Model:  ST0008U

Manufacturer:  Thermaltake

Provider:  Xoxide

Reviewed By:  Miguel

Review Date:  11/02/08

When it comes to hard drive enclosures, not only have they evolved to support the latest hardware and higher performance standards to meet the needs of many PC enthusiasts, but it is still very clear that it is a market of interest for many storage-hungry users looking to expand their systems or even turn them into one that provides ultimate functionality in a whole other level.  I have personally taken a look at countless of them over the past year and all seem to have their share of flaws.  The latest I have the pleasure of showing you today not only sports an appealing, futuristic design, but sports the best interface for those looking for the highest performance.  The new VI-ON from Thermaltake is an impressively designed 3.5" drive enclosure that appears to have all ends covered in terms of performance as well.  Let's have a thorough look...

Packaging & Contents

As far as packaging goes, there's plenty bundled with the product.  This includes the optional base unit, USB cable, eSATA cable, AC power cable, optional rubber feet and they even include a cleaning cloth as well.  All are packaged well and the enclosure itself comes protected with a removal film.

The Enclosure

Now, the enclosure does sport a glossy black finish and I would really like to emphasize on the word "glossy".  I have not come across many products with such a true "mirror-like" finish like the one this enclosure does sport.  With that said, the two pics below were taken with and without flash in a properly lit area to try an demonstrate just how impressive its finish really is...

Both sides have this superior black glossy finish and its no wonder why they include a pretty decent cleaning cloth, as it is a fingerprint magnet.  You can see just how reflective the finish is in the pic to the right above.  Almost looks like a different product but that is actually the reflection of the wall behind it. 

I've seen plenty of drive enclosures over the years and most just don't noticeably impress in regards to overall design.  This is one of the few that honestly does.  This enclosure sports steel mesh all around the sides, not only accenting its highly futuristic design, but there to provide higher cooling efficiency.  The bottom sports a flat steel plate, which is not only where you'll gain access to the inside, but also where you can mount the included base as I will show you at the end of this section.

The front of the enclosure is fairly uneventful, with the exception of a hidden blue LED that I will cover in the next section.  Finally, the rear is where you'll find all the input connections as well as the power jack and on/off switch.  There are actually four different models of the VI-ON but the one we are looking at here is there eSATA model, providing the highest level of performance.   In addition to an eSATA port, you'll also find a USB jack which is fairly standard with models in this class.

The bottom of the enclosure has a flat, matte black plate that is designed to support both a sturdy vertical grip on any surface as well as allow you to very easily install the included base that not only maintains its appealing design, but also is designed to maintain the same level of cooling by supporting the internal fan via spacers and cutouts. 

Specifications

The following specs were taken directly from Thermaltake's Website...

Next: Installation