LaCie Proud to Introduce "World's First USB 3.0 RAID"

LaCie announced the availability of the first RAID storage solution to incorporate the new USB 3.0 technology – the LaCie 2big USB 3.0. In addition to the 2big USB 3.0, LaCie also announces the availability of its single-disk professional solution with a USB 3.0 port – the LaCie d2 USB 3.0.

lacie_usb_30_raid_der

Developed for professionals who require capacity and transfer speeds, the LaCie 2big USB 3.0 offers the highest performances ever achieved in a USB 3.0 external storage solution, up to 205MB/s.

The LaCie 2big USB 3.0 is available with up to 4TB, allowing users to store and transfer large files without waiting. In fact, you can transfer a 50GB Blu-ray disk in less than five minutes, which is six times faster than USB 2.0. The 2big USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0, making it dependable for transfers with any workstation.

The 2big USB 3.0 includes two 7200 rpm hot-swappable hard disks and features three RAID modes for performance and security. Choose the ‘Fast’ mode (RAID 0) for speed and capacity of the 2big USB 3.0, or choose the ‘Safe’ mode (RAID 1) for data protection against disk failure. A JBOD mode is also available for users willing to mount the two disks separately for scheduled backups using the included LaCie Backup software for Mac or PC.

“We are proud to announce the first RAID storage solution to fully leverage the performance of the USB 3.0 interface,” said Clement Barberis, Product Manager for LaCie’s Professional Desktop Solutions department. “Developed for users that require sizeable data flow, such as print professionals, recording engineers, and video producers, the 2big USB 3.0 allows them to take advantage of high capacities while delivering industry-leading transfer speeds.”

In addition to its fanless and quiet heat sink design, the LaCie 2big USB 3.0 provides advanced power management through customizable sleep and deep sleep modes.

Availability and price
The LaCie 2big USB 3.0 comes with capacities up to 4TB, 3-Year Warranty and Advance Care Option and is available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, and LaCie Storage Partner starting at $349.99.

Comments

Every company is proud to be the first one in a technology, but there is only one.

Several companies have already introduced disk arrays with USB 3.0 interface. Indeed, LaCie was the first one to announce in December 2009 its entry into this field - its entry only, - with an USB 3.0 RAID -0/1, with the same model's name, 2big USB 3.0, powered by a Symwave controller, at speeds up to 275MB/s burst read transfer speed. It was supposed to be available in January 2010. It finally arrives eight months later.

The new 2big USB 3.0 here announced and available uses only RAID levels 0 for higher speed and 1 for mirroring (and JBOD), not RAID-5 and -6 that offer a better price per gigabyte for usable protected capacity. The maximum speed has been lowered to 205MB/s. More precisely the interface transfer rate (max. bus speed) with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is up to 5Gbits/s, the burst transfer rate (RAID-0 max. drive speed) being 190MB/s for read and 160MB/s for write, according to LaCie's specs. These two latter figures are respectively 33MB/s and 27MB/s using USB 2.0.

Prices for LaCie's disk arrays are $350 for 2TB and $580 for 4TB, including an USB 3.0 PCIe card (for PC only, not Mac compatible).

Once more, it proves that the new interface can be used for disk arrays and at better prices than storage subsystems with other serial interfaces (eSATA, FireWire, SAS, FC), and much more when USB 3.0 will be directly integrated into PC's motherboard by their manufacturers - we are waiting for AMD's and Intel's chipset, probably next year - and supported by the OS to avoid the additional cost of a PCIe card. Today few computers (Asus, Envy 15 laptops) have added USB 3.0 to their machines.

LaCie d2 USB 3.0 external HDD with PCIe card is priced at $185 for 1TB and $280 for 2TB.

Read also:
Symwave USB 3.0 RAID Storage Controller
In production next January, especially for LaCie

World's First USB 3.0 RAID From LaCie?
Powered by a Symwave controller and supposed to be available in early 2010.

USB 3.0 and eSATA RAID-5 by Sans Digital
With 4 ($289) or 5 ($349) bays

Raidon Compact USB 3.0 RAID-5
With four 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs

Areca Adds USB 3.0 to 8-Bay Disk Array
One of the first RAID-6 with the new interface

2-Bay USB 3.0 RAID Enclosure From inXtron
Using components from Silicon Image and Asmedia

Ice Box External RAID-0/1 Enclosure (€81) With USB 3.0
Able to receive two 3.5-inch HDDs

Symwave and Super Talent to Showcase USB 3.0 RAIDDrive Storage Solution
At CES

LaCie Proud to Introduce “World’s First USB 3.0 RAID”

Two HDDs in RAID-0/1, $580 for 4TB

Comments