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IStarUSA S-9 Storm continued...
High density multi-disk storage backplane that allows multiple
four 3.5" SATA hard drives to be mounted into three standard 5.25".
BPU-340-SA supports Raid 1/0/1+0/5 configuration for high
performance or redundancy data application. Aluminum construction
provides best heat dissipation required for high performance SATA
drives, is designed with excellent front to back vent airflow.
Applications: Digital Audio Editing, Video Editing (SD or HD),
Security System, SOHO SMEs With Limit HDD Tray and Data Protection
or Disk-to-Disk Backup.
factory colors will vary from
silver, red, and blue.
The RAID cage reveals 4 internal
SATA connections on the back right side. The fan appears to be a
low-speed type for noise reduction.
A jumper arrangement for
configuration changes, and a couple eSATA ports for those that want
to use internal eSATA ports perhaps...
The front of the array is very
attractive. The freedom to choose the color is a nice touch,
wouldn't it be kewl to have some UV reactive colors for that
server/overclocker/gamer stereotype.
All in all, the IStar is about a
'B' when in comparison to other case manufacturers. The whole idea
behind a RAID SWAP array is that it should be external with pretty
paint, which is something that IStar offers, but hasn't offered as
an item geared towards the ClubOC audience until now. I think what
IStar is gearing its market and value at, is towards the
Overclockers that know about 4X RAID 0, RAID 4, RAIID 5,...etc (not
too mention the benefits), which is brilliant... Imagine a quad Swap
array 188Mbs cage S9 Storm in silver, blue, or red, leaving the case
black... hmmm
One look inside after removing the side panel
reveals this odd shaped plastic cone that could probably be mistaken
as a air cleaner riser from a Holley carburetor found on your
neighbors Chevelle. Not sure what to think of this, but if you like
it I guess that's cool. I can say that it makes for the making of
a duct from something running cool. this would help in overall
cooling.
The S9
Storm appears to have plenty of room inside for multiple drives not
INCLUDING what the RAID cage will handle. Sheesh this thing is HD
friendly for the price.
IStar has included a
skimpy amount of accessories, but the instructions are very good
which shows that they may actually care about the PC enthusiast. I
think if they tossed in a bit more hardware it would be a good
gesture, but then again I have a whole box of easily accessible
universal stuff that works fine with anything other than what's
included.
Well ok maybe I've been a bit hard on IStar, because in all
actuality I don't see too many competing companies that seem to
have a good baseline towards making their customers happy. Most
of IStar's products due lake in overall ingenuity, but they come
from designs that have been proven by the exact people they want
to sell to. I personally am impressed with what they have, and
indeed it may not be for everybody, but I know what case I'll
using for my next workstation build... yep, ill just throw in
one of IStar's mini-redundant PSUs and never look at it again,
except for a little dusting now and then. For the value, the S9
is hard to beat.
|
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| Performance: |
N/A |
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Innovation: |
3 out of 5 |
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Quality: |
3 out of 5 |
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Stability: |
N/A |
| Aesthetics: |
3 out of 5 |
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Software/Drivers Pack: |
N/A |
|
Overclocking: |
N/A |
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Value: |
4 out of 5 |
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 |
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|
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Project Skill Level
(5 being most difficult) |
4
out of 5 |
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