This post is a part of a six-part series from the white paper "The Measure of an Enclosure-Five Factors to Consider When Choosing External Data Storage". Can't wait to read the whole paper? You don't have to! Read it right here. The paper includes a glossary, charts and illustrations to help explain further.

FIVE FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Your data is important to us, and our business is to help you find solutions that help you retain that data and to access it in a way that best serves your particular needs.

• You should always consider the throughput of each component that makes up the data chain connecting the data on your drives to your computer workstation or network. The slowest component in the chain “sets the pace” and will determine your overall data transfer rate.
• Choose the correct interface for your requirements, keeping in mind that there are many types of USB, and that each one performs differently.
• Keep in mind that although the transfer ratings of each product, component, or interface are roughly accurate relative to each other, they are based on theoretical best-case scenarios.
• SSDs are much faster than rotational drives. Other factors such as each hard drive’s cache memory, rotational speed, and access time can also slightly impact performance.
• You should also consider what your external storage will be used for, as this will allow you to determine what to purchase without wasting money on features that will give you little to no benefit for their cost.

Keep these five factors in mind, especially that the slowest transfer rating sets the pace, and you will be well on your way to finding the best external storage solution for your needs.