Western Digital Upgrades Suite of Storage Drives With Thunderbolt 3, Optimized Speeds, and More

[tebruno99]

Slightly off-topic, but something I wonder about (I apologize for my ignorance): why aren't there any 3.5" SSDs? I've seen a bunch of 2.5" & PCIe SSDs, but never 3.5" SSDs. Obviously, they'd be expensive, but I wonder how much more storage 3.5" SSDs could hold.

Its not physical size that is the issue. You'll find even in a 2.5" SSD most of the space is empty. Power usage is a large factor. 500GB+ SSDs tend to peak above 15W so they wouldn't be good for non-powered TB2/TB3.

Another factors are cost, density, heat. You could just stick your 2.5" SSD into a 3.5" adapter.

 

[Average Pro]

I received an answer from G-Tech yesterday.

Hello XXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting G-Technology Technical Support. Yes you will be able to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 2 port on the computer via the Apple Adapter.

Regards,
Matt
G-Technology Technical Support


This is the question I submitted:
Is the Shuttle XL TB3 compatible with TB2 products (via an adaptor)? I am upgrading my backups and currently have a 2013 MacPro (desktop). The MacPro only has TB2 and USB. I would like confirmation that the Shuttle XL TB3 will connect and work with TB2 on the 2013 MacPro. This way I can use the Shuttle XL until the new Mac Pro is released with TB3. I understand that if it does work, I'll only be at TB2 speeds until I have a TB3 computer. I've posed this question on Apple forums and the answer appears to be yes. However, I need confirmation before I make the purchase. Love your products and I currently have a Speed Studio and Raid Studio.

It's time to purchase new drives and I'm debating whether to pursue TB3 capable systems. The 2013 MacPro is still humming, but I'm considering buying TB3 systems in preparation for the next MacPro.

So, will the 2013 MP support/operate a TB3 external enclosure (such as the G-Tech Speed Shuttle)? I read several articles and forums, but I could not find a direct example where someone confirmed that it worked.

Thanks