Page 5: Video Review, Conclusion
Video Review
Conclusion
The Thermaltake BlacX 5G is the new flagship of the BlacX line. It supersedes the original USB2 BlacX and has the same MSRP. While the retail channel is pricing the 5G a bit higher at $50 (Amazon Link), this is the product to get for future proofing. The included bundle of the silicone sleeves and the USB3 A-B cable is icing on the cake. We're happy that Thermaltake included an USB3 cable, not many people have one. The cable is long enough to move around as well. If you don't have a hard drive dock, the BlacX 5G is an excellent purchase.
The real issue is if you don't have USB3 or you already have an eSATA drive dock. We're content with using our own BlacX Duet for transfers as there was no real difference in speed between the two units. eSATA may be faster if you don't have a SATA Gen 3 drive that can push more than SATA 2's bandwidth. It might not be much faster, but it is what it is. eSATA users should probably just wait for a system upgrade that includes USB3 and stick with what they have. Still, this is good news for USB3 and once all systems have USB3, the eSATA days may be numbered. Darn.
HardwareLogic would like to thank Thermaltake for sending the BlacX 5G for review.
Conclusion
The Thermaltake BlacX 5G is the new flagship of the BlacX line. It supersedes the original USB2 BlacX and has the same MSRP. While the retail channel is pricing the 5G a bit higher at $50 (Amazon Link), this is the product to get for future proofing. The included bundle of the silicone sleeves and the USB3 A-B cable is icing on the cake. We're happy that Thermaltake included an USB3 cable, not many people have one. The cable is long enough to move around as well. If you don't have a hard drive dock, the BlacX 5G is an excellent purchase.
The real issue is if you don't have USB3 or you already have an eSATA drive dock. We're content with using our own BlacX Duet for transfers as there was no real difference in speed between the two units. eSATA may be faster if you don't have a SATA Gen 3 drive that can push more than SATA 2's bandwidth. It might not be much faster, but it is what it is. eSATA users should probably just wait for a system upgrade that includes USB3 and stick with what they have. Still, this is good news for USB3 and once all systems have USB3, the eSATA days may be numbered. Darn.
HardwareLogic would like to thank Thermaltake for sending the BlacX 5G for review.