The RTX220-3QR 2-Bay RAID Enclosure from CRU-DataPort is designed for backup and external storage requirements for workgroups of all kinds, as well as SMB and home office environments. With its USB 3.0 (5 Gb/s), eSATA (3 Gb/s), and dual FireWire 800 (800 Mb/s) connectivity options, as well as its dual 3.5″ SATA II 3 Gb/s drive bays, the RTX220-3QR provides fast backup or external storage for many kinds of applications. You have a choice of setting up the RTX220-3QR via its hardware controller as a RAID 1, where data is automatically mirrored and simultaneously written to both drives, or as a RAID 0 to create a speedy solution that incorporates both drives into a single storage volume.
The RTX220-3QR can be configured via its easy-to-use interface on the device itself, or through a host computer and CRU’s configuration software. In addition to setting the RAID level, you can customize the settings for visual and audible temperature alarms, including what temperature triggers the alarms, and when to turn the 60mm exhaust fan on.
This RAID operates using 100-240 VAC and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It includes a USB 3.0 Type-B to Type-A cable, a FireWire 800 cable, an eSATA cable, a power cable, and keys for the lockable bay doors. Protection is provided by a limited 3-year warranty.
Abagail Auer (verified owner) –
I don’t review many products that I purchase, but this device is very special. Initially I was a bit put off be the steep price of a CRU enclosure compared to others brands, however I received it there was no question I had made the right decision. There are a number of other decentenclosures out there that may work okay for a relatively short period of time, but those enclosure is built like a tank – extremely sturdy with extraordinary attention to detail and a very simple configuration panel all serve to make this a device that I will rely on for many years to come. The other, less expensive enclosures are so light weight that if they fail you can just toss them and get a new enclosure, but the CRU will be around for a long time – and with very few moving parts, any repair work should be inexpensive enough to have done and then resume using the device. I do have one less expensive box that I can pop my drives into to use during any repair to my CRU, but honestly, I don’t expect to use it very often. I’ve had a lot of the big brand name devices both as DAS and NAS systems, but CRU is THE BEST built drive that I have EVER personally used. And as an added bonus, they don’t use any kind of proprietary encryption on your data forcing you to is another one of their devices or pay a recovery service a HUGE sum to decrypt your data! (Can’t say that for WD) The price is definitely a littl hard to swallow, but if you look at it as a long term investment, I truly believe it will be LESS expensive than cheaper models if you look at cost/operating hours.
Amaya Becker (verified owner) –
Wonderful RAID 0/1 enclosure for two HDDs. Works reliably and quietly. Very nice feature is that the HDDs are “hot” swappable. CRU no longer makes this machine so I bought a remaining new one as a backup to the original one I have just in case it were to fail some day. New models today offer internet interfaces which enhance mobility but I don’t need mobility and I like simple local control where I can swap out a HDD on a regular basis to keep a backup copy in a home safe and another in a safe deposit box. This way I have total local control with NO reliance of the internet, connectivity or the cloud.
Demond Mayert (verified owner) –
Very solid. Called CRU with question on different size drives and had excellent response. Works great with PC and WIndows 10. Easy to set up once I found Disk Management software on Windows 10. Have two Seagate 4TB Ironwolf Pro drives. Use for local storeage and backup. Once a month or after large shoot backup to cloud.
Alessandra Cassin (verified owner) –
Appears to be a very well built RAID enclosure. Easy to set up.
Leonora Baumbach (verified owner) –
I am using this product to store and back-up my photos and videos. It was easy to install and I was able to contact CRU for any questions I had. The tech support dept at CRU is fabulous.