heise+ Home for hard drives: 3.5-inch case for the Mac in test

A group of technology reviewers tested five external enclosures designed to house 3.5-inch hard drives for use with Apple Mac computers. The testing was conducted on July 13, 2026, and focused on evaluating how well these enclosures support both traditional mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). The review included models from several manufacturers, including DeLock, Orico, Pearl, RaidSonic, and Ugreen. Each enclosure was assessed based on ease of assembly, performance, and price. The review highlighted the growing interest in using mechanical hard drives due to recent increases in flash memory prices, which have made HDDs more attractive in terms of cost-effectiveness and storage capacity. Many users still possess unused HDDs or SATA-based SSDs from older computers or network-attached storage (NAS) devices, which they wish to repurpose. According to the testers, some enclosures allow for easy installation without tools, while others require minor screwing, ensuring better stability for the drives inside. The testing used a 3.5-inch Seagate Ironwolf Pro hard drive with a capacity of 30 terabytes, available in retail stores for approximately €1,100. To demonstrate the performance limits of each enclosure, the team also tested a WD Blue SATA SSD with a capacity of 1 terabyte, priced around €200. The results showed noticeable differences in speed among the SSDs, indicating that the choice of enclosure can significantly affect data transfer rates. The review noted that the tested enclosures vary in design and functionality. Some models feature tool-free mounting systems, making them ideal for users who prefer quick and simple setup. Others offer enhanced durability through additional screws and reinforced structures. The testers emphasized that while all enclosures functioned correctly, their performance varied depending on the type of drive being used and the specific model's internal components. Several manufacturers were mentioned in the review, including DeLock, Orico, Pearl, RaidSonic, and Ugreen. Each brand offered different features and price points, allowing consumers to choose based on their budget and requirements. A recommended product was found starting at €19, offering a balance between affordability and reliability. However, higher-end models came with additional features such as improved cooling systems and more robust build quality. The review also pointed out that cases for 3.5-inch drives are compatible with SATA-based SSDs, expanding their utility beyond traditional HDDs. This compatibility allows users to upgrade their existing drives without needing separate enclosures for different types of storage media. The testers observed that while SSDs generally perform faster than HDDs, the overall speed of the system depends heavily on the enclosure’s ability to handle high-speed data transfers efficiently. The article concluded with detailed tables comparing the tested products, highlighting key metrics such as price, ease of use, performance benchmarks, and user feedback. These comparisons provide potential buyers with a clear overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each enclosure, helping them make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. The full article is accessible to subscribers of the heise Plus service, offering further insights into the technical specifications and real-world usage scenarios of the reviewed products.