The best way to add USB 3 to a mid-2011 iMac

[rodrigoluizb]

Hey folks

I recently bought my rMBP and i'm amazed with the USB3. The R/W speeds are way more faster the USB2, transfers between mac and HD (also HD and HD) are pretty quick and i love (who doesn't) files being copied quicker. And now, since i have an mid2011 21.5 iMac, i'm looking for the best way to add some USB3 ports via TB. And when i say best, i mean the cheapest and the one with quicker results as possible.

I thought in 3 options:

1. A thunderbolt dock like the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station (belkin has a dock also, but the USB3 ports are 2.5GBs)
2. The sonnet express card adapter + USB3 express card
3. I think this is the fastest option (but it might be the more expensive) a PCIe thunderbolt interface + USB3 PCIe card.

About the thunderbolt docks, i would like to know from people who got one of these how slow the USB3 speeds from the dock are, compared to USB3 ports from their macs.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I have a 2011 mini, and went with the CalDigit dock. Love it, and would do it again.

 

[smellalot]

Selling you iMac and getting a used or refurbished 2012 model may be the cheapest way. If not the cheapest it is definitely the way where you get the most for your money.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you decide to use an external thunderbolt "dock", also take a look at the Akitio dock:
http://www.akitio.com/accessories/thunder-dock

 

[rodrigoluizb]

If you decide to use an external thunderbolt "dock", also take a look at the Akitio dock:
http://www.akitio.com/accessories/thunder-dock

I was looking for the caldigit dock because it has a dual thunderbolt ports for daisy chaining as well as a HDMI output. Since i'm using a external monitor via DVI, i'd like to leave the 2nd thunderbolt port free, for future devices which might have only 1 TB port

 

[paulrbeers]

I was looking for the caldigit dock because it has a dual thunderbolt ports for daisy chaining as well as a HDMI output. Since i'm using a external monitor via DVI, i'd like to leave the 2nd thunderbolt port free, for future devices which might have only 1 TB port

Then it looks like you have settled on your best option. Really those are your cheapest options.... Caldigit if you want to connect a monitor and ONLY care about USB. Akito if you want eSATA, but no monitor.

 

[glenthompson]

I went with the CalDigit for two reasons, to get USB 3 and to have a single cable connection to unplug when going from desktop mode to portable. With the USB 3 port the disk speeds are what you would expect with a SATA drive so it's at the spinning drive limits.