The 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is a cross-platform, high-capacity, high-performance external drive, well-suited to handle the backup and storage demands of creative professionals. Designed to work with either your Windows or Mac computer, this drive features a large capacity of 3TB, a 7200rpm disk speed, 32MB of onboard cache, and an impressive mix of three different interfaces. It has a blazing fast USB 3.0 port, an eSATA 3Gbps port, and two FireWire 800 ports.
Although Mac OS X typically doesn't support USB 3.0 connections, LaCie has created a driver that allows you to use this interface with your Mac (also requires a LaCie USB 3.0 card for your computer). Also with regard to Mac computers, the two FireWire 800 ports allow you to daisy-chain the drive. With the drive, you can transfer data at up to 130MB/s via USB 3.0, 115MB/s via eSATA, and 85MB/s via FireWire 800.
The drive also features a heat-sink design for heat dissipation as well as a programmable eco-management mode. It comes with Genie Backup Assistant and Intego Backup Assistant software for backing up your data and restoring any data that you might have accidentally deleted. Whether you stack it with other d2 Quadra drives, mount it in a rack, or stand it upright, this drive is a versatile, exceptional backup and storage solution for the consumer or creative professional.
Please note that Windows XP does not recognize volumes of more than 2TB.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3TB |
| Interface |
2x FireWire 800 (9-pin) port 1x USB 3.0 port (USB 2.0 compatible) 1x eSATA 3Gbps port |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | 32MB |
| Data Transfer Rate |
FireWire 800: up to 800Mbps USB 3.0: up to 5Gbps eSATA 3Gbps: up to 3Gbps USB 2.0: up to 480Mbps |
| Maximum Transfer Rate |
Maximum Bus Speed FireWire 800: up to 85MB/s USB 3.0: up to 130MB/s USB 2.0: up to 35MB/s eSATA 3Gbps: up to 115MB/s Note: These maximum transfer rates were achieved using Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. Performance test system: Windows 7 32-bit, Intel Core i7 860, 2 x Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC16000 CL9 2GB. Burst transfer rates vary from one computer to another and may vary slightly from one drive to another. Average speed is usually lower depending on host configuration |
| System Requirements |
Computer with an USB 3.0, USB 2.0, eSATA 3Gb/s, FireWire 800, or FireWire 400 port Latest version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 / Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 or greater (Intel only) Minimum free disk space: 600MB recommended Note: Mac OS X does not natively support USB 3.0; however, LaCie offers a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card and USB 3.0 ExpressCard/34 that can provide a Mac with a USB 3.0 port. In addition to the card, you must also install the USB 3.0 driver for Macs from LaCie. |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Upright or horizontally |
| Power Requirements | 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz |
| Environmental Requirements | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.3 x 6.6 x 7.2" / 6 x 16.8 x 18.3 cm |
| Weight | 3.7 lb / 1.7 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
"You want the best product? Buy LaCie."
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
3TB LaCie d2 Quadra falls asleep
I'm a long time LaCie user. I've been editing video professionally for many years. I own several 2TB d2 Quadras that have performed very well on the road for years. If necessary I can...Read complete review
I'm a long time LaCie user. I've been editing video professionally for many years. I own several 2TB d2 Quadras that have performed very well on the road for years. If necessary I can even edit directly to them without a problem.
The 3TB drive is a nightmare. It goes to sleep and then will not wake up. It has locked up my entire system on many occasions. Calling LaCie for help was useless. I spent hours of my time trying to fix a new drive through their support. LaCie knows they shipped a bad batch of drives but does not want to bear the cost of fixing their mistake. Shame on them. Their final solution was for me to send in the drive at my expense and they would take a look. This is after I had to loaded data on the drive so I would need to but another drive to copy my files to. So how much money do they expect me to lose on this deal?
When your in a small business you don't have the luxury of large capital budgets. You have to make your money count. You need a company that's going to stand behind their products. When I think of the amount of billable time I spent trying to fix a new drive it angers me. It still falls asleep if left on and still will lock up my system. Anyone who edits video knows that can cause a lot of problems. I have to use it as store of old files and only turn it on when I have to. I chalk this up as a learning experience and warn anyone considering buying this unit.
