A Closer Look

The overall shape has not changed at all when compared to the USB 2.0 variant. This means that you can still stack them above each other. Vantec uses Aluminum for the body and plastic for the front and back cover.


You will find the "SuperSpeed" label on the side, which is the only obvious hint that this unit features the new interface, without having a closer look at the rear. There you will find the funky flat mini USB 3.0 interface. Oddly, there is also a 5V DC input plug present, but no cable in sight. It is completely uncessesary as USB 2.0/3.0 will deliver enough power with the dual head cable and since the enclosure is not equipped with eSATA, which is the only interface which would require a seperate power source.


Vantec ships the unit without the rear screws applied, so you can just pull the inner tray out without any problems. Taking a closer look at the PCB, the unit is driven by a chip from JMicron and carries the model number JMS539. You can find more information about it here (PDF).


Installing the hard drive is a simple matter, just use the four supplied screws to secure the unit to the tray. The last step is completed by sliding it into place and using the long black screws to hold things together.


Once the unit is turned on, the front LED lights up blue, just like all other Vantec enclosures. It starts to flicker once the drive is accessed by the host computer, to indicate activity.