Any USB 3.0 Cards Coming Soon?

[simplymuzik3]

I've been thinking about buying a used Mac pro (last gen 8 core) and I was wondering if there are any USB 3.0 cards coming out that I could pop into my Mac? I just want to make sure that I can add the card in the future and get the best out of the machine.

Thanks,

[Loa]

I've been thinking about buying a used Mac pro (last gen 8 core) and I was wondering if there are any USB 3.0 cards coming out that I could pop into my Mac? I just want to make sure that I can add the card in the future and get the best out of the machine.

As for right now, you can't. The cards exist, but not he Mac OS X drivers for them just yet.

As for the future, it's pretty much a sure thing. Someone will develop drivers for such cards, but as to exactly when, nobody knows.

Loa

[BornAgainMac]

USB 4 (or whatever) will be out before USB 3.

[nanofrog]

USB 4 (or whatever) will be out before USB 3.
Well, the chips needed are out for USB 3.0, so there only needs to be drivers created for OS X. Now whether or not someone (Apple or 3rd party) will do this, is another story...

Personally, I think the best chance will be via 3rd party, as it will be awhile before it's included in the chipset (when Apple would implement USB 3.0).

[chmilar]

Intel is delaying its USB 3.0 chipset until 2012:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/03/intel_delays_usb_3/

[nanofrog]

Intel is delaying its USB 3.0 chipset until 2012:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/03/intel_delays_usb_3/
That's not a surprise IMO. :eek: :rolleyes:

Besides, it helps out other chipmakers (NEC), as that's what's being used in current USB 3.0 capable boards. :D

[strausd]

I see Apple going more for firewire 1600 than USB 3.0

[300D]

I see Apple going more for firewire 1600 than USB 3.0

False. USB3 is DOA and FW1600 is vaporware. Lightpeak is the future.

[TheStrudel]

False. USB3 is DOA and FW1600 is vaporware. Lightpeak is the future.

FW1600 is not vaporware on 's part, because they have announced nothing. Nobody's been pushing or advertising it, so how can you make a call on it? It's too soon to make any kind of judgement on USB 3 (remember how long it took for USB 1 to catch on? iMacs featured it first as a built-in option). Lightpeak may very well be the future, but it hasn't even been announced in any firm way.

Your statement lacks substantiation.

[deconstruct60]

Personally, I think the best chance will be via 3rd party, as it will be awhile before it's included in the chipset (when Apple would implement USB 3.0).

The problem though perhaps is that nobody will want to create the wheel only to see Apple reinvent the wheel. However, appears some are thinking about doing it.... maybe....

http://www.mcci.com/mcci-v5/hostside/xhci.html


It is doable, but won't be surprised if turns out like video cards where there is a premium placed on top for MacOSX versions because of the additional workload for relatively low volume.

[diazj3]

False. USB3 is DOA and FW1600 is vaporware. Lightpeak is the future.

The real question is when will manufacturers start implementing either in their audio, video and storage devices... :confused:

[deconstruct60]

FW1600 is not vaporware on 's part,


In the context of PC peripherals nobody has said anything about supporting this. If no peripherals vendors are excited and on board then it isn't going to fly. FW1600/3200 will exist, but mainly embedded and avionics applications. ( there is firewire in the F-22 and F-35.) That doesn't mean will go down to Fry's and pick up a FW1600 hard drive.




Nobody's been pushing or advertising it, so how can you make a call on it?

That is clear indicator for something that has been standardized for a couple of years that it is dead in the water. FW1600/3200 was passed around 2007-2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FireWire#FireWire_S1600_and_S3200). Two-three years later and no traction ? Not a particularly good indicator.

USB 3.0 is late ( early predictions would arrive in 2009 ) but numerous products have been introduced since Januarary and can commonly see motherboard products with it embedded in finished, shipping products. Is it present on all? No? However, for all "power user" boards it is becoming a required feature. Can go to any larger store that sells boards and see at least a couple boards with USB 3.0 for sale.

May be too early to tell but definitely more indicative than none 3 years later.

Lightpeak may very well be the future, but it hasn't even been announced in any firm way.

Lightpeak isn't even a standard. Let alone fully realized. Not does it really replace USB since it drives up the costs of the peripherals higher than USB 3.0 and is primiarly targeted at aggregation of data streams rather than a single device connection stream.

It is a nice way to reuse some of the tech developed for fiber based USB 3.0. But really doesn't replace USB 3.0 for exactly same reasons the fiber solution failed.

