If your a regular reader of OverclockersTech then you probably know we have done other reviews on Thermaltake’s BlacX series docking stations.  Docking stations are pretty much the same as hard drive enclosures except that they are an “open air” design.  Luckily they make prefect comparison models for us to use.  We’ll compare the BlackX Duet (Usb 2.0), the BlacX 5g (USB 3.0 and SATA 3.0), and our review sample of the Max 5G.  We used an eVGA x58 SLI 3 based system for the testing along with a Western Digital Sata 3.0 7200 rpm hard drive.

The first test is HD Tach Random Access Benchmark.

Pretty much a draw here across all fronts.  As expected no difference between the BlacX 5G and the Max 5G.  Next up we ran the HD Tach Average Read Benchmark.

Other than the expected big increase between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, the Max 5G just barely beat out the BlacX 5g.  The difference was so small that we’ll call this one a draw as well.

The performance increase over aging USB 2.0 Hard Drive enclosures makes this product something you need to consider if your looking to upgrade your external storage solution.  The build quality and appearance of the Max 5G is outstanding.  All the connections are secure, it stays where you put it without sliding around, and the blue LED fans are just plain cool!

We could bore you with a list of pros and cons at this point, but there really is no cons to speak of.  The Thermaltake Max 5G is by far the best Hard drive enclosure we have used.  It works as advertised, is built like a tank, the cooling is awesome, and is very appealing to the eye.  If you have been looking for a Sata 3.0/USB 3.0 hard drive enclosure, your search should begin and end with the Thermaltake Max 5G, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better solution.

The Thermaltake Max 5G easily warrants an OverclockersTech Gold Award!

Dino DeCesari (Lvcoyote)