3.5" Hard Drive Enclosure - does material and orientation make a difference?

[Whiffle]

Hi there.

I have a WD 14TB Elements Workbook (external HDD), plugged into my server, that I use for main storage.

I also have a spare 6TB WD Red that I want to start using for backups, so I need a HDD enclosure for it.

1. With hard drive enclosures, are they are much the same or should I look for anything specific? I have read that plastic ones can cause them to overheat, so aluminum is preferable. I also read that enclosures that stand on their side are better than flat as there is more surface area for the heat to come off. Might little real-world difference but would appreciate your thoughts.

2. Do the Workbook enclosures provide decent enough cooling or should I consider switching them around, so that the 14TB goes in the new enclosure instead? I really want the best case for the 14TB, as the other is only for backups.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks very much for that.

I was looking at dual bay enclosures but they seem overly expensive for what they are.

Great to know that orientation makes little difference - TBH, the Workbook enclosure scares me a bit as it is not particularly stable. I would prefer something flat if possible, just in case.

 

[Whiffle]

Completely agree - unfortunately, my server is a mini pc so all my hard drives have to be external.

Make sure you don't put the drive upside down, the data might fall off.

Don't they have special Australian HDDs that can handle that?

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks Soldato - really helpful.

Is it worth taking into account the chip on the enclosure as well?

I am looking at a couple at the the moment and one uses a ASM225CM chip, whereas the second uses ASM1153E - is there any real difference between these and should I factor it into my decision?