USB2.0 vs Firewire Ext. HDD iMac Core2Duo

[bmcgonag]

I currently have 5 external HDD's hooked up through a 7 port hub on my iMac Core2Duo, and they work great!

I have two more SATA drives 300 GB each, an ATA drive 300 GB that I want to remove from my old windows machine and put in external enclosures to connect as well.

Any suggestions as to whether I should continue with USB2.0 and another hub, or move to Firewire?

Are there Firewire hubs, or do you have to daisy-chain them?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[flopticalcube]

Firewire has a faster sustained transfer rate than USB2.0. I haven't seen any hubs but that doesn't mean they are not out there. Most people daisy chain their FW drives.

 

[plinden]

Yes, there are firewire hubs (google), and yes, use firewire. Even FW400 is faster than USB2 at sustained data transfer, even if USB2 peak transfer rate is higher.

Hub

 

[Eidorian]

Move what you can to FireWire. FireWire hubs are sold and a normally found around Apple hardware as well.

If you have a Fry's Electronics around check them. I've seen them offer lots of hubs.

 

[bmcgonag]

Awsome! Firewire it is!

Thanks,

Brian (off to Fry's)

 

[brop52]

I've seen combo firewire/usb hubs such as:

BELKIN Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire 6-Port Hub for Mac mini Model F5U507 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16833314028

or TRENDnet TFU-430 7-Port USB2.0/FireWire Combo Hub - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817111469

The belkin is probably more reliable. I don't see too many all firewire hubs.