[nanofrog]

The problem though perhaps is that nobody will want to create the wheel only to see Apple reinvent the wheel. However, appears some are thinking about doing it.... maybe....

http://www.mcci.com/mcci-v5/hostside/xhci.html


It is doable, but won't be surprised if turns out like video cards where there is a premium placed on top for MacOSX versions because of the additional workload for relatively low volume.
I made the comment based on getting a product in user's hands. As Intel has delayed USB 3.0 capability in the chipsets, the only way that can happen sooner, is via a 3rd party developer.

As per the Mac Edition tax, unfortunately, it's to be expected IMO (from a business POV, it's a logical way to recoup the additional development time for the drivers, and it's cost is spread over a smaller number of users). PC users wouldn't care to cover the Mac users' added development costs.

It does happen, but I'm more accustomed to that occuring with professional products, such as RAID, FC, Infiniband,...

[300D]

Lightpeak may very well be the future, but it hasn't even been announced in any firm way.
Just demonstrated by Intel on Apple hardware and software and planned for mass production by next year. The entire reason they are intentionally delaying support of USB3 is to give LightPeak even more of an advantage.

My statement lacks substantiation.
Your post has been corrected for accuracy.

[nanofrog]

Just demonstrated by Intel on Apple hardware and software and planned for mass production by next year. The entire reason they are intentionally delaying support of USB3 is to give LightPeak even more of an advantage.
No.

Neither the laptop or desktop system demo was on Apple hardware. Laptop source (http://www.gadgetvenue.com/intel-lightpeak-demonstration-10gbs-connectivity-05045800/), note the pic.

The first demonstration was on a test system, and is not an Apple computer (see the pic below; source of the pic (http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-10360047-264.html)). Another source with additional pics (http://www.gadgetvenue.com/light-peak-fiber-optic-technology-pc-09293627/). Please note that the system uses a standard PSU, cards, and other cabling. The "Blue Board" = LightPeak Evaluation Board. The rest is a test bed assembled of readily available parts. :eek: And if that's not a massive clue, note the LED's towards the right rear in the pic = CPU fan. :rolleyes:

If you look at the second source for desktop pics, you'll see a small bit of bread board in there too. It's NOT ready for prime time yet, and that's the most logical reason for Intel delaying USB 3.0, as it's seen as a competing interface (even if the reality is a bit different).

[TheStrudel]

It seems funny that I have to post this on a rumors board, but:

Rumors ≠ future products.

Speculation ≠ facts.

Standards ≠ products.

The standardization of Firewire 1600 or anything similar has little to do with the creation of related products. Vaporware is a product that's announced and never brought to market, not a standard that people decide not to use. And for that matter, it could be used and you might not know about it. Or were you already aware that Firewire 800 has been used in industrial applications and jet fighters?

Talk is very cheap. It's funny to watch people trash a port or protocol without a technical or market understanding of what is happening or what will happen.

Or better yet, prognosticate about things which are not even close to hitting the market. That's what all the anti- pundits do ("iPad will fail! iPhone is doomed!", and I'm still amazed people pay them to write or speak, because their opinions have been shown to be demonstrably false repeatedly.

Do you really want to appear like a Rob Enderle?

Back to the subject of USB 3.0 cards, I wouldn't be surprised if they turn up in 6 months to a year - If  writes drivers, a glut of cards will show up. Otherwise, I wouldn't put it past Sonnet or OWC to write drivers and build their own cards. Similar things have happened in the past.

[300D]

No.
Yes, actually. Ever heard of "prototype" or "R&D boards"?

Speculation ≠ facts.
Actually, when its based on a thing called evidence it is.

Vaporware is a product that's announced and never brought to market, not a standard that people decide not to use.
FW1600 was announced in 2007 and never used.

Or were you already aware that Firewire 800 has been used in industrial applications and jet fighters?
Are you aware that even my 5 year old Mac has FW800 built-in? Catch up with the discussion, you're a few years behind.

I wouldn't put it past Sonnet or OWC to write drivers and build their own cards
For 5-10 times the cost of the same PC compatible card.

[nanofrog]

Yes, actually. Ever heard of "prototype" or "R&D boards"?
Intel would use one of their own boards, not Apple's.

One of the biggest reasons, is that LightPeak is meant to be used in a multitude of systems. That means it has to function in BIOS as well, and Apple's boards don't use it, and BIOS emulation could cause issues that would complicate the validation phases. (BTW, Intel's retail boards now run both BIOS and EFI based firmware; user's choice - just flash it).