Shame on LaCie for putting this on the backs of their customers.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 42 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use this Quadra and 4 others like it in sound design, audio mixing, and music backup and recording. The cross-platform functionality and Firewire 800 is a plus, it's relatively quiet, and does the job for extended hours and projects. What else can ya ask for?!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I only use Lacie D2 external drives for my video editing and have for years. I have never had an problem with them as long as you eject every time. They are very fast and can handle multiple steams of ProRes. These drives make the perfect companion for mobile editing with a MacBook Pro.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Enjoy having space for storing all my photos.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Used as a work drive for commercial video editing.
Fast enough to edit on without any issues.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
This is my sixth Lacie external harddrive because they are the best for use with video clips. I've lost files with other brands. Lacie is reliable, come ready to use, easy to piggyback and stack for efficient workspace. I do not use anything else when it comes to video work.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
These drives have proven to be very dependable. I use them heavily in my graphics studio. Easy plug and play.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I started out with the 2T and just got the 3.
They run fast and quiet and look good doing so.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use LaCie hard drives to edit on my MacBook with Avid software. I am looking forward to the work space on the 3TB d2 Quadra.
Also I have had very good luck with LaCie customer service whenever I have needed guidance.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Using primarily for large file photo storage. Blows away my previous WD which was always glitchy. Unit is built like a tank which I hope is an indication of longevity. Could use better instructions for initial setup and partitioning. Customer service was extremely helpful and prompt with a response to my setup questions.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
LaCie has once again proven themselves as a leader in portable storage options. This product is fast and easy to setup with the added benefit of LaCie's support.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use this drive for photos, and first purchased another unnamed brand and it didn't work with aperture and my iMac. LaCie works just like it should with both, no problems
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I love the quality that Lacie drives provide. This is my 3rd drive that I have bought that is Lacie. My oldest one is 6 years old and is still working. The aluminum housing allows the drive to get enough air flow, so the drive does not over heat. Specifically I like that this drive has 2 firewire 800 ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, and 1 eSata port. I got this drive to backup a bunch of video projects that I have done and it worked great with awesome file transfer speed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Doing wedding videos for long time and using LaCie, now I have 5 of this, different capacity, and never have a problem!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I am a photographer and I use this exterinal hard drive to store my images on. The quality of build on this device allows me to use it to store non repaceable images on. I like the ease of set-up and the speed it operates at.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I'm using it with the esata cable. No problems and it's really fast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
this is my third lacie. i use them for double back ups of ciritcal projects on my mac. very easy out of the box set up. drag and drop functionality and the usb3.0 is lightening fast.
i've found them reliable, compact and not unsightly to have displayed on my work surface.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Online backup connected my router - part of my new workflow using Lightroom.
My only gripe is that when you connect it for the first time they highly recomend using the LacieSetup program.
If you connect it using eSata - the program does not run.
To overcome this - connect with usb - run the program and only then connect eSata.
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Using it to capture DVCProHD video over FireWire with a laptop. Works fine.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Am using this to store my image library and Lightoom catalog....backing it up to another external. So far, no problems....quiet and efficient. I use Microsoft's SyncToy to back up. Even though my current computer is USB 2.0 it "feels" faster than my older Western Digitals...am looking forward to using the 3.0 on the next computer.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
"You want the best product? Buy LaCie."
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
3TB LaCie d2 Quadra falls asleep
I'm a long time LaCie user. I've been editing video professionally for many years. I own several 2TB d2 Quadras that have performed very well on the road for years. If necessary I can...Read complete review
I'm a long time LaCie user. I've been editing video professionally for many years. I own several 2TB d2 Quadras that have performed very well on the road for years. If necessary I can even edit directly to them without a problem.
The 3TB drive is a nightmare. It goes to sleep and then will not wake up. It has locked up my entire system on many occasions. Calling LaCie for help was useless. I spent hours of my time trying to fix a new drive through their support. LaCie knows they shipped a bad batch of drives but does not want to bear the cost of fixing their mistake. Shame on them. Their final solution was for me to send in the drive at my expense and they would take a look. This is after I had to loaded data on the drive so I would need to but another drive to copy my files to. So how much money do they expect me to lose on this deal?
