STARDOM ST1000-2-S2C
Fri, 09/14/2007 - 16:45 — Tomas Hlatky
I had an opportunity to test an internal aluminum drive module from Taiwanese firm STARDOM, specifically model ST1000-2-S2C which happens to be 2 in1 model since it is capable of supporting 3,5"SATA I/II HDD and 2,5" SATA or PATA (IDE) HDD at the same time. If you are interested in knowing how the manufacturer managed to accomplish this and the results of the test, please continue reading.
Introduction
The STARDOM trademark was established by Taiwanese firm RAIDON Technology Inc. The word STARDOM originates from Chinese equivalent "star group". Hence the STARDOM products are expected to be "superstars", give an excellent performance and achieve success in the market. These expectations drive STARDOM to provide safe data storage solutions to protect individuals' or companies' data... you can learn more on STARDOM's website by clicking the "About STARDOM" link. Distributor of STARDOM products in Europe are RaidSonic and NanoPoint. STARDOM product offerings are divided into five categories: SOHORAID (SR), SOHOTANK (ST), LAN Storage (SL), Storage Encryption (SE) and iTANK (i). Since the box tested is the 2 in 1 model it belongs to SOHOTANK category. That will do for now, let's take a look at the box packaging.
Packaging and accessories
The SOHOTANK-ST1000-2-S2C is packed in a 163x55x210 mm cardboard box which is only a few mm bigger than the case itself (148x42x194mm). But it serves its purpose to protect the product and gives the information about its features. The packaging features nice images, instructions how and where to use the box with component description and with required technical description in several languages.
Upon opening of the package you will find the same kind of bubble wrap as used for packaging of optical drives. Besides the SOHOTANK you will find a brief illustrated informative sheet, plastic bag with 6 medium sized coarse thread screws needed for fastening 3,5 HDD to a removable tray, and finally 2 plastic keys to open the case doors. The box is opened in a similar way as opening a jammed optical drive or when trying to open optical drive with PC turned off - with a long object inserted in small opening in order to press the release lever. I am not sure why STARDOM decided to use this annoying system which certainly cannot be considered as safe (after I opened the box for the first time I accidentally left the "keys" inside and closed it so I had to use a paper clip to open the box again). Inside the box there were two additional plastic bags. First one contained 6 short fine-thread screws for 2,5" HDD and the second one had 12 long fine-thread screws to attach the box in the PC case.
SOHOTANK-ST1000-2-S2C
After my first observations of the box I was surprised by its weight and robustness. It weighs 0,7 kg and is made of good quality aluminum. The front door is made of black plastic with thin aluminum plate made of the same material as the box with matt silver surface finish. To prevent the door from scratching there is a translucent plastic wrap on it.
Large Open/Close button is located on the front door. Under the Open/Close button are 3 air vents. Behind the first one are two holes for green power LED indicator and a red LED indicating fan malfunction or overheating.
Upon pressing the Open/Close button the door opens slightly and can be easily tipped open. Right behind it is the frame for 3,5" disk. On the right side are two holes - smaller for blue disk activity LED indicator and the bigger for open-close mechanism of the frame. After pressing the lever hidden behind the bigger hole using the supplied plastic "key" a massive aluminum handle opens up and the enclosure slightly slips out as shown in picture. The frame can then be simply pulled out.
When opened for the first time I was surprised to see the walls of the 3,5" disk frame connected by a black plastic holder with the two plastic bags containing screws I mentioned before in it. I was wondering what this so called "transport holder" was for, then I realized that without it the frame in the box is really loose so it is useful after all.
Before mounting the 3,5" HDD remove the black holder and mount the HDD instead. You can use the previously unscrewed HDD screws and keep the screws in the plastic bag as spares.
Push the frame with the HDD back to into the box and you can use it immediately. Problem can occur if the enclosure handle closes because then it's impossible to push the frame into the box and it's necessary to unlock the handle using the "key" again. Be aware of this when handling the frame and keep the handle wide open.
Located on the back side of the case is SATA port, MOLEX connector to connect the disk, double-pin fan connector and the fan itself. The 12V fan, model DFS401012L with dimensions 40x40 mm, power input 0.7W is made by Taiwanese Firm Young Lin Tech Co. Ltd. For 2.5" HDD there is a small opening below connectors, between the fan and the left side of the box.
