Best DAS system?

[camhabib]

Like many, over the years I've acquired quite the mass of photos, documents, etc, that I have stored over various volumes and drives. I would like to bring these all together in a single volume for ease of access and backup. I'm looking for a direct attached storage system, where multiple drives can be swapped in and out in a RAID configuration (something like a Drobo). I've almost pulled the trigger several times before on one but have always been a bit put off by the price and less than great reviews.

Any suggestions on a good enclosure that won't break the bank but doesn't skimp on quality either? Optimally 4-5 drive capacity would be perfect, and USB-C to connect to a 15"tMBP. Much appreciated.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Be careful with whatever you choose to understand that USB 3.0 (over either USB-A or USB-C) can often cause interference in the 2.4Ghz spectrum that can disrupt Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Frustrated the heck out of me, and ultimately led to me using a 2m ThunderBolt connection to a TB dock, positioned far away from my computer. Then I attached drive(s) to the dock.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us...al-bus/usb3-frequency-interference-paper.html

 

[ZapNZs]

• Are you thinking 3.5 inch HDDs, 2.5 inch HDDs, or 2.5 inch SSDs?
• What total storage size would you estimate you need?
• What is the budget?
• Do you want hot-swappable trays along with an ability to purchase additional trays for spares?
• What RAID level are you currently considering?
• What read/write speeds are you gunning for?
• Do you currently use any devices that depend on 2.4 GHz signals? (I agree with BeatCrazy regarding USB interference. This was such an issue for me, even with well-shielded cables, that it drove me to abandon USB 3 and go to a combination of ThunderBolt 2, eSATA 6.0, and USB 2.0.)
• If you found a good unit that matched your other specs/price criteria, would you be (depending upon the speed you are looking for) be open to TB3, TB2, eSATA, or ethernet?
• Do you think in the future you will also want NAS capability?

I've been having very good luck with AKiTiO, and am more satisfied with their products than I am ones from several other brands I have used. I was hesitant to invest the money in their products for a while (as they are priced higher than others), but now I regret not doing it earlier because I initially spent less money and got a lower quality product that did not last very long. Their Thunder3 line is still being released, but their Thunder2 line is outstanding.

 

[camhabib]

• Are you thinking 3.5 inch HDDs, 2.5 inch HDDs, or 2.5 inch SSDs?
• What total storage size would you estimate you need?
• What is the budget?
• Do you want hot-swappable trays along with an ability to purchase additional trays for spares?
• What RAID level are you currently considering?
• What read/write speeds are you gunning for?
• Do you currently use any devices that depend on 2.4 GHz signals? (I agree with BeatCrazy regarding USB interference. This was such an issue for me, even with well-shielded cables, that it drove me to abandon USB 3 and go to a combination of ThunderBolt 2, eSATA 6.0, and USB 2.0.)
• Do you think in the future you will also want NAS capability?

- 3.5" HDD
- Upwards of 8TB ideal (currently using about 3TB)
- Was hoping to stay around $500 for the enclosure
- Hot swap not mandatory but great for adding storage or switching out bad drive
- Thinking RAID 5 for a mix or increased storage and redundancy
- No concern over read / write speeds but faster the better
- No 2.4GHz
- No NAS needed in foreseeable future

 

[ZapNZs]

With what you are looking for, I'm not sure if this will be helpful or not. But just in case...

I considered products from Mobius, AKiTiO, Terramaster, CalDigit (well, this one only for a second considering they charge $1700 and a ThunderBolt cord is sold separately...), and OWC, and I eventually chose the Thunder2 + software RAID. I've only used it for a short time, but, thus far, in my amateur opinion, the quality is exceptional.

I didn't know what to make of the Mobius at the time, but I've since used some of the Maker's other products for a while and am extremely happy. I have one of these for a hardware RAID1 (an ingenious design IMO), plus a USB-A enclosure and just got a USB-C enclosure, and all have been great. When I've had questions, the company has been extremely responsive and friendly. So while I can't speak to the quality of their RAID enclosures, I'd personally buy one myself based on prior experiences with the company.