As a part of keeping up with the most current technology, Thermaltake has been busy implementing USB 3.0 functionality into their product lines. To update their external hard drive enclosure products, they released the Max 5G series which is a USB 3.0 compatible version of their existing Max line. This line not only includes support for SuperSpeed USB, but it also features active cooling in order to keep your hard drive cool and potentially extend its life.



The promotional image below shows Thermaltake model number ST0020U, the Max 5G USB drive enclosure with dual 80mm cooling fans that will be covered in this review. Before taking a closer look at the enclosure on hand, let's take a closer look at some of the features and specifications taken from the product listing on the Thermaltake website.

Features:

» Dual ultra-silent 80mm fans with blue LEDs ensure data integrity during file transferring
   between external hard disk and the host computer.
» Easily turn off blue LEDs with built-in switch on the back of the enclosure.
» Blazing file transfer speed utilizing the world’s fastest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer speed
   of up to 5Gbps.
» Backwards compatible with all USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps) and USB 1.1 hosts.
» Supports for all 3.5” SATA I, II, and 6G Hard Drives up to 2TB.
» Includes shielded USB 3.0 cable to ensure maximum transfer speed with minimum distortion.
» Integrated stand easily twists out for added overall enclosure stability.

Specifications:

» Enclosure Interface - USB 3.0
» Transfer Rate USB 3.0 - up to 5Gbps
» HDD Compatible - SATA I / II / III
» HDD Capacity - ALL SATA Drives
» OS Compatible - Windows 7 / Vista & Max 10.3 and up
» Material - Steel Mesh & Ruggedized Plastic
» Power:
   » External Universal Switching Power Adapter
   » CE, FCC, GOST-R Certified
» Dimension
   » 207 (L) x 145 (W) x 47 (H) mm
   » 8.14" (L) x 5.7" (W) x 1.85" (H) in
» Accessory
   » Premium Shielded USB 3.0 Cable
   » Power Adapter
   » Hex Screwdriver
» Fan:
   » Dimension: 80 x 80 x 15 mm (x2)
   » Current: 0.15A
   » Voltage: 12V
   » Speed: 800 RPM
   » Noise Output (free standing): 12 dBA
» Weight: 530g
» Special Features
   » Dual 80mm fans for accelerated heat dissipation
   » LED On/Off switch
   » USB 3.0 SuperSpeed for blazing-fast data transfer
   » Integrated/retractable foot stand.