Vantec NexStar3 NST-380S3 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Enclosure Review

This enclosure uses the same controller chip as found in the Rosewill USB 3.0 enclosure (review here), but yet performs differently using the same hard drive.  Using synthetic benchmarks, the read speeds were slightly lower using the Vantec, but write speeds were slightly higher.  In the real world I doubt you’ll notice a difference at all, as HDTach’s results are way too close to each other.  The difference that really matter is the cooling performance, and since there is no active cooling on the NexStar you’ll see hard drive temps reaching into the low-100s.

The issue that prevents this unit being a complete slam-dunk is the lack of active cooling.  The unit is thinner (and slightly quieter) without an additional fan, but the option of keeping your drive around the same as room temperature always alleviates worry about premature hardware failure.

The Vantec NexStar3 SuperSpeed HDD Enclosure has the same slick design and craftmanship you’ve come to expect from Vantec.    Like all things shiny, it tends to attract a lot of fingerprints, but is rather scratch-resistant.  The unit can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and has guards to help prevent scratching.  Not only does it perform well, but it looks really good while doing it.  A lot more spit and polish has gone into this unit than with other enclosures we’ve tested, from the aesthetics to considerations during installation.

	REPORT CARD : Vantec NexStar 3 NST-380S3 SuperSpeed HDD Enclosure category rating comments Quality 5 Excellent materials and craftmanship Innovation 4 Great installation design.  USB 3.0 is great, but there’s no active cooling. Performance 4 Slightly lags on the read speed compared to other enclosures, but much faster on writes. Installation 4 Slicker installation method, but you have to line everything up just right. Value 5 Can be found online for $45, which is one of the most inexpensive SuperSpeed enclosures I’ve seen. FINAL VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars