Unitek USB 3.0 to SATA2 Powered Adapter Performance with Vertex 2 SSD Update Linus Tech Tips
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Description
I've been meaning to test the performance of this thing with a fast SSD drive to find out just how fast it can go since I did the unboxing forever ago.
The video documents Linus Tech Tips testing an Unitek USB 3.0 to SATA2 powered adapter with a Vertex 2 SSD, focusing on practical transfer speeds and compatibility in a home-built test setup. The host begins by connecting the powered adapter to a USB 3 capable motherboard and an SSD, aiming to measure real-world performance. He notes the need for the included power supply to drive higher-draw devices like 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives, and he demonstrates the difference between USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 power capabilities. The test sequence includes transferring a folder of large files to and from the Vertex 2, first from a 120 GB Vertex 1 drive and then back to Vertex 2, to observe read and write behavior and the practical limits of the connector and controller. He reports initial write speeds around 83 to 90 MB/s, then observes the Vertex 2 outperforming Vertex 1 on writes, with peak test speeds reaching around 162 MB/s and stabilizing around 128 MB/s as the transfer continues. The host also experiments with using the adapter without external power and with alternate cables, including a CAT external drive cable, to illustrate how the setup handles different power requirements and drive types. Finally, the video discusses the trade-offs of adapter convenience versus reliability across a range of devices, including optical drives and DVD drives, and concludes with a reflection on which scenarios benefit most from this type of adapter, emphasizing the importance of power supply for higher-demand devices. The overall takeaway is that the Unitek adapter can deliver strong USB 3.0 performance for certain SSDs and configurations, but power availability and drive type significantly influence compatibility and sustained throughput. The wrap-up invites viewers to consider their own use cases and acknowledges that results may vary with different hardware and cables, underscoring the practical limits of consumer-grade adapters in high-speed storage testing.
Topics · technology · hardware · storage
Questions answered
- What was the initial observed write speed when copying a file to the Vertex 2 using the Unitek USB 3.0 to SATA2 adapter?
- The initial write speed observed was around 162 MB/s, before settling down to about 128 MB/s as the transfer continued.
- Why is the included power adapter important for the Unitek USB 3.0 to SATA2 device when used with higher power drives?
- The power adapter provides additional current that USB alone cannot supply, enabling reliable operation with 2.5 inch drives or other higher-draw devices and avoiding potential instability when powering from USB alone.