Another happens to be the fact there's no IP issues involved over firmware (and Apple's not working with Intel on this as you think - they're interested, sure, but not developing the hardware).

There's other clues available, if you look closely at the pics. The PSU mentioned is a major one (Apple's boards use non-standard connectors, yet they use a standard PSU), as is the lack of any daughter board of any kind containing RAM or CPU's.

I know you're a big Apple fan, but they're just not involved in LP's development as you think.

[300D]

Intel would use one of their own boards, not Apple's.
Then explain why they didn't.

That means it has to function in BIOS as well
False.

(and Apple's not working with Intel on this as you think
False as well.

as is the lack of any daughter board of any kind containing RAM or CPU's.
As is done with all of Apple's machines except the MP. Not having a daughter board proves absolutely nothing.

but they're just not involved in LP's development as you think
False as well.

[codymac]

No.

Neither the laptop or desktop system demo was on Apple hardware.

Well... given Intel's relationship with Apple and that Intel demoed it on OSX, I can certainly see the argument that it was Apple hardware as having some validity.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/26/apple-and-intel-collaborate-on-next-generation-light-peak-connectors/

Or maybe the Intel guys are contributing to Chameleon?
;)

[nanofrog]

Then explain why they didn't.
I already did. Go back and re-read the post. And take a serious look at the pics.

It's there, if you look. :rolleyes:

False.
LP's meant to go in as many systems as possible, so that means BIOS based boards as well as EFI (includes all the Itanium systems, not just Apple products).

Remember, LP is a cheap 10Gb/s interface compared to 10G Ethernet (check the prices of the switches and routers for 10G Ethernet; it's expensive). This is very important to the server market.

False as well.
You completely missed the meaning there.

I didn't say Apple wasn't involved at all, just not the hardware design (which is a consortium of companies involved with Intel, that are focused on the actual components to make it work, such as cables, lasers,...). Software is a different area, and that's resources Apple can contribute.

As is done with all of Apple's machines except the MP. Not having a daughter board proves absolutely nothing.
:rolleyes:

The LP evaluation boards REQUIRE a PCIe slot, so that excludes Mini's and iMacs. The MP would be the best system (over the XServe) to do so. It does use daughter boards (aka RAM risers on the '06 - '08 systems), and a RAM + CPU unit in the '09's.


Well... given Intel's relationship with Apple and that Intel demoed it on OSX, I can certainly see the argument that it was Apple hardware as having some validity.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/26/apple-and-intel-collaborate-on-next-generation-light-peak-connectors/

Or maybe the Intel guys are contributing to Chameleon?
;)
Remember, Intel's boards will also run EFI, which would make it much easier to get OS X running (no need to run an EFI emulator). And Apple can contribute software support for the standard (it helps them by having the OS X side developed in order to get it released sooner, perhaps beating the competition to market).

UNIX is also easier to deal with than Windows when developing new tech, and move to other OS's later (easier to find and solve problems that way).

[Loa]

Wow, you guys still read 300D's posts?

Still isten to him as he comes down from the mount with his own truths?

:-D

Loa

[jcpenn]

any news? USB 3 NEC Mac driver?

[goMac]

False.

Why the hell would Light Peak not work in a non-EFI system?

Edit: Hah, just noticed this was an old post. Still, : sigh : .

[adjuster]

Caldigit has announced a USB 3.0 Expresscard 34, PCI Express Card, and a harddrive.

http://www.caldigit.com/avdrive/

[strausd]

Caldigit has announced a USB 3.0 Expresscard 34, PCI Express Card, and a harddrive.

http://www.caldigit.com/avdrive/

I don't see where you can purchase a USB 3.0 PCIe card.

[xgman]

I don't see where you can purchase a USB 3.0 PCIe card.

They will start selling the USB 3.0 card by itself with mac drivers, in a week or 2 from their site and I couldn't be happier!!! :)

They are also coming out with a usb/esata card for mac (assuming you can get to a free sata plug inside your mac pro)

[nanofrog]

Caldigit has announced a USB 3.0 Expresscard 34, PCI Express Card, and a harddrive.

http://www.caldigit.com/avdrive/
Given what's happened with CalDigit products in the past (not that long ago), I'd stay away from anything they sell.

