In the ever-evolving landscape of data storage, the SanDisk Professional G-RAID Project 2 emerges as a formidable solution for professionals seeking substantial and reliable storage options. This review delves into its design, connectivity, storage capabilities, performance, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
The G-RAID Project 2 is a two-bay direct-attached storage (DAS) system, encased in a geometric enclosure measuring 5.24 inches in width, 8.27 inches in depth, and 4.06 inches in height. This design offers a compact footprint suitable for desktop placement. However, its reliance on an external power source and the accompanying power brick may limit its portability. The enclosure’s robust build quality underscores its enterprise-grade orientation, designed for stationary use in professional environments.
Connectivity Options
At the rear of the unit, users will find a grill-covered fan above a suite of connectors and switches, including:
– Kensington Lock Slot: For securing the device physically.
– Power Input and Button: To supply and control power to the unit.
– RAID Control Switches: Allowing configuration of RAID settings.
– Dual Thunderbolt 3 Ports: Offering 40Gbps bandwidth for high-speed data transfer.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports are clearly labeled to distinguish between the host computer connection and daisy-chaining capabilities. This setup ensures compatibility with macOS 11 or later, Windows 10 PCs, and iPad Pro models running iPadOS 14 or later. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 addresses common bottlenecks found in USB-C-only devices, providing enhanced data transfer speeds.
Storage Capacity and Configuration
Accessing the front panel reveals two drive bays, each housing a 7,200RPM Ultra Enterprise-class hard drive. The G-RAID Project 2 is available in various pre-configured capacities:
– 16TB Model: Priced at $749.99
– 24TB Model: Priced at $999.99
– 52TB Model: Priced at $1,999.99
By default, the unit is configured in RAID 0, but users can adjust settings to RAID 1 or JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks) using the dip switches. This hardware-based RAID configuration eliminates the need for software drivers, which can become outdated or incompatible with system updates.
Additionally, the device features a Pro-Blade SSD Mag slot, allowing for the integration of SSD storage. This slot can be utilized to expand storage capacity or facilitate rapid file transfers between devices.
Performance Metrics
Western Digital claims that the 52TB configuration can achieve sequential read speeds up to 520MB/s and write speeds up to 512MB/s. Testing corroborated these figures, with observed write speeds of approximately 516MB/s and read speeds of 524.2MB/s. When equipped with a Pro-Blade SSD, performance improved significantly, recording write speeds of 913.3MB/s and read speeds of 825.1MB/s.
While these speeds are impressive for hard disk drives, it’s noteworthy that the Pro-Blade SSDs are capable of reaching up to 3GB/s in other configurations, such as the company’s four-port dock. This suggests that the G-RAID Project 2’s architecture may not fully exploit the SSD’s potential speeds.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The G-RAID Project 2 is tailored for video producers, content creators, and professionals requiring substantial storage with reliable performance. Its high capacity and Thunderbolt 3 support make it suitable for data-intensive tasks. However, the price point may be prohibitive for typical consumers or small businesses. For those with extensive data storage needs, the investment may be justified by the device’s performance and support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity: Ensures high-speed data transfers.
– Robust Design: Suitable for professional environments.
– High Capacity Options: Up to 52TB configurations available.
Cons:
– Limited to Two Drives: May not suffice for users requiring more extensive RAID configurations.
– SSD Integration Limitations: The Pro-Blade SSD slot does not fully utilize the SSD’s maximum speed potential.
– High Cost: Pricing may be steep for some users.
Conclusion
The SanDisk Professional G-RAID Project 2 stands out as a high-quality enterprise storage solution, offering substantial capacity and reliable performance. While its price and certain limitations may deter some users, it remains a solid choice for professionals with significant data storage and transfer requirements.