After removal of the rear panel by loosening screws we can inspect the printed circuit with connectors. To remove the panel completely, unplug the 4-conductor ribbon cable for the front red and green LED indicators, only then can the panel be pulled out as shown on the picture. Part of the fan is blocked (see picture) but I was surprised to find out how quiet the fan was considering its small size and high RPM. It also provides fairly decent cooling of the installed HDD. Until I completely disassembled the box, I could not figure out how the blue disk activity LED on the front panel works. It turns out the design is very simple, the actual blue SMD LED is located right next to the 4-pin connector for red and green LEDs. In the black plastic of the 3.5" disk frame is a small tube inside of which is another clear tube that transmits the blue light from the rear SMD LED to the front panel and so it appears as if the LED light source was located right on the front panel.
The place under the case has been cleverly utilized for installation of the 2.5" HDD which is fixed to the case through a simple U- shaped plastic profile. The profile is held in grooves and screwed so the disk is safe. You can use the supplied screws when mounting the disk to the profile.
In my opinion this space utilization is a very smart idea and effective use of otherwise unused space of the box, however there are few minor things:
1) This design is extremely inconvenient from mobility point of view and most likely is good only for users who install the disk and don't need to swap it frequently. I don't think I can even imagine a worse design to access the disk.
2) It is impossible to connect the 2.5" IDE disk to the standard desktop motherboard without reduction.
3) If there is a 3.5" disk with several plates installed in the box producing good amount of heat, and another 2.5" disk below, one can end up with sort of thermal sandwich which won't add to disks' lifetime.
4) It is a good idea to leave one empty slot under the case and to have another one above it would not hurt either.
Test equipment
Test experience and conclusion
After unpacking of the box, complete disassembly of the unit and uncovering all of its hidden secrets :) as well as getting used to the annoying unlocking of the box using the "key", I decided to do a little thermal test. There was nothing more to test anyway since the box is a passive device and connecting the HDD to its main board does not influence the data transfer rate. I have already mentioned the fan and again, I have not noticed any increase in the PC noise when switching the box on. I've also mentioned the red warning LED on the front panel that indicates fan malfunction or overheating. I can confirm that after manually stopping the fan LED indicator comes on but there is no indication if the fan is disconnected. I do not understand how the overheating indicator is meant to work and definitely did not want to try it using my HDD full of valuable data.
In my relatively large enclosure bin for six HDD I keep three HDD and have one empty slot separating each one of them. There is no additional cooling equipment installed. After the PC runs for 10 minutes, I read the idle temperature of the disk on top of the stack - an older 250GB model HITACHI HDT722525DLA380, using the HITACHI Feature Tool. Temperature reading was 36 C. Afterwards I started the thermal test - random seeking running for 10 minutes. The disk temperature rose to the 40 C. Next step was to install SOHOTANK and a thermal test of its HDD with the fan switched on and off.
In my situation the installation of the box was easier compared to users with standard computer cases. I attached the screws with large head provided by Chieftec to the box and then easily inserted the box into an empty slot (other "better" quality case manufacturers have a similar solution). The slots above and below the box were empty. After the PC being switched on for ten minutes the temperature of the HDD located in the SOHOTANK was 38 C with the fan running, which is 2 degrees higher than it was when HDD installed in the case bin. After the 10 minute thermal test, HDD temperature increased to 42 C. It's safe to say that the HDD temperature installed in SOHOTANK with the fan running increased only by 2 degrees which is an excellent result.
Last test consisted of measuring the HDD temperature with fan switched off.
The disk idle temperature increased to 40 C which is a burn disk temperature located in the case bin with other disks. The burn temperature was 45 C so one can see that the fan serves its purpose, yet even in the situation when the fan is disconnected, temperature of the disk is maintained at reasonable level. These measured values should only be taken as general values and may not be the same in your system. It is possible however to predict how a HDD installed in the box may behave.
As far as temperature is concerned, the case performed well. However, when I take into consideration the functionality of the case, I am not quite sure anymore. But again, it depends on what your intensions are when you decide to purchase it. If you buy it because you don't feel like opening the PC and looking for available cables and slots every time your friend shows up with his HDD, then it's OK - SOHOTANK will do the job. I cannot say the same however if you want to travel with your HDD installed in the SOHOTANK. The enclosure doesn't protect the HDD enough and must be removed and put into another box to be carried. Even though the box is compatible with another seven STARDOM boxes it doesn't make any difference. But as I mentioned before, it is up to you to decide if the STARDOM satisfies your needs.
PS: Thanks to my great friend GAnitaS for pictures and to mr.ja for editing.