Types of issues seen:

It doesn't work well.
They don't design any of it, so don't know how to support it.
Drop support suddenly, even though stated that support would be available for some period of time.


If you're curious as to the particulars, do a search... you'll find it (specifics are there).

[jcpenn]

i've heard nec or apple will release driver. I dont believe apple will do that, but the chip company nec will.

[nanofrog]

i've heard nec or apple will release driver. I dont believe apple will do that, but the chip company nec will.
It may come down to a 3rd party vendor, such as Highpoint (i.e. get cards made with NEC's chips, and either develop drivers themselves, or have it done by a contractor).

[joaoferro37]

Given what's happened with CalDigit products in the past (not that long ago), I'd stay away from anything they sell.

Types of issues seen:

It doesn't work well.
They don't design any of it, so don't know how to support it.
Drop support suddenly, even though stated that support would be available for some period of time.


If you're curious as to the particulars, do a search... you'll find it (specifics are there).

Nanofrog,
As you properly noticed that I am an Apple consultant and did sell a lot of CalDigit products before. I do agree with your statement.
Regarding to USB 3.0 card for Mac, their card will fail and in fact, I talk to my friend in BlackMagic Design who's doing the testing and validation.
He said, CalDigit's USB card is not working and very unstable.
AGAIN, why caldigit launch their USB 3.0 card and the AV Drive that is not ready?
We are not beta testers and we should find a way to prevent this problem.
Here is the list of their Epic failure products.
1. S2VR Duo
2. S2VR HD
3. FireWire VR
All three item were heavily promoted and soon dropped out.
Their FASTA-4E card is using Silicon image 3124 chipset which is a software RAID but CalDigit claimed it is a hardware RAID.
The RAID failed beyond all repair.

Then they have HDPro which CalDigit claimed SAN ready. As of TODAY, it is not. and I guess anyone can use a SAN software to make a DAS SAN ready.
WHAT A BOGUS!!!

After they launch HD Element and it's RAID Card.
They did not tell customer that the RAID Card is only compatible with CalDigit's storage.
Seriously, I think this company is full of ************* and not a honest company.
Wait a minute...I saw a lot of positive review from CalDigit's Website!!!
Please call and verify and ask those reviewers for more details.
Ask them how many time CalDigit replaced the review unit and did those reviewers pay for the product?

In compares to Sonnet which is not a real manufacture but at least keep its promise.
I think Sonnet at least don't lie to its customers.

Also their testing benchmark is so untrue.
Their website says 800+ MB/s
The reviewer Caldigit bought says
"As you can see, the HDPro2 delivered an average write speed of 673.8 MB/s and an average read speed of 709.5 MB/s.
"
http://library.creativecow.net/articles/weiss_roth_david/caldigit-hdpro2.php

CalDigit = SCAM is my conclusion.
Am I being too harsh.. NO.. I lost my credibility selling their *****. I lost a lot of clients because their ***** does not work. I lost a lot of clients because Caldigit never deliver their *****.

FxxK Caldigit.

[nanofrog]

Nanofrog,
As you properly noticed that I am an Apple consultant and did sell a lot of CalDigit products before. I do agree with your statement.
I remember, and am glad you decided to post on their junk-ware (down to the false promises, etc...).

Regarding to USB 3.0 card for Mac, their card will fail and in fact, I talk to my friend in BlackMagic Design who's doing the testing and validation.
He said, CalDigit's USB card is not working and very unstable.
AGAIN, why caldigit launch their USB 3.0 card and the AV Drive that is not ready?
We are not beta testers and we should find a way to prevent this problem.
Here is the list of their Epic failure products.
1. S2VR Duo
2. S2VR HD
3. FireWire VR
All three item were heavily promoted and soon dropped out.
Unfortunately, they do seem to think it's acceptable to use early buyers as beta testers (without any advance knowledge). Only after they get their hands on the product/s, do they discover this. Really bad business for such products. RAID isn't something you play games with.

I wish the CalDigit RAID Card and HDElement would be added to the discontinued section, but they're still selling them. Consumer disks in the HDElement... they're insane if they think that's sufficient.

After they launch HD Element and it's RAID Card.
They did not tell customer that the RAID Card is only compatible with CalDigit's storage.
Seriously, I think this company is full of ************* and not a honest company.
Wait a minute...I saw a lot of positive review from CalDigit's Website!!!
Please call and verify and ask those reviewers for more details.
Ask them how many time CalDigit replaced the review unit and did those reviewers pay for the product?
The HDElement is another pile of junk. They tied it to the card for no other reason than greed.

