Terramaster D6-320 External Hard Drive Enclosure Review High-Speed USB-C Storage Solution

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The TERRAMASTER D6-320 External Hard Drive Enclosure is a well-crafted piece of technology. Its compact yet sturdy aluminum frame feels durable and has a professional appearance that blends seamlessly into any workspace. At 9 x 5 x 9 inches, the enclosure is surprisingly space-efficient given its ability to house up to six drives. I found the build quality reassuring, particularly for a device designed to store such critical data. The intelligent temperature-controlled fan at the back is a brilliant touch, as it keeps the unit cool without becoming a noise nuisance.

Even during extended use, the low-noise fan didn’t distract me, which is a huge plus. The weight of 8.6 pounds might seem hefty, but for something this robust and with storage capabilities up to 132TB, it’s entirely justified. I appreciated the attention to detail, like the hot-swappable bays, which make replacing drives a breeze without powering down the system.

High-Performance Data Speeds

One of the standout features of this hard drive enclosure is its USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol, which pushes data transfer rates up to 10Gbps. Testing it with multiple drives, I achieved a read/write speed of 1,030MB/s using six SATA III 8TB drives, which was impressive. If you’re working with a single SSD, expect speeds of up to 510MB/s, still a respectable number. These speeds made my workflow incredibly smooth, especially when moving large files like 4K videos.

The plug-and-play functionality worked flawlessly across multiple systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Whether I connected it to a USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or even Thunderbolt 4 port, it performed consistently without requiring additional drivers, which saved so much hassle.

Super-Large Storage Space

With support for six 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives, each with a capacity of up to 22TB, you’re looking at a total of 132TB of storage space. This is a dream for anyone handling massive amounts of data, such as video editors, photographers, or even small businesses. I found this particularly appealing as I could mix and match HDDs and SSDs to suit different needs.

However, it’s worth noting that the enclosure doesn’t support RAID configurations. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, as I typically manage individual drives, it might be a limitation for users looking for RAID redundancy for added data security.

Plug-and-Play Convenience

One of the key benefits of this enclosure lies in its plug-and-play simplicity. I didn’t have to deal with any complicated setups or driver installations. All I had to do was insert the drives, connect the USB Type-C cable, and the device was ready to go. This feature made it incredibly versatile for use across multiple workstations.

The inclusion of a USB Type-C to Type-C cable in the box was a thoughtful addition, as it ensured compatibility with modern systems. I tested this on both a Thunderbolt 3-enabled laptop and a standard USB 3.0 desktop, and it worked seamlessly on both.

Positive Features

• High-speed data transfer up to 10Gbps ensures quick access to files.
• Massive storage capacity of up to 132TB accommodates even the most demanding data needs.
• Compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems enhances versatility.
• Hot-swappable design makes managing drives effortless.
• Intelligent fan system provides efficient cooling while keeping noise levels low.

Potential Pitfalls

While I was largely satisfied with the product, there are a few areas of concern:

• The lack of RAID support may deter users who prioritize data redundancy.
• The unit’s weight and size, while justified by its capacity, might not suit those needing a more portable option.
• It’s a diskless system, so users will need to factor in the additional cost of purchasing drives separately.

Market Rivals

Comparing this to similar products, the OWC ThunderBay 4 offers RAID support, which is a significant advantage for users wanting data redundancy. However, it falls short in terms of data transfer speeds, maxing out at 5Gbps, and its storage capacity is limited compared to the D6-320’s 132TB potential.

Another competitor, the ORICO 5-Bay USB 3.0 Enclosure, provides a lower price point and decent performance, but its plastic build doesn’t inspire the same confidence in durability. The TERRAMASTER D6-320, with its aluminum frame and intelligent cooling, comes across as more premium.

True Value

For professionals like me who juggle large amounts of data, this enclosure is a solid investment. While it’s slightly pricier than some of its competitors, the build quality, speed, and storage capacity make it worth every penny. If RAID isn’t a priority for you and you need a reliable, high-speed storage solution, this product delivers on all fronts.

Would I recommend it? For anyone needing a robust, high-capacity data storage solution, absolutely!

Additional information