Vantec NexStar MX Dual 3.5" External SATA Drive Enclosure

With the prices of hard drives dropping to record lows this fall, there has never been a better time to add additional storage to your setup.  Playing the upgrade game often results in a few extra hard drives piling up as well.  Regardless of what route you go, there is no better way to put that extra storage to work than with a good External enclosure like the Vantec NexStar MX.

Unlike those bargain bin enclosures every one seems to be pushing, the NexStar MX has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep you ahead of the pack.  Lets take a closer look!

The Vantec NexStar comes in the stylish black box with orange trim seen here.  Right from the box, you can see Vantec is offering a premium package for your buck.  Offering support for one or two SATA drives and providing active cooling via the rear fan and providing ArcSoft TotalMedia Backup software only sweetens the deal. 

With the enclosure unpacked, we get our first look at the NexStar MX.  The padded stand is optional but provides some vibration dampening and stability to the setup.

Features:

• Supports 2 SATA I/II Hard Drives Up to 2.0 TB of Storage.

• USB 2.0 External Interface Allows You to Transfer Data Up to 480 Mbps.

• Front Ventilation and Rear Fan for Better Air Circulation and Cooling.

• Stylish Aluminum Case to Draw Away the Heat.

• Easily Add Up to Two Independent Hard Drives.

• Supports JBOD Configuration; Turn Two Hard Drives into One.

• Simple Plug & Play Connection; Does Not Require Drivers.

• Arcsoft Totalmedia Backup™, Archive Photos, Music, Video and Data with Three Easy Clicks.

Specifications:

• Hard Drive Supported:  (2) 3.5” Serial ATA Hard Drive(s)

• Internal Interface:        Serial ATA

• External Interface:        USB 2.0

• Transfer rate:               USB 2.0 (Up to 480Mbps)

• Dimensions:                 197x123x72mm

• Material:                      Plastic and Aluminum Alloy

In addition to the padded stand mentioned above, the package includes software, a manual, a two piece power adapter, a 4 foot USB cable and drive mounting screws.

The actual enclosure is quite compact looking at 197x123x72mm (about 6.75 x 3.85 x 1.84 inches).  The two tone front panel is one of the few plastic pieces although the silver finish looks metallic from any normal distance.  The front venting is clearly visible around the panel and makes for a clean stylish design.

The back is dominated by the 40mm exhaust fan.  Along with the expected ports, Vantec has provided a power toggle to manually shut down the enclosure for transport or when not in use.  The fan mounting at the bottom is a surprise but the aluminum enclosure acts as a heat sink to help with any rising heat during use.