Dock for SSD w/ Thunderbolt Connectivity

[garycurtis]

I want to use an SSD as an ext. Boot Drive. Just big enough to hold the OS. My objective is to overcome not getting Fusion Drive or an Internal SSD when i bought my new iMac in December.

No intention of rigging up a RAID device. Which brands are priced reasonably and will allow booting? (I don't want to spend $400+)

 

[wesk702]

Check this thread. Solved my question
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1696328/
Thunderbolt powered and no fan so it's fast and awesome. I replaced the internal with the samsung 840 evo 1tb.

 

[garycurtis]

So, putting the OS on the drive and booting from it are no problem?

I had read the some brands of TB docks don't do well configured as the Startup Dive.

 

[SaSaSushi]

I don't think it makes sense to buy a device with an SSD installed just for its enclosure.

I'm going to buy one of these Delock Thunderbolt enclosures here in Japan soon.

https://www.amazon.com/Delock-External-SATA-Thunderbolt-Converter/dp/B00HESVYCE

No SSD is included, so you can get one you in the size you choose. It is AC-powered and I consider that a plus, especially when you're talking about powering 256GB+ SSDs. I believe it is fanless though. It uses the Asmedia chipset.

There should be absolutely no problems booting off of and running OS X from it.

 

[wesk702]

I don't think it makes sense to buy a device with an SSD installed just for its enclosure.

I'm going to buy one of these Delock Thunderbolt enclosures here in Japan soon.

https://www.amazon.com/Delock-External-SATA-Thunderbolt-Converter/dp/B00HESVYCE

No SSD is included, so you can get one you in the size you choose. It is AC-powered and I consider that a plus, especially when you're talking about powering 256GB+ SSDs. I believe it is fanless though. It uses the Asmedia chipset.

There should be absolutely no problems booting off of and running OS X from it.

Me and a bunch of others from the other thread wanted to find a silent enclosure, with no ac power, and no fan, so that's why we bought the other one. To each his own, but yes a powered will be faster but this gets 400MB/s which is no slouch and yes you will have no problems booting an OS, even OS One. Not many TB enclosures with the needs mentioned above that doesn't have the drive included.

If you do go the AC powered route definitely look into SaSaSushis rec, powered wil get more speed, but noise is another factor depending on if you need a silent studio.

 

[SaSaSushi]

Me and a bunch of others from the other thread wanted to find a silent enclosure, with no ac power, and no fan, so that's why we bought the other one.

Upon rereading my first reply, it comes off as a bit condescending. I see your point. It is sad that there are so few options for plain Thunderbolt enclosures yet. You're probably also familiar with the Seagate STAE128. It is another popular option for those seeking bus-powered and fanless. It is not nearly as attractive as the one you went with though.

If you do go the AC powered route definitely look into SaSaSushis rec, powered wil get more speed, but noise is another factor depending on if you need a silent studio.

Well, I don't believe the Delock I mentioned has a fan, just AC power. The reason it is so cheap is that it uses the Asmedia chipset, which so far as I know is the first non-Intel alternative to the market.

When I do buy it I will be sure to post benchmarks, etc.

 

[wesk702]

Upon rereading my first reply, it comes off as a bit condescending. I see your point. It is sad that there are so few options for plain Thunderbolt enclosures yet. You're probably also familiar with the Seagate STAE128. It is another popular option for those seeking bus-powered and fanless. It is not nearly as attractive as the one you went with though.



Well, I don't believe the Delock I mentioned has a fan, just AC power. The reason it is so cheap is that it uses the Asmedia chipset, which so far as I know is the first non-Intel alternative to the market.

When I do buy it I will be sure to post benchmarks, etc.

No worries, all good recommendations