Bootable HDD - fastest connection

[eladnova]

I want to use a permanent external HDD for my MBPS and wondered if this was possible and wethere USB 3 or Thunderbolt was best.
Thanks

 

[Weaselboy]

I want to use a permanent external HDD for my MBPS and wondered if this was possible and wethere USB 3 or Thunderbolt was best.
Thanks

They will be about the same, so just save your money and go with USB3.

Read this test.

From the article:

SO WHO WINS?

Turns out that the newest, latest USB 3.0 bus powered notebook storage devices are as fast or faster than their Thunderbolt counterparts. How is this possible when Thunderbolt is rated at 10Gbps (theoretical) and USB 3.0 is rated at 5Gbps (theoretical)? Two reasons: a) no single 6Gbps SSD can go faster than about 500MB/s (or 5Gbps) and b) improved USB 3.0 controllers squeeze the full potential from USB 3.0.

 

[Fishrrman]

With the right external enclosure or USB3/SATA docking station, an external HDD or SSD will run as fast via USB3, as it does via Thunderbolt.

You didn't say whether you _have_ the HDD/SSD you want to connect yet.

If you don't, I'd suggest an SSD connected via a plugable.com USB3/SATA dock (NFI, just a satisfied, paying customer).

You want something that supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for faster performance on UASP capable systems (the Mac will take advantage of this).

BE CAREFUL -- not all enclosures or docks will have this support.

 

[g4cube]

When using an external drive as your main boot drive, be extra sure to secure all the cables and connections, as you don't want to have a random disconnect at an inopportune time.

Something to pay particular attention to.

In other words, connect it, secure it, and hide it to prevent handling and accidental disconnects.

Especially for those with curious cats or friends: "What's this?"