Initially, they indicated that they would have both filled and empty versions (no disks), so customers could spec out what they wanted. Vapor.

As per the reviews, they just didn't post the rest that berated the crap out of this stuff.

In compares to Sonnet which is not a real manufacture but at least keep its promise.
Both rely on ODM's for their products. But CalDigit doesn't properly perform validation testing. At this point, I'm not sure they know how, and certain they don't care (too many instances of products released to the public in a beta state).

Another one that I'm not all that confident with overall, is Highpoint. They're another company that uses ODM suppliers, and have had mixed results over thier lines. Some I'd use, such as the RR43xx series in a PC (made by Areca). Because they don't design or make anything they sell, their support side rather sucks (quite problematic for those that are unfamiliar with what they've bought).

I've never used Sonnet myself, but don't recall seeing much for negative comments either.

Also their testing benchmark is so untrue.
Their website says 800+ MB/s
The reviewer Caldigit bought says
"As you can see, the HDPro2 delivered an average write speed of 673.8 MB/s and an average read speed of 709.5 MB/s.
The sad thing is, that review glowed about the product. However, I suspect the unit was lent/given to the reviewer, and the testing was not long term. ;)

CalDigit = SCAM is my conclusion.
Am I being too harsh.. NO.. I lost my credibility selling their *****. I lost a lot of clients because their ***** does not work. I lost a lot of clients because Caldigit never deliver their *****.

FxxK Caldigit.
I certainly don't blame you here, as your business was damaged due to their products (as you say, you placed your reputation on their products).

The only way I can think of to really protect yourself from this happening again, is to get a product you're considering, and perform your own extensive, long term testing on it. Not an ideal prospect (takes time, and clients want solutions yesterday), but it's better than the repeat you had with CalDigit (blind trust in what the sales dept. promises).

[xgman]

At least Cal is trying. Can't say that for most others including Apple. I hope soon a major USB3 controller vendor will write some working osx drivers. There is a market for this if someone picks up on it. I think the more usb 3.0 drives that come out, the better chance of a decent controller card.

[jcpenn]

At least Cal is trying. Can't say that for most others including Apple. I hope soon a major USB3 controller vendor will write some working osx drivers. There is a market for this if someone picks up on it. I think the more usb 3.0 drives that come out, the better chance of a decent controller card.

yes and no. Apple already has eSATA, why bother with another new interface USB 3? besides, you dont need to pay anything for an additional card, apple mac pro comes with one or two extra internal sata ports, you will be able to re-route it to external port easily. i am always questioning about the real benefit of USB 3. so far, i see none comparing with SATA.

[Bubba Satori]

False. USB3 is DOA and FW1600 is vaporware. Lightpeak is the future.

You can buy $50 USB 3 cards and stick them in any PC.
A photography website tested transfer times for thousands
of large RAW files. The USB 3 system took 1/5 the time
as the USB 2 system.

Your lame apologetic for outdated I/O on premium hardware is vaporware.

[xgman]

yes and no. Apple already has eSATA, why bother with another new interface USB 3? besides, you dont need to pay anything for an additional card, apple mac pro comes with one or two extra internal sata ports, you will be able to re-route it to external port easily. i am always questioning about the real benefit of USB 3. so far, i see none comparing with SATA.


Not every box has an esata port to share and usb 3 is backwards compatible so I see it being quite useful for now. Trust me usb 3.0 devices of many sorts will be widespread before lightspeed sees the light of day. I wish that were not the case, but I'm afraid it will be the case.

By the way, are the 2009 extra sata ports accessible, or are they hidden under stuff like the 2008 Mac pro?

[joaoferro37]

I remember, and am glad you decided to post on their junk-ware (down to the false promises, etc...).


Unfortunately, they do seem to think it's acceptable to use early buyers as beta testers (without any advance knowledge). Only after they get their hands on the product/s, do they discover this. Really bad business for such products. RAID isn't something you play games with.

I wish the CalDigit RAID Card and HDElement would be added to the discontinued section, but they're still selling them. Consumer disks in the HDElement... they're insane if they think that's sufficient.


The HDElement is another pile of junk. They tied it to the card for no other reason than greed.

Initially, they indicated that they would have both filled and empty versions (no disks), so customers could spec out what they wanted. Vapor.

As per the reviews, they just didn't post the rest that berated the crap out of this stuff.


