To test the raw file transfer speed of the Vantec NexStar 3, we uploaded a 2GB test file to the external drive, then copied it back from the drive, measuring the time it took for both actions. This was to take into account possible differences in upstream and downstream file transfer speed with the USB 2.0 interface. For the internal drive test, copying the file once was all that was necessary.

2GB file transfer, WD400 in Vantec NexStar 3 USB 2.0 enclosure to system hard drive : 1 minute, 42 seconds ~ 23MB/s

2GB file transfer, System hard drive to WD400 in Vantec NexStar 3 USB 2.0 enclosure : 1 minute, 20 seconds ~ 27MB/s

Unsurprisingly, transfer feeds from the drive to the system were faster than the reverse, something we've observed in other external USB 2.0 HDD devices.

An attractive external enclosure

We liked the Vantec NexStar 3 USB 2.0 enclosure's style, and functionally it was just fine. It's aluminium construction means that it's just as light as a plastic external drive case, and looks better too. File transfer speeds were typical of a USB 2.0 external drive device, and more than fast enough for backing up large amounts of data, but not a replacement for internal hard drives.

The lack of an internal fan means the NexStar 3 is dead silent in operation, with our test drive not even audible through the casing. The only snag we hit with this product was the apparent failure of the hard drive activity LED, but we put that down to a defective LED or wiring.

The build quality is solid and the included plastic base and the four rubber feet on one side of the enclosure both provide a stable platform for the Vantec NexStar 3.

At a price of about $42 US (CAN $52), the Vantec NexStar 3 is a worthy pickup if you are in the market for an external drive enclosure.

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