Tomas Hlatky
Introduction
The STARDOM trademark was established by Taiwanese firm RAIDON Technology Inc. The word STARDOM originates from Chinese equivalent "star group". Hence the STARDOM products are expected to be "superstars", give an excellent performance and achieve success in the market. These expectations drive STARDOM to provide safe data storage solutions to protect individuals' or companies' data... you can learn more on STARDOM's website by clicking the "About STARDOM" link. Distributor of STARDOM products in Europe are RaidSonic and NanoPoint. STARDOM product offerings are divided into five categories: SOHORAID (SR), SOHOTANK (ST), LAN Storage (SL), Storage Encryption (SE) and iTANK (i). Since the box tested is the 2 in 1 model it belongs to SOHOTANK category. That will do for now, let's take a look at the box packaging.
Packaging and accessories
The SOHOTANK-ST1000-2-S2C is packed in a 163x55x210 mm cardboard box which is only a few mm bigger than the case itself (148x42x194mm). But it serves its purpose to protect the product and gives the information about its features. The packaging features nice images, instructions how and where to use the box with component description and with required technical description in several languages.
Upon opening of the package you will find the same kind of bubble wrap as used for packaging of optical drives. Besides the SOHOTANK you will find a brief illustrated informative sheet, plastic bag with 6 medium sized coarse thread screws needed for fastening 3,5 HDD to a removable tray, and finally 2 plastic keys to open the case doors. The box is opened in a similar way as opening a jammed optical drive or when trying to open optical drive with PC turned off - with a long object inserted in small opening in order to press the release lever. I am not sure why STARDOM decided to use this annoying system which certainly cannot be considered as safe (after I opened the box for the first time I accidentally left the "keys" inside and closed it so I had to use a paper clip to open the box again). Inside the box there were two additional plastic bags. First one contained 6 short fine-thread screws for 2,5" HDD and the second one had 12 long fine-thread screws to attach the box in the PC case.
SOHOTANK-ST1000-2-S2C
After my first observations of the box I was surprised by its weight and robustness. It weighs 0,7 kg and is made of good quality aluminum. The front door is made of black plastic with thin aluminum plate made of the same material as the box with matt silver surface finish. To prevent the door from scratching there is a translucent plastic wrap on it.
Large Open/Close button is located on the front door. Under the Open/Close button are 3 air vents. Behind the first one are two holes for green power LED indicator and a red LED indicating fan malfunction or overheating.
Upon pressing the Open/Close button the door opens slightly and can be easily tipped open. Right behind it is the frame for 3,5" disk. On the right side are two holes - smaller for blue disk activity LED indicator and the bigger for open-close mechanism of the frame. After pressing the lever hidden behind the bigger hole using the supplied plastic "key" a massive aluminum handle opens up and the enclosure slightly slips out as shown in picture. The frame can then be simply pulled out.
When opened for the first time I was surprised to see the walls of the 3,5" disk frame connected by a black plastic holder with the two plastic bags containing screws I mentioned before in it. I was wondering what this so called "transport holder" was for, then I realized that without it the frame in the box is really loose so it is useful after all.
Before mounting the 3,5" HDD remove the black holder and mount the HDD instead. You can use the previously unscrewed HDD screws and keep the screws in the plastic bag as spares.
Push the frame with the HDD back to into the box and you can use it immediately. Problem can occur if the enclosure handle closes because then it's impossible to push the frame into the box and it's necessary to unlock the handle using the "key" again. Be aware of this when handling the frame and keep the handle wide open.
Located on the back side of the case is SATA port, MOLEX connector to connect the disk, double-pin fan connector and the fan itself. The 12V fan, model DFS401012L with dimensions 40x40 mm, power input 0.7W is made by Taiwanese Firm Young Lin Tech Co. Ltd. For 2.5" HDD there is a small opening below connectors, between the fan and the left side of the box.
After removal of the rear panel by loosening screws we can inspect the printed circuit with connectors. To remove the panel completely, unplug the 4-conductor ribbon cable for the front red and green LED indicators, only then can the panel be pulled out as shown on the picture. Part of the fan is blocked (see picture) but I was surprised to find out how quiet the fan was considering its small size and high RPM. It also provides fairly decent cooling of the installed HDD. Until I completely disassembled the box, I could not figure out how the blue disk activity LED on the front panel works. It turns out the design is very simple, the actual blue SMD LED is located right next to the 4-pin connector for red and green LEDs. In the black plastic of the 3.5" disk frame is a small tube inside of which is another clear tube that transmits the blue light from the rear SMD LED to the front panel and so it appears as if the LED light source was located right on the front panel.