Both rely on ODM's for their products. But CalDigit doesn't properly perform validation testing. At this point, I'm not sure they know how, and certain they don't care (too many instances of products released to the public in a beta state).

Another one that I'm not all that confident with overall, is Highpoint. They're another company that uses ODM suppliers, and have had mixed results over thier lines. Some I'd use, such as the RR43xx series in a PC (made by Areca). Because they don't design or make anything they sell, their support side rather sucks (quite problematic for those that are unfamiliar with what they've bought).

I've never used Sonnet myself, but don't recall seeing much for negative comments either.


The sad thing is, that review glowed about the product. However, I suspect the unit was lent/given to the reviewer, and the testing was not long term. ;)


I certainly don't blame you here, as your business was damaged due to their products (as you say, you placed your reputation on their products).

The only way I can think of to really protect yourself from this happening again, is to get a product you're considering, and perform your own extensive, long term testing on it. Not an ideal prospect (takes time, and clients want solutions yesterday), but it's better than the repeat you had with CalDigit (blind trust in what the sales dept. promises).

HIGH POINT, OH my God.. another CalDigit like company but a little bit better.
I discuss with their engineers about their 2314 card at NAB 2010.
Told them how poor the support is and the RAID drop itself.
Different engineer told me different story.
One said, we sell to G-Tech and they don't have problem. Maybe your enclosure is not compatible? Wait a minute, I use ProAVIO, Stardom, RAIDSTREAM, and Sonnet enclosures. Every single one of them got problem with 2314 card.

I then got really pissed that I almost rip off that engineer's liver.

I then talk to another engineer, he said their engineer cannot do anything about it. They know the problem but there is no fix.

[xgman]

If only Intel would put this on the chipset and get it over with.

[joaoferro37]

If only Intel would put this on the chipset and get it over with.

Intel is not supporting USB 3.0 but will next year.
AMD is support it.
NEC was the only USB 3.0 chipset manufacture and they are releasing USB 3.0 driver for Mac in few weeks.
Hang tight folks, we will get a USB card for cheap very soon.

[atfphoto]

Heya,

I have two HDOne 8 TB arrays and have absolutely no problems with them at all editing RED RAW footage.

Guess your mileage may vary.

Best,

ATF

[joaoferro99]

I am wondering if anyone has done the code transfer from linux USB 3.0 driver to Mac OSX. It should be pretty easy job. A linux geek can do it in 3 to 4 weeks easily.

[nanofrog]

HIGH POINT, OH my God.. another CalDigit like company but a little bit better.
I discuss with their engineers about their 2314 card at NAB 2010.
Told them how poor the support is and the RAID drop itself.
Different engineer told me different story.
One said, we sell to G-Tech and they don't have problem. Maybe your enclosure is not compatible? Wait a minute, I use ProAVIO, Stardom, RAIDSTREAM, and Sonnet enclosures. Every single one of them got problem with 2314 card.

I then got really pissed that I almost rip off that engineer's liver.

I then talk to another engineer, he said their engineer cannot do anything about it. They know the problem but there is no fix.
The 2314 is one such product I wouldn't touch for RAID, as it's a Fake RAID controller. I'd maybe try it for single disk, or JBOD implementations (0/1 would also be possible), but certainly not level 5 (never used this card, so would test the crap out of it first if meant for clients).

BTW, what were you trying to do with it?

Anyone that tries to run a parity set (RAID 5) on it is begging to be burnt, as it can't deal with the write hole associated with parity based arrays. A UPS will help, but it's not foolproof (mainly due to recovery capabilities aren't sufficient; no NVRAM = no backup of the partition tables in the ROM, ... ).

Intel is not supporting USB 3.0 but will next year.
AMD is support it.
NEC was the only USB 3.0 chipset manufacture and they are releasing USB 3.0 driver for Mac in few weeks.
Hang tight folks, we will get a USB card for cheap very soon.
Yeah, Intel decided to delay USB 3.0 support in their chipsets. The only logical explaination is that they're trying to delay it in order to help out their own LightPeak interconnect.

But it will come as part of the chipset, no matter what happens with LP.

Heya,

I have two HDOne 8 TB arrays and have absolutely no problems with them at all editing RED RAW footage.

Guess your mileage may vary.
Did you get it when it first came out, or much later?

I ask, as most of their initial releases mean the product is only in a Beta state. So users become product testers.

