Testing the E4
To test the E4 we installed Windows 7 RC onto our E4 as well as a few other tests. Booting the PC took a few seconds longer due to the presence of the Highpoint controller bios loading, but once the controller started we were off and running.
Benchmarks
- HD Tune 2.55 (Available via our Downloads Center)
- I/O Meter
- Windows 7 RC Installation Time
HD Tune:
| Storage Type | Average Speed in MB/Sec |
| E4 | 389.6MB/s |
| Stardard SATA | 84.9MB/s |
I/O Meter
| Storage Type | Average Speed in MB/Sec |
| E4 | 305.4MB/s |
| Stardard SATA | 74.2MB/s |
Windows 7 RC Installation
| Storage Type | Average Time in Minutes and Seconds |
| E4 | 14:20 |
| Stardard SATA | 26:32 |
In each case the E4 box destroyed the onboard storage by a wide margin. In the case of the Windows 7 installation the time margin was greater than 12 minutes.
Conclusion:
The E4 is available through Bell Microproducts, CDW, and Directron, Mwave, Provantage, and Newegg to name just a few retailers. With an average online price of ~$340 to $400 (depending on the interface) the E4 makes for an excellent way to securely and easily attach large and amazingly speedy amounts of storage to any nearly machine. We found it to be ideal for servers and workstations but even home users who want to experience the ultimate in data access speed and performance would be well served by the E4. We love the hot swappable drives, overall construction, nearly silent operation, and performance of the E4. It takes up less space than shoebox and allows you to pack up to 6TB of additional storage to any server or network. For a big bang in a small space we are happy to give the E4 the TechwareLabs Approved Hardware Award.
Looking forward we have been told by a reliable source that Enhance Technology, Inc will have a new hot product coming soon called QuadraPack X14 for 2.5″ SAS & SATA HDDs. The X14 is a new high density removable multi-drive solution that provides the cutting edge SAS / SATA 2.5″ disks with security key locks into the 5.25″ half-height enclosure available for workstations and servers. This product will give consumers and businesses even more options and as described will fit into a 5.25″ enclosure for those who prefer an internal solution.
TechwareLabs Approved Hardware
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