madpoet

I use the San Digital 4bay eSata enclosure with my HP 470.

I have two. They work great.

[darcilicious]

Resurrecting this old thread to say that I eventually went with a 4-bay MediaSonci enclosure that is working like a charm! (This one: http://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-3-5.../dp/B002UUPWP6)

[jsin]

Originally Posted by darcilicious

Resurrecting this old thread to say that I eventually went with a 4-bay MediaSonci enclosure that is working like a charm! (This one: http://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-3-5.../dp/B002UUPWP6)

I have 2 of these connected to my WHS server! They works great and they are quiet - the worst thing I can say is that the blue lights are a little too bright when all the lights are turned off at night before I go to sleep.

I would buy more of them if I need more than 2. I recommend it.

[darcilicious]

Ha ha, I know what you mean. At least the Mediasonic blue lights pretty much match the blue lights of the HP EX490 (Now... where did I put that electrical tape? )

[Spectrum]

Electric tape my left foot. I'll take things apart and cut the wires to the "bling" lights that keep showing up on my equipment. And if I can't get to the wires I'll drill out the LEDs

I'm beginning to think the invention of ultra-bright blue LED's was a step backward rather than forward. Every manufacturer these days has to see how many of the obnoxious things they can stick on a new device Electronics are meant to sit in the corner and be quiet, in-obtrusive, and generally not not noticed unless they break or it's time to clean! /rant_off

WB to the forums Darc, haven't seen you around in awhile

[darcilicious]

I'll take things apart and cut the wires

Ahahahahaha! Now... where'd I put those wire cutters...?

(Blame JOrton and crew for my return -- must. have. latest. diamond. theme.)

[JetreL]

This may be a silly questions but where does this thing get power from the USB port?

[PLUCKYHD]

Originally Posted by JetreL

This may be a silly questions but where does this thing get power from the USB port?

Usually separate power supplies as esata doesn't supply power.

[JetreL]

yeah I knew esata didn't supply power but looking at the images I didn't see a port for power and can't imagine the USB port could supply enough power for four drives. Just seemed strange to me.

[darcilicious]

On the MediaSonic, it's on the right hand side of the box, very close to the back end.