The place under the case has been cleverly utilized for installation of the 2.5" HDD which is fixed to the case through a simple U- shaped plastic profile. The profile is held in grooves and screwed so the disk is safe. You can use the supplied screws when mounting the disk to the profile.
In my opinion this space utilization is a very smart idea and effective use of otherwise unused space of the box, however there are few minor things:
1) This design is extremely inconvenient from mobility point of view and most likely is good only for users who install the disk and don't need to swap it frequently. I don't think I can even imagine a worse design to access the disk.
2) It is impossible to connect the 2.5" IDE disk to the standard desktop motherboard without reduction.
3) If there is a 3.5" disk with several plates installed in the box producing good amount of heat, and another 2.5" disk below, one can end up with sort of thermal sandwich which won't add to disks' lifetime.
4) It is a good idea to leave one empty slot under the case and to have another one above it would not hurt either.
Test equipment
- ASUS P5B Deluxe (BIOS 1101)
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
- Scythe NINJA PLUS Rev.B
- 2 x A-Data DDR2 1 GB 800MHZ (4,4,4,12)
- ASUS EAX1950PRO/HTDP/256M
- Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATAII (ST3320620AS)
- 2 x Hitachi DeskStar T7K250 250 GB SATAII (HDT722525DLA380)
- Samsung SH-S183A (FW SB02)
- Tagan EASYOON TG530-U15
- Chieftec LBX01BBB + AC Fan 12
- Samsung 215TW
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2
- HITACHI Feature Tool 2.03
Test experience and conclusion
After unpacking of the box, complete disassembly of the unit and uncovering all of its hidden secrets :) as well as getting used to the annoying unlocking of the box using the "key", I decided to do a little thermal test. There was nothing more to test anyway since the box is a passive device and connecting the HDD to its main board does not influence the data transfer rate. I have already mentioned the fan and again, I have not noticed any increase in the PC noise when switching the box on. I've also mentioned the red warning LED on the front panel that indicates fan malfunction or overheating. I can confirm that after manually stopping the fan LED indicator comes on but there is no indication if the fan is disconnected. I do not understand how the overheating indicator is meant to work and definitely did not want to try it using my HDD full of valuable data.
In my relatively large enclosure bin for six HDD I keep three HDD and have one empty slot separating each one of them. There is no additional cooling equipment installed. After the PC runs for 10 minutes, I read the idle temperature of the disk on top of the stack - an older 250GB model HITACHI HDT722525DLA380, using the HITACHI Feature Tool. Temperature reading was 36 C. Afterwards I started the thermal test - random seeking running for 10 minutes. The disk temperature rose to the 40 C. Next step was to install SOHOTANK and a thermal test of its HDD with the fan switched on and off.
In my situation the installation of the box was easier compared to users with standard computer cases. I attached the screws with large head provided by Chieftec to the box and then easily inserted the box into an empty slot (other "better" quality case manufacturers have a similar solution). The slots above and below the box were empty. After the PC being switched on for ten minutes the temperature of the HDD located in the SOHOTANK was 38 C with the fan running, which is 2 degrees higher than it was when HDD installed in the case bin. After the 10 minute thermal test, HDD temperature increased to 42 C. It's safe to say that the HDD temperature installed in SOHOTANK with the fan running increased only by 2 degrees which is an excellent result.
Last test consisted of measuring the HDD temperature with fan switched off.
The disk idle temperature increased to 40 C which is a burn disk temperature located in the case bin with other disks. The burn temperature was 45 C so one can see that the fan serves its purpose, yet even in the situation when the fan is disconnected, temperature of the disk is maintained at reasonable level. These measured values should only be taken as general values and may not be the same in your system. It is possible however to predict how a HDD installed in the box may behave.
As far as temperature is concerned, the case performed well. However, when I take into consideration the functionality of the case, I am not quite sure anymore. But again, it depends on what your intensions are when you decide to purchase it. If you buy it because you don't feel like opening the PC and looking for available cables and slots every time your friend shows up with his HDD, then it's OK - SOHOTANK will do the job. I cannot say the same however if you want to travel with your HDD installed in the SOHOTANK. The enclosure doesn't protect the HDD enough and must be removed and put into another box to be carried. Even though the box is compatible with another seven STARDOM boxes it doesn't make any difference. But as I mentioned before, it is up to you to decide if the STARDOM satisfies your needs.
PS: Thanks to my great friend GAnitaS for pictures and to mr.ja for editing.
Tomas Hlatky
