LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive
The 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive from LaCie is a high-capacity external RAID solution. The drive features dual swappable disks, each with 7200rpm speed and a 16MB data buffer. It can be connected to a computer via eSATA, FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0.
The array can be configured in several configurations, including RAID 0 for maximum performance, RAID 1 for data mirroring, or concatenation mode for maximum storage capacity. The eSATA connection delivers burst data transfer rates of up to 165MB/sec, while FireWire-800 speeds along at 90MB/sec, FireWire-400 at 40MB/sec, and USB 2.0 at 35MB/sec. These features and more make the array a great solution for your large data storage needs.
- Connects via eSATA, FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0
- Perfect backup solution for creative professionals
- Configure as a RAID 0, RAID 1, mixed partition, or concatenated volume for customizable speed and protection
- Dual hot-swappable disks deliver non-stop data access
- Aluminum heat sink design for greater reliability
- Extensive software bundle includes Genie Backup Manager Pro for Windows and Intego Backup Manager Pro for Mac OS X
- Compatible with OS X Time Machine backup application
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4TB |
| Interface |
1x eSATA 2x 9-Pin FireWire-800 1x 6-Pin FireWire-400 1x USB 2.0 |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | ≤ 32MB (16MB per disk) |
| Average Seek Time | < 10ms |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Drivers | |
|---|---|
| Supported | Not Required |
| Included | Not Required |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mac | Mac OS X 10.4.6 or higher |
| Windows | Windows XP 64-bit, Windows Vista or higher |
| Hardware | eSATA, FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Desktop |
| Power Requirements | AC: 100-240VAC |
| Environmental Requirements | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.5 x 7.8 x 6.7" (9.1 x 20 x 17.2cm) |
| Weight | 6 lb (2.7kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (12)
- Fast (9)
- Easy to set up (8)
- Compact (7)
- Highly compatible (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- High volume (7)
- Home (5)
- Back-up (3)
- Extra storage (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (9)
- Primary use:
- Business (11), Personal (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Digital Peace of Mind
I highly recommend this drive for any professional or creative person looking for a backup system they can be truly confident in. As a photographer, I use the drive in SAFE RAID mode in ...Read complete review
I highly recommend this drive for any professional or creative person looking for a backup system they can be truly confident in. As a photographer, I use the drive in SAFE RAID mode in order to maintain mirrored backup of my images, the sum of my life's work for the past decade.
The 4TB 2big is also very versatile. I can envision using it for different purposes in the future. The huge capacity covers what I have now and leaves plenty of room to grow. And with the included SilverKeeper software, it's been extremely easy for me to maintain comprehensive backups of key folders.
Finally, the abundance of interface options ensures backward and forward compatibility. The dual FireWire800 input/outputs cover me for today, and the E-Sata input/output will ensure speedy transfers whenever I get my next computer.
Couldn't be happier! I've used LaCie for all of my storage for years, and this drive is yet another great tool.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great concept - Bad (re)design
PROs:
- drives of the 2big series are speedy
- multi interfaces
- solid build
- raid rebuild ability on the fly
- auto-power with mac sleep
- best c...Read complete review
PROs:
- drives of the 2big series are speedy
- multi interfaces
- solid build
- raid rebuild ability on the fly
- auto-power with mac sleep
- best compatibility with mac (as far as i have tested: western digital, maxtor, various self-build cases)
CONs:
- the big blue "ever-glowing" orb
- lacie external power supplies have the tendency to die frequently
- MAJOR PROBLEM: the slightest workload starts up the internal fans so fast that it becomes the equivalent of a hair dryer noise on your desk. impossible to ignore, and work with. the previous model (2big triple) does NOT exhibit this, even when the hotter 2gb drive trays are swapped in.