When your in a small business you don't have the luxury of large capital budgets. You have to make your money count. You need a company that's going to stand behind their products. When I think of the amount of billable time I spent trying to fix a new drive it angers me. It still falls asleep if left on and still will lock up my system. Anyone who edits video knows that can cause a lot of problems. I have to use it as store of old files and only turn it on when I have to. I chalk this up as a learning experience and warn anyone considering buying this unit.
Shame on LaCie for putting this on the backs of their customers.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 42 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use this Quadra and 4 others like it in sound design, audio mixing, and music backup and recording. The cross-platform functionality and Firewire 800 is a plus, it's relatively quiet, and does the job for extended hours and projects. What else can ya ask for?!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I only use Lacie D2 external drives for my video editing and have for years. I have never had an problem with them as long as you eject every time. They are very fast and can handle multiple steams of ProRes. These drives make the perfect companion for mobile editing with a MacBook Pro.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Enjoy having space for storing all my photos.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Used as a work drive for commercial video editing.
Fast enough to edit on without any issues.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
This is my sixth Lacie external harddrive because they are the best for use with video clips. I've lost files with other brands. Lacie is reliable, come ready to use, easy to piggyback and stack for efficient workspace. I do not use anything else when it comes to video work.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
These drives have proven to be very dependable. I use them heavily in my graphics studio. Easy plug and play.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I started out with the 2T and just got the 3.
They run fast and quiet and look good doing so.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use LaCie hard drives to edit on my MacBook with Avid software. I am looking forward to the work space on the 3TB d2 Quadra.
Also I have had very good luck with LaCie customer service whenever I have needed guidance.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Using primarily for large file photo storage. Blows away my previous WD which was always glitchy. Unit is built like a tank which I hope is an indication of longevity. Could use better instructions for initial setup and partitioning. Customer service was extremely helpful and prompt with a response to my setup questions.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
LaCie has once again proven themselves as a leader in portable storage options. This product is fast and easy to setup with the added benefit of LaCie's support.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I use this drive for photos, and first purchased another unnamed brand and it didn't work with aperture and my iMac. LaCie works just like it should with both, no problems
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I love the quality that Lacie drives provide. This is my 3rd drive that I have bought that is Lacie. My oldest one is 6 years old and is still working. The aluminum housing allows the drive to get enough air flow, so the drive does not over heat. Specifically I like that this drive has 2 firewire 800 ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, and 1 eSata port. I got this drive to backup a bunch of video projects that I have done and it worked great with awesome file transfer speed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Doing wedding videos for long time and using LaCie, now I have 5 of this, different capacity, and never have a problem!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I am a photographer and I use this exterinal hard drive to store my images on. The quality of build on this device allows me to use it to store non repaceable images on. I like the ease of set-up and the speed it operates at.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
I'm using it with the esata cable. No problems and it's really fast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
this is my third lacie. i use them for double back ups of ciritcal projects on my mac. very easy out of the box set up. drag and drop functionality and the usb3.0 is lightening fast.
i've found them reliable, compact and not unsightly to have displayed on my work surface.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Online backup connected my router - part of my new workflow using Lightroom.
My only gripe is that when you connect it for the first time they highly recomend using the LacieSetup program.
If you connect it using eSata - the program does not run.
To overcome this - connect with usb - run the program and only then connect eSata.
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Using it to capture DVCProHD video over FireWire with a laptop. Works fine.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0 is the best product I have ever had. It's portable, attractive design,quiet,huge capacity, easy to use and assembled in US.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 3TB LaCie d2 Quadra with USB 3.0:
Am using this to store my image library and Lightoom catalog....backing it up to another external. So far, no problems....quiet and efficient. I use Microsoft's SyncToy to back up. Even though my current computer is USB 2.0 it "feels" faster than my older Western Digitals...am looking forward to using the 3.0 on the next computer.