Assuming they finally get it straightened out, waiting can eliminate problems. But it's ultimately a gamble IMO, as products released like that may not be fixable (no amount of firmware or driver work can fix it if it's a bad design).

NOT something I consider acceptable with RAID products.

Single disk enclosures would be less critical (such as the USB 3.0 unit that started this thread), but still annoying as the user may end up paying return shipping and restocking fees for a bad product = NO fault of the user.

[PenguinMac]

One problem with USB 3 cards is they're speed-limited by the PCIe bus. I have a USB 3 card in my Dell (see sig), and while it works perfectly it's only about 2x as fast as USB 2. So until we have it integrated into chipsets or motherboards, we'll never realize its full potential.

[nanofrog]

One problem with USB 3 cards is they're speed-limited by the PCIe bus.
Unfortunately, this is correct.

I have a USB 3 card in my Dell (see sig), and while it works perfectly it's only about 2x as fast as USB 2. So until we have it integrated into chipsets or motherboards, we'll never realize its full potential.
Either newer chips are needed (the current limitation you're experiencing is a result as to how the NEC chip was designed), or via the chipset when they arrive.

[jcpenn]

I am wondering if anyone has done the code transfer from linux USB 3.0 driver to Mac OSX. It should be pretty easy job. A linux geek can do it in 3 to 4 weeks easily.

you can do that easily but you have to follow and not to violate the GNU General Public License.

[deconstruct60]

So until we have it integrated into chipsets or motherboards, we'll never realize its full potential.

No, it is in part kneecapped because the southbridge chipsets have limited PCI-e I/O and the northbrige (or main PCI-e expansion providers) are over subscribed. This is what typically happens when pump the data from the Renesas/NEC chip through PCI-e v1.0 instead of v2.0 .


Even integrated onto motherboards there are cap. Extremely few currently want to "blow" two PCI-e v2.0 channels on it. Short term it is probably a reasonable trade-off as many hard drives can't saturate it and SSDs are a bit too expensive to become mainstream. For what lots of folks were using eSATA for it will work "good enough" , but will be plug-and-play.

When the Northbridge commonly go to PCI-e v.3 coupled with the southbridge (and possibly updated ExpressCard 2.0 ) dole out PCI-e v2.0 lanes then can meet potential without necessarily being incorporated into chipset.



Even integrating into chipsets has same "resistance" to spending multiple channels on USB . I think Intel is waiting till there is "extra" bandwidth headroom in chipset to put it in. Plus it is bulky because have to keep all the old USB 2.0 stuff for compatibility and build a second USB 3.0 engine.

[mulo]

I really don't get it, why are people so interested in USB 3.0
I'm far more interested in Intel LightPeak :)

if you don't know what LightPeak is here is a little video, and their using macs to show it off, so i guarantee you it will be compatible :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khPx1dEIPnA

[Vylen]

I really don't get it, why are people so interested in USB 3.0
I'm far more interested in Intel LightPeak :)

if you don't know what LightPeak is here is a little video, and their using macs to show it off, so i guarantee you it will be compatible :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khPx1dEIPnA

Because USB 3.0 is here... right now... available off the shelves. While lightpeak is sitting in a development lab.

And lightpeak appearing on a PCIe expansion slot is pointless.

Therefore, as things stand right now USB 3.0 > Lightpeak.

[mulo]

Because USB 3.0 is here... right now... available off the shelves. While lightpeak is sitting in a development lab.

And lightpeak appearing on a PCIe expansion slot is pointless.

Therefore, as things stand right now USB 3.0 > Lightpeak.

I have yet to see any USB 3.0 capable device. and according to intel it is in its final stages and will be available late 2010 early 2011

and what difference does that make at this point, no macs ship with USB 3.0 so your gonna need a PCIe card for that too?

[Vylen]

I have yet to see any USB 3.0 capable device. and according to intel it is in its final stages and will be available late 2010 early 2011

and what difference does that make at this point, no macs ship with USB 3.0 so your gonna need a PCIe card for that too?

External Seagate Go Flex drives - can get docking adapter with USB 3.0.... just to name one.

So while no macs ship with USB 3.0, there are PCIe cards out there... and devices that use it.

[mac666er]

Did you get it when it first came out, or much later?

I ask, as most of their initial releases mean the product is only in a Beta state. So users become product testers.

Assuming they finally get it straightened out, waiting can eliminate problems. But it's ultimately a gamble IMO, as products released like that may not be fixable (no amount of firmware or driver work can fix it if it's a bad design).

