Other World Computing announced today that its OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 Hardware RAID data storage/backup solution supports USB 3.0 ‘SuperSpeed’ performance when paired with the Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter. The adapter, which utilizes an available eSATA drive port, offers a Plug and Play connection to USB 3.0-equipped Macs or PCs for real-world sustained data transfer rates of more than 200MB/s from the Qx2 to meet the needs of demanding performance-intensive professional applications such as Audio/Video editing, HD-video, digital photography, professional music, graphics, redundant backup, and any use requiring data storage performance and reliability.
Plug and Play High Speed Data Transfers With Adapter
The Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter uses the eSATA port of the QX2 to connect to a USB 3.0 port on Macs or PCs to enable over 200MB/s real-world data rate performance from the Qx2 versus 80MB/s speed offered by the FireWire 800 interface. And with no special software or drivers to install, using this adapter with the Qx2 is a Plug and Play process.
$10 Instant Rebate on Adapter With Qx2 Purchase
As an added bonus, from May 2, 2013 until July 1, 2013, customers will receive a $10 instant rebate from Other World Computing on the adapter ($14.99 after rebate from OWC) when purchased with any model Mercury Elite Pro Qx2.
Ultimate Blend of Professional Convenience and Performance
In addition to offering up to 16.0TB of desktop storage/backup capacity, the brushed aluminum Qx2 offers a variety of user convenience features: FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA interfaces provide compatibility with multiple operating systems and computers; front panel LEDs give quick, at-a-glance system status; and a removable key lock ensures the installed hard drives and selected RAID mode remain secure.
Pre-configured in a Hardware RAID 5 mode to provide data redundancy to ensure uninterrupted access to stored data, as well as protecting against data loss, the Qx2 can also be configured to automatically perform one of the other three hardware RAID settings: 0, 1, or 10, as well as a Span (NRAID) setting. To read how the Qx2 fits into the production workflow of professional users, visit the OWC Pro Corner.
The Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 is available in five prosumer configurations starting at $471.99, four Enterprise class models, and a 0GB kit (no drives included) option. All Qx2 models include all interface connection cables and undergo a multi-hour “burn in” performance certification procedure prior to shipping to ensure the unit is operating properly and that the installed drives are ready for demanding use.
“When paired with the Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter, you’ll see a new level of Plug and Play performance from the same convenient professional storage solution you’ve always seen in the Qx2,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing. “With the latest Macs now equipped with USB 3.0 and also lacking FireWire, this kind of solution is ever more important for the latest storage performance needs.”
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Hi there.
I have the same question as Alex.
I own a Qx2 but it is 2-3 years old. I was wondering the same thing because i already purchased the adaptor.
So i do hope it works. But i think it would, right. OWC would have been writing ** This device only works with Qx2 that have firmware xxx or are not older than xxx, i’m right, right ???
It would be extremely stupid if not because you can’t guess that.
Thanks. Looking forward to get my device so i can attach it to my new iMac instead of USB2.. Damn thats slow.
Hoping we’ll see a model with native Thunderbolt soon. I really want to buy one, but not until is has Thunderbolt on it (and hopefully native USB3 as well).
Does the USB 3 port interfere with the Bluetooth module of the 2012 Mac mini like the ministack does?
The bluetooth interference issue you’re referring to has to do with ALL USB 3.0 devices.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4512
This combination would still apply. The Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter works by using the following 3 steps:
1. Power on your eSATA equipped external drive.
2. Connect the NewerTech Adapter to the external drive via a standard eSATA cable.
3. Connect the NewerTech Adapter to the USB 3.0 port on your computer via included **USB 3.0 cable. USB 2.0 also supported.
**To see USB 3.0 speeds, your Mac will need to be equipped with USB3.0
Does this combination apply to the adapters and Qx2s purchased six months ago? Will a firmware update enable this functionality on existing hardware?
Hello Alex,
This combination would still apply. The Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter works by using the following 3 steps:
1. Power on your eSATA equipped external drive.
2. Connect the NewerTech Adapter to the external drive via a standard eSATA cable.
3. Connect the NewerTech Adapter to the USB 3.0 port on your computer via included **USB 3.0 cable. USB 2.0 also supported.
**To see USB 3.0 speeds, your Mac will need to be equipped with USB3.0