this is a design fault! i own the triple, and have no problems with noise. the fans are barely audible ever.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- attractive design
- high disk capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- all good
Best Uses
- additional storage
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
This is an attractive, compact device, especially if one takes into account its huge storage capacity. It works silently, and the transfer speed is very high. I've been using it for almost a year, and I'm very pleased with everything. Setting up RAID was easy. My data is now well protected. Overall I can say that, based on its performance, this is a very dependable device that is well worth the money.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- aluminum casing
- attractive design
- good software suite
- quadruple interface
- simple to use
Cons
- 0 problems, works well
Best Uses
- Backup
- Extra storage
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I was looking for a reliable RAID-array to make sure my work files were redundantly backed up. The 2Big Quadra was recommended to me by a colleague of mine, and I'm quite happy I followed the advice. The drive was very easy to configure. The instructions manual is well-written and the whole setup process took me no more than half an hour. I'm using the included backup software and have really nothing to complain about. The drive is silent, has a beautiful design and runs cool.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
- Quiet
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- High Volume
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
Only had this drive for a couple weeks, but so far everything has worked very smoothly. It's got a large storage space and was easily formatted to work with my Windows 7 based system here at work. One of the nicest features is how silent it is. There is absolutely no drive noise that I have noticed thus far and I have it sitting on my desk beside my left studio monitor, so definitely within ear range.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- easy to use
- four connection options
- four RAID modes
- Good looking
Cons
- no comments
Best Uses
- Backup
- Extra storage
- Video
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I've spent quite a while looking for the right RAID system to backup my work. I needed an easy to use RAID-array, with a minimum capacity of 2 TB. I have finally chosen 2big Quadra, and in more than a year of use, the device hasn't let me down once and I would thoroughly recommend it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- four RAID modes
- Quiet
- simple to use
- top quality
- tough aluminum casing
Cons
- all good
Best Uses
- backup drive
- Extra storage
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
The drive is very easy to setup, very solid and works well. The build quality is excellent. The disks are easily removable. I love that 2big has an actual ON/OFF switch and a shortcut button on the front that can be configured to launch any backup or library application of in just one push.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Setup
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I'm a professional videographer and I use this unit for file storage. Great size and compact design, chains nicely with other units. I use the Lacie with a Mac computer, so it's ready to go right out of the box. The 4TB version is noisier than the 2TB, but no big deal. Not cheap, but worth it for large amounts of storage.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Set Up
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume
- Small Networks
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I use my Lacie hard drive to house a major segment of my commercial work. It is asked to perform everyday and works great. Fast and looks good on the desktop. Lacie's set-up directions are pretty good, allowing for fast and easy start-up.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Set Up
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume
- Home
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
Using this with an intel iMac to store and access media files for Final Cut Pro. No troubles. Works reliably and efficiently. At this point, I would happily invest in another.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Esata - fast
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume
- Home
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
Very easy to configure the RAID.
Not loud at all.
Pre-formatted for MAC so if you use for Windows, it must be re-formatted.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Fast
Cons
- Loud
Best Uses
- Home
- Sensitive Materials
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
Used as primary storage for wedding photography business. It certainly has plenty of capacity for many needs. It is however, rather loud and may not be something you want running all the time. I only turn my on when I have to backup raw data and move finished projects over to storage. Plenty of connections. I put a "no" recommendation in this review because I would most likely opt for a g-tech if doing it over. But it is still a fine product.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
- High Volume
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I like the capacity of this drive. I just plugged it in and transferred my digital images with ease. With the small footprint on my desk it is easy to live with. The Fan makes more noise than my previous LaCie drive.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Fast
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
- Home
- Small Networks
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
This is may sixth LaCie hard drive and as the others this drive is excellent. It is compact, fast, and very versatile. I am a photographer and use it for large file back-up an I love it's twining aspect. My only complaint is that the fan is very noisy.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Set Up
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- High Volume
- Home
- Sensitive Materials
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I work with videos and finalcut and this disc is amazing, fast relaiable!!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Manage
- Easy To Set Up
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I use the drive as a backup device for my photo files; it has an a very good transfer rate /800/; silent, reliable and very easy to set up with my Mac.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Not too noisy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I use it as an additional USB drive configured in RAID 1.
Very simple to set up.
Performance is sufficient including for video streaming applications.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Good Protection
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
PROs:
- drives of the 2big series are speedy
- multi interfaces
- solid build
- raid rebuild ability on the fly
- auto-power with mac sleep
- best compatibility with mac (as far as i have tested: western digital, maxtor, various self-build cases)
CONs:
- the big blue "ever-glowing" orb
- lacie external power supplies have the tendency to die frequently
- MAJOR PROBLEM: the slightest workload starts up the internal fans so fast that it becomes the equivalent of a hair dryer noise on your desk. impossible to ignore, and work with. the previous model (2big triple) does NOT exhibit this, even when the hotter 2gb drive trays are swapped in.
this is a design fault! i own the triple, and have no problems with noise. the fans are barely audible ever.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Energy Efficient
- Fast
- Powerful
- Quiet
- Reliable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Enhance Experience
- Mirroring
- RAID
- STORAGE
- Upgrade
Comments about LaCie 4TB 2big Quadra External Hard Drive:
I highly recommend this drive for any professional or creative person looking for a backup system they can be truly confident in. As a photographer, I use the drive in SAFE RAID mode in order to maintain mirrored backup of my images, the sum of my life's work for the past decade.
The 4TB 2big is also very versatile. I can envision using it for different purposes in the future. The huge capacity covers what I have now and leaves plenty of room to grow. And with the included SilverKeeper software, it's been extremely easy for me to maintain comprehensive backups of key folders.
Finally, the abundance of interface options ensures backward and forward compatibility. The dual FireWire800 input/outputs cover me for today, and the E-Sata input/output will ensure speedy transfers whenever I get my next computer.
Couldn't be happier! I've used LaCie for all of my storage for years, and this drive is yet another great tool.
- Primary use:
- Business
Displaying reviews 1-17
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What's in the Box
- eSATA Cable
- 9-Pin to 9-Pin FireWire-800 Cable
- 6-Pin to 6-Pin FireWire-400 Cable
- USB 2.0 Cable
- External Power Supply
- LaCie Utilities CD-ROM
- Quick Install Guide
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
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