Quiet RAID Enclosure
Apr 1, 2020 11:02:24 #
I am looking for a quiet RAID enclosure (2 bay preferred) with Thunderbolt 3 for backing up my photos. I recently purchased a 2 bay RAID from OWC and the fan is on continuously. Not sure if I am going to send it back or try to stash it away from my workspace. If I send it back I need to find an alternative. TIA
Apr 1, 2020 20:36:35 #
Maybe replace the fan with a quieter one? They are just held in with 4 screws and a single connector and come in standard sizes. Just google muffin fans in that size and compare loudness specs. Some brands in particular emphasize quiet operation. Might be easier than trading RAID enclosures...
Apr 1, 2020 21:19:40 #
TriX wrote:
Maybe replace the fan with a quieter one? They are just held in with 4 screws and a single connector and come in standard sizes. Just google muffin fans in that size and compare loudness specs. Some brands in particular emphasize quiet operation. Might be easier than trading RAID enclosures...
I hadn't though of that. Right now I unplug the unit when not in use, the fan runs even if the unit is unmounted.
Apr 1, 2020 22:03:00 #
hpucker99 wrote:
I hadn't though of that. Right now I unplug the unit when not in use, the fan runs even if the unit is unmounted.
I’m with you - loud fans are a PIA. A quiet fan is cheap and easy to install and may be a good alternative IF you like the enclosure otherwise.
Apr 2, 2020 03:35:53 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
I have Synology NAS systems, 2 in a wall cabinet 6' from my head at my desk. Both whisper quiet and only know they are running from the blinking lights and hard drive intermittent sounds when writing.
Apr 2, 2020 08:49:11 #
hpucker99 wrote:
I am looking for a quiet RAID enclosure (2 bay preferred) with Thunderbolt 3 for backing up my photos. I recently purchased a 2 bay RAID from OWC and the fan is on continuously. Not sure if I am going to send it back or try to stash it away from my workspace. If I send it back I need to find an alternative. TIA
If you are only looking for backup and not active storage, you don't need RAID and you don't need Thunderbolt 3. If you are using spinning drives, a single drive can only transfer about 100-200 MB/s - or 800 to 1600 Mbps. Write speeds will be definitely slower if you implement RAID 1. So, if you are using mechanical drives to have an interface that can do 40 Gbps - or 5 GBps - which won't make the drives themselves any faster. I suggest you get a pair of nicely vented individual enclosures, or if you need to have the two drives in the same enclosure - a drive docking station - and just use software to copy the files you want to back up to each drive individually. The docking station, by design, is the quietest approach - you'll only hear the drive itself spinning and the head accessing the data.
Apr 2, 2020 12:51:06 #
I use both Synology NAS devices and a LaCie 2 Big TB 3 drive system directly attached to my iMac PRO. All use RAID and All are quiet. Best of luck.
Apr 2, 2020 13:12:17 #
Apr 2, 2020 14:09:00 #
hpucker99 wrote:
I am looking for a quiet RAID enclosure (2 bay preferred) with Thunderbolt 3 for backing up my photos. I recently purchased a 2 bay RAID from OWC and the fan is on continuously. Not sure if I am going to send it back or try to stash it away from my workspace. If I send it back I need to find an alternative. TIA
CRU-INC.com has some nice units.
I use the “Toughtech Duo” a 2 bay RAID1 for a working drive. Rock solid. No fan.
I back up to this:
https://www.cru-inc.com/products/rtx/rtx220-3qr/
A 2 bay RAID1 frame w fan. Fan runs occasionally and is quiet.
Also rock solid.
Apr 2, 2020 14:17:40 #
Contact: www.coolerguyus.com They have tons of fans and they have the proper tech support to be able to tell you what fan to use. They helped me select what I needed and I called them back for further tech assistance several months later. The have been in business for over 25 years and are easy to reach by phone.
Apr 2, 2020 14:37:06 #
Jagnut07
Loc: South Carolina
hpucker99 wrote:
I am looking for a quiet RAID enclosure (2 bay preferred) with Thunderbolt 3 for backing up my photos. I recently purchased a 2 bay RAID from OWC and the fan is on continuously. Not sure if I am going to send it back or try to stash it away from my workspace. If I send it back I need to find an alternative. TIA
I have a
LaCie 12TB 2big Dock 2-Bay RAID Array Thunderbolt
I use it with my MacBook Pro and connect with Thunderbolt 3. In fact I have my 5K monitor plugged into the drive. System works well fast and very very quiet. Fully recommend.
Apr 2, 2020 15:07:24 #
domcomm
Loc: Denver, CO
Have you thought of contacting OWC to see if that is normal for that model? Maybe you got a defective one.
Apr 2, 2020 15:39:37 #
TriX wrote:
Maybe replace the fan with a quieter one? They are just held in with 4 screws and a single connector and come in standard sizes. Just google muffin fans in that size and compare loudness specs. Some brands in particular emphasize quiet operation. Might be easier than trading RAID enclosures...
Don't forget you will be kissing the warranty goodbye.
Apr 2, 2020 16:06:00 #
Brian S. wrote:
Don't forget you will be kissing the warranty goodbye.
Save the old fan so you can replace it in the event of a failure...
Apr 2, 2020 18:20:09 #
TriX wrote:
Save the old fan so you can replace it in the event of a failure...
Saving the old fan probably will not help. I have over 12 of OWC enclosures and they put a security sticker over one of the disassembly screws on units that come with factory installed drives. The sticker says something like Warranty Void if Removed. I would call them first to see what they have to say about the fan noise. 1-800-275-4576
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