External HDD Usb3 VS Sata III

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by Mostwest, Nov 23, 2015.

  1. Mostwest

    Mostwest Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2012
    Messages:
    1,365
    Likes Received:
    215
    Hi guys i'm looking for an external HDD for storage all my films and movies mainly MKV 264/265 plus some BD iso (1:1)
    I need that hdd to be connected to an android smart box wich features both sata3 and usb3 support.

    Let's say i'm using the exact same HDD (WD Caviar Green 4 TB), wich connection will be faster USB3 or Sata III?? Thanks

    UPDATE: I just notice that is also possible to put the sata hdd directly into the smart box and use it as storage.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2015
  2.  
  3. MrLyannMusic

    MrLyannMusic Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2014
    Messages:
    1,347
    Likes Received:
    680
    Location:
    Tunis, Tunisia
    Best Answer
    Sata III = 6Gigabit = 768MB/sec
    USB 3.0 = 5Gigabit = 640MB/sec

    The problem is that it doesn't matter as your hard drive will not pass the speed of 200MB/sec anyway, even SSD, they have max of 500MB/sec (not talking about the high-end SSD drives)

    let me explain this in details,

    * Hard drives have a limited speed, the fastest Hard drives I've personally seen they don't pass the 200MB/sec usually from 140to180MB/sec.

    a SATA III Port can handle up to 6Gb, an USB 3.0 Port will handle up to 5Gb, both are more than enough to handle a normal HDD speed.

    so either way Both SATA 3 & USB 3.0 will do the job, so pick whatever option it suites your needs best.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • List
  4. kimikaze

    kimikaze Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2014
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    158
    Probably sata3, although on paper there isn't much difference but in reality can be quite much, depend on how fast is usb 3 controller chip and how fast is storage drive. The most safe bet is go with sata 3 if you have that possibility, although there should be no difference in your case as MrLyannMusic describe.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2015
  5. Mostwest

    Mostwest Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2012
    Messages:
    1,365
    Likes Received:
    215
    Great explanation, let me ask you one more question.

    i'm looking to this box here:



    [​IMG]

    Do you think that there will be difference between putting the sata drive into the smart box or connect it externaly with sata/power cable? Or no noticable difference since the HDD will speed only up to 170-170 R-W??

    Thanks

     
  6. MrLyannMusic

    MrLyannMusic Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2014
    Messages:
    1,347
    Likes Received:
    680
    Location:
    Tunis, Tunisia
    0 differences as long as the Smart box can handle it properly... probably should contact them before getting the thing...
     
Loading...
Similar Threads - External Usb3 Sata Forum Date
Can you store Current’s libraries on an external drive? Samplers, Synthesizers Friday at 8:18 PM
Turn Off SIP on an External 4TB SSD System Drive Computer Hardware Dec 16, 2025
Save Absynth 6 Library on external drive? Samplers, Synthesizers Dec 14, 2025
Toontrack sound librabry on external HD? Software Nov 22, 2025
Looking for a reliable external hard drive for archiving. PC Nov 18, 2025
Loading...