NOT something I consider acceptable with RAID products.

Single disk enclosures would be less critical (such as the USB 3.0 unit that started this thread), but still annoying as the user may end up paying return shipping and restocking fees for a bad product = NO fault of the user.

Hmmmm interesting all the bad vibe against CalDigit. I bought a second hand HDPro (demo unit) 12 months or so before the HDPro2 was announced, so I guess it was not that "new", as in, it had been in the wild with users for at least a year I would think, if not more. I was between this and an ATTO high end card with an external enclosure and buying the drives myself since I heard bad things about other vendors, but not CalDigit. Ultimately, the fact I found it discounted, the RAID is external and bootable under Mac OS X! and the PCI-E bridge idea seemed worth giving it a try.

I use my RAID for editing HD 1080p video and RED. Which I realize, most people in these forums will never do.

No hiccups, built like a tank, delivered as promised. I did install a partition of MAC OS X on it and boots without any issues and is really fast. Now with SSD drives, this is not as attractive as before I think. However, one of the drives was not recognized by the RAID 5 every now and then (I thought being a demo unit, it was from use). Still being under warranty, CalDigit replaced the main RAID enclosure, no questions asked. No problems since. I am a happy camper. So much so, that I did look at their HDPro2 upgrades, but since I bought mine as a demo unit it had a substantial discount, I don't think the HDPro 2's are that attractive for what they are, at least when bought at MSR-Prices.

Anyway wanted to share, maybe I'm just a good apple in a whole bad barrel.

I will concede, however, they have been promising the hubs for connecting HDPros for quite sometime now (we are talking years here). It seems they did fell through with that promise.

I think if anyone is looking to buy a serious RAID they have two choices, spend professionally on it 3k or 4k and have professional support with whatever brand they choose, or get a pro-card, enterprise drives and a decent enclosure. I have heard only negative things on the low-end RAID market so far.

As for USB3, I would be willing to pay top $$ for a PCI card that delivers 2 usb3 ports, 2 6GB/s eSata/SAS ports and 1 lightpeak port when it comes. And the eSata port has to be bootable on the Mac Pro (either under Windows or under Mac).

Hey, I can dream! :P

[nanofrog]

Hmmmm interesting all the bad vibe against CalDigit. I bought a second hand HDPro (demo unit) 12 months or so before the HDPro2 was announced, so I guess it was not that "new", as in, it had been in the wild with users for at least a year I would think, if not more. I was between this and an ATTO high end card with an external enclosure and buying the drives myself since I heard bad things about other vendors, but not CalDigit. Ultimately, the fact I found it discounted, the RAID is external and bootable under Mac OS X! and the PCI-E bridge idea seemed worth giving it a try.

I use my RAID for editing HD 1080p video and RED. Which I realize, most people in these forums will never do.

No hiccups, built like a tank, delivered as promised. I did install a partition of MAC OS X on it and boots without any issues and is really fast. Now with SSD drives, this is not as attractive as before I think. However, one of the drives was not recognized by the RAID 5 every now and then (I thought being a demo unit, it was from use). Still being under warranty, CalDigit replaced the main RAID enclosure, no questions asked. No problems since. I am a happy camper. So much so, that I did look at their HDPro2 upgrades, but since I bought mine as a demo unit it had a substantial discount, I don't think the HDPro 2's are that attractive for what they are, at least when bought at MSR-Prices.

Anyway wanted to share, maybe I'm just a good apple in a whole bad barrel.

I will concede, however, they have been promising the hubs for connecting HDPros for quite sometime now (we are talking years here). It seems they did fell through with that promise.

I think if anyone is looking to buy a serious RAID they have two choices, spend professionally on it 3k or 4k and have professional support with whatever brand they choose, or get a pro-card, enterprise drives and a decent enclosure. I have heard only negative things on the low-end RAID market so far.

As for USB3, I would be willing to pay top $$ for a PCI card that delivers 2 usb3 ports, 2 6GB/s eSata/SAS ports and 1 lightpeak port when it comes. And the eSata port has to be bootable on the Mac Pro (either under Windows or under Mac).

Hey, I can dream! :P
The fact you got it late helped immensely IMO, as they'd finally worked out any kinks that occured when it initially shipped.

But the unfulfilled promises are a big deal to me, even if it doesn't necessarily affect me. I see it as an indication of the type of support you can expect, as evidenced by the previous posts.

Glad it's worked out for you, but given my experience with their products, I won't try them again.