The 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array from G-Technology is a high-performance, quad interface, desktop RAID that is compatible with Mac and Windows computer systems. The array features four enterprise-class 3.5" hard drives, each with a storage capacity of 1TB and a disk speed of 7200rpm. The array can connect to your computer via eSATA, FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0, and can be configured as a RAID 0 or RAID 5.
Cooling is provided by a smart fan, which varies speed based on the array's temperature. Each of the four enterprise-class hard drives is hot-swappable for easy maintenance, and the included software for Mac and Windows lets you configure the RAID level. When configured as a RAID 5, the array supports automatic rebuild.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4TB |
| Interface |
1x eSATA 2x FireWire-800 1x USB 2.0 (B) |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | 32MB |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
Operating System: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7; Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 Hardware: eSATA, FireWire-800, FireWire-400, or USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Desktop |
| Power Requirements | AC: 100-240VAC |
| Environmental Requirements | None |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.9 x 6.5 x 8.25" (12.4 x 16.6 x 21cm) |
| Weight | 12.5 lb (5.7kg) |
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by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
It's beautiful, Sleek, compact, and FAST! I use this in RAID 0 Stripe array. THe speed is incredible all I need and more for serious video editing. I use Avid MC 5.5, Final Cut Studio, After Effects, blah, blah.... This drive also looks great sitting next to my Mac Pro like they were made for each other. It doesn't disturb the aesthetics! During periods of silence when working late at night, the fan can be a little noisy and its ALWAYS RUNNING. Just remember to turn the drive off using the power switch on the back after you shutdown your Mac or PC. Definitely glad I made the plunge!
Set up was a breeze! It came pre set to Raid 5. I downloaded the software from the website, then ran the RAID configuration and within minutes I was using RAID 0. I'm using the eSata connection but the Raid configuration requires the USB connection, no sweat!
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
Just got my G-speed Q one week after the order (super quick).
Plugged it in on my IMac through Fire Wire 800 and its ready to go in RAID 5 mode! Delivers good perfomance for video editing with the security of a RAID 5 array! Love it.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
Bulky but very nice build and very easy to set up. You plug it and turn it on and you are done, BUT ... I found it extremely noisy. The main fan always turn at full speed. Only a hairdryer is slightly louder ... I use the unit for 6 month now and I'm fed up with the noise. [...] So I'm currently hesitating between replacing the fan myself by a quieter one but loosing warranty or replacing the whole unit by a different brand/model
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
So far so good. I have owned a 5 bay drobo before, completely terrible. Lost hours and hours of wedding video files. I bought this unit to replace it.
This 4TB G-Speed is fantastic. I had to buy it with the 4x pcie esata card. (Which I would suggest for compatibilities sake.)
No complaints. I back up my projects every night. And so far I can sleep soundly.
Easy to setup. Doesn't take up too much desk space. Quiet. It just works.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
I can back up everything I need as an editor with the perfect combination of speed and redundancy. B&H has a competitive price to boot.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
I use it for color grading and on-set stuff. Quad interface. 4 enterprise class 1 TB hard drives, seriously the cost of the drives almost makes the enclosure and controller free. Lightweight. No set-up. GTech quality.
Downsides: no set-up because it only does RAID 5 and 0. Good enough for my uses. It's a little noisy with the fan. Not insanely but a little.
A lot of value for the money.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
I bought this for RAID 5 storage of my video projects. I'm using it with my 2010 iMac i7 connected with Firewire 800. In this configuration it works very well with 1080P Apple ProRes 422 in Final Cut Studio. It's relatively quiet (not silent!) and remains cool after a full day of editing.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
I have been using the G-Speed Q 4TB unit for about a month now and it works great, it is really fast with transfer speeds using e-sata of arround 220mbps according to the aja test.
My only issue is that it is not really silent, the fan is always on and you can hear it all the time, currently I have it about 4 feet from my mac pro in a shelve and you can hear the fan on.
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Comments about G-Technology 4TB G-SPEED Q External Hard Drive Array:
I use this product exclusively for storage of video for my business. It is very easy to set up and very fast. If ever there is a problem the drive that is having difficulties can be removed separately and changed without loosing any footage stored.
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