How to reach 35 MB/sec when copying hard drives with Insight

[Dmitry Postrigan]

Current version of DiskSense unit has one USB 2.0 port. On most platforms you will only get 20—25 MB/sec (1.2—1.5 GB/min) when copying/imaging hard drives.

To get about 35 MB/sec (2.1 GB/min), please use latest version of Insight and latest Intel motherboard (G4x/P4x chipset).

We will be releasing a new DiskSense unit soon; it will have one Gigabit port and two SATA-II ports, so there will be no speed limitations anymore; you will be able to copy disk-to-disk, and disk-to-host (via Ethernet).

[DriveDr]

Hi Dmitry,

I purchased my Atola a couple of weeks ago. Will I have to purchase the new DiskSense?


Thank you!
Dennis

[Dmitry Postrigan]

Dennis,

To get 35MB/sec you don't have to purchase new unit; just use the latest version of Insight software.

If you are referring to the new DiskSense unit (the one with gigabit ethernet port and two SATA ports): it is a completely separate product aimed at slightly different market. We will continue to sell and support the USB version of DiskSense. We will be offering an upgrade path from USB to Ethernet/2xSATA, but at this time I do not have any details. The new unit is planned to come out in May, however, this is not a final date yet.

Thanks

[falther]

Since I read the first time about USB 3 standard (that was around the same time I
got the Atola Insight), I thaught that the new version might include USB 3 connectors.

I am sure you had thaughts on that aswell. Would it take to long to wait for chips and
connectors / cables - they are most probably not available yet?

But with the advised speed of USB 3 (and the compatibility to USB 2) its a logical step
to use that too ...?

+++

[Dmitry Postrigan]

Walter,

Unfortunately, USB3 chips are not available yet and no one can provide an ETA... and we need the solution now .

When USB3 is available, then we will, of course, evaluate the chips and probably make a new unit. But until then it will be Gigabit Ethernet + 2 SATA ports (or 2 SATA/IDE ports in another revision).

[Russwinters]

As far as I know the USB 3 spec HAS been finalized, but chips and support will not become available until at least the end of this year. Expect USB 3 to ramp up on the next "tick" according to intels tick tock scheme. So the chipsets to match the successors to Nehalem, and Phenom 2 (not die shrinks) should hail the entry of USB 3 into the market.

ICH12R & SB850 ??

[lcoughey]

Why bother with gigabit or USB3? Just go with eSATA and help simplify our world.

[RMR]

Why bother with gigabit or USB3? Just go with eSATA and help simplify our world.

If you can control over eSATA, then I concur, that would be best. Failing that, 1394B please. That's FireWire 800. FW800 Cards are cheap, and will still likely be faster than USB3 in RealWorld™ use, and it's here NOW.