Testing:
Two benchmarks were run on a Western Digital Scorpio 320GB 2.5" SATA Hard Drive installed inside the Eagle Tech ET-CS2LSU2-BK. For comparison purposes, the tests were also conducted on the drive while connected via USB inside another enclosure, the Mapower MAP-OT21. While the MAP-OT21 offers the additional benefit of an eSATA connection, these tests will be focused solely on USB 2.0 performance.
Simpli Software's HD Tach 3.0.4.0 RW was the first test executed, and the results are shown in the chart below. Higher values are better for Average Read and Burst Speed, while lower values are better for CPU Usage and Access Time. While the CPU Usage and Access Time are identical, there is noticeable increase in both the Average Read and Burst Speed values.
The Physical Disks benchmark from Sisoftware Sandra 2008.1.12.34 was also executed. Higher values are better for Drive Index, while lower values are better for Average Access Time. In the chart below we see that the Drive Index for the same drive's USB 2.0 performance is even better simply by moving it from the Mapower enclosure to the Eagle Tech enclosure. Considering the relatively slow speed of USB 2.0 when compared to what eSATA is capable of, any boost is greatly appreciated.
The sound and noise were also analyzed during testing. While there is nothing to add noise to this type of device since there are no fans installed, how well they insulate the noise can be an issue. The extremely solid construction, relatively thick metal used, and perhaps even the leather top surface all contribute to keeping the drive inside extremely quiet. Except on initial spin up or spin down, I don't think I ever heard any drive noise. And because the drive has such a snug fit inside the metal housing, heat seems to be drawn away rather nicely. This drive climbs to a load temperature of about 40C in open air, but inside the sealed Eagle Tech ET-CS2LSU2-BK it only climbed to 44C.
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