USB3.0 Adapter SSD & HDD Speed Tests

So I have a new rMBP and I wanted some fast external storage but DIDN'T want to spend the money on Thunderbolt.

I had an extra Seagate Momentus 750GB HDD (SATA 3.0Gbs/16MB Cache/7200RPM) and a Corsair Force GT SSD that I coupled with a BYTECC HD3-S3U3 USB3.0 External Enclosure and wanted to share the results.

The tests are done with the Blackmagic Disk Speed app, a BASE model 2012 Macbook Pro Retina (2.3/8GB/256GB), 18" USB3.0 cord connected to the BYTEC USB3.0 external enclosure.




Corsair Force GT 240GB SSD

First Test: Copy/Paste 4.35GB .dmg file to OS to SSD
Time: 19 seconds

Second Test: Disk Speed Test
Write: 225.5 MB/s
Read: 254.2 MB/s






Seagate Momentus HDD

First Test: Copy/Paste 4.35GB .dmg file to OS to SSD
Time: 39 seconds

Second Test: Disk Speed Test
Write: 112.4 MB/s
Read: 114.1 MB/s





For ThunderBolt tests check this awesome thread out which inspired my thread. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1421396/

WesCole said:

Those results are pretty interesting. I believe there is more latency with USB3 than Thunderbolt, but I am not sure how it would affect perceived speed. Have you tried running OS X with the SSD? I am curious how that would work.

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Running OSX on the SSD via USB3? No I havent.
Running OSX on the SSD installed on my rMBP? No because I cannot install an SSD.

I wasnt sure what you meant, so I answered both.

WesCole said:

I was talking about OS X via USB. I run it via Thunderbolt, so I was just curious.

Click to expand...

No but I will give it a shot shortly.

WesCole said:

I was talking about OS X via USB. I run it via Thunderbolt, so I was just curious.

Click to expand...

It works flawlessly. Installed Mtn Lion via USB to the Corsair SSD inside the USB3 enclosure. Also re-ran Disk Speed test, results didnt vary much but were slightly faster.

Screenshot attached.