StarTech.com SATA to USB Cable - USB 3.0 to 2.5” SATA III Hard Drive Adapter - External Converter for SSD/HDD Data Transfer (USB3S2SAT3CB)

This was purchased to replace an intermittent no-name cable. I've always had good experiences with Startech branded items and this didn't disappoint. I've used it with Windows and Linux (NTFS and ext4 formats respectively) and various HDDs and SSD, always recognized and functional. While this doesn't have LEDs to indicate activity, it works great and fits tight. I don't have data transfer rates to determine if its truly USB 3.0 speeds, but I perceive that it is indeed fast...faster than other 2.0 external drives I've used. A great buy and versatile!

Inexpensive, lightweight, simple, and works.I found that most of the docking stations for SSDs were hard to use, because the connection was recessed inside a casing, and they also wanted to fit larger form factors, so the socket didn't guide the drive in well.Just having the simple connector was a lot easier and more convenient.

As the headline suggests, the cable is fine, check elsewhere if you run into an issue. And please, folks, this connects to a single USB port. USB power is limited to 500mA (USB 2.0) and 900mA (USB 3.0). You can't power a 3.5" HDD or an older 2.5" HDD with this cable, it's not the cable it is your computer's USB port.I've purchased several Startech products over the past several years. I like the quality and no-nonsense presentation. This cable has the added benefit over an older USB-SATA cable setup I had, in that it has 2 little led's to indicate data access (like on your computer).I bought this cable at the same time I purchased a new Samsung 500Gb 860 EVO SSD. I've done the laptop HDD to SSD clone process 6+ times. In the past, I've used a different USB-SATA cable and Samsung SSD's without a hitch. I like the the Samsung's because they're good and the cloning software is rock solid and a no brainer.When I hooked things up and used the latest version of Samsung's software, I had an issue with the software not recognizing the new SSD. Hmm, bad cable? bad SSD? I tried a different older SSD I had pulled from an earlier laptop upgrade and I could see it no problem in Win 10 explorer. Still nothing with the new SSD.So in one of the reviews of this product I saw the Startech tech support phone line. Lo and behold it (the number) worked and I was talking to an actual human tech support person in less than 3 minutes. Folks this is an $11 cable, I am impressed with this level of tech support. The tech person suggested I try to format it with drive manager in windows, which I did, while he was on the phone no less, and yes, I could format it and I could then see it in file manager and read/write files to the new SSD, so it is really, really unlikely to be the cable or a dud SSD, that leaves the Samsung software.This one phone call was really helpful and saved me from sending back the cable and the SSD as it would have been difficult to tell which was the culprit (neither in this case). I then did the old Google search and found the Samsung Magician software has a reputation for not seeing some of the newer versions of their SSDs. Further reading suggested that their Data Migration tool (which you use for cloning) didn't have the problem. After downloading the Data Migration software, I was able to see the new Samsung SSD and do the cloning. I really can't stress how big a time saver the support I got from Startech was. It wasn't their knowledge of Samsung's issues, but at least how to get to that point where I could establish it wasn't the SSD or cable that was the issue. Kudos to Startech and their tech support!One issue that was mentioned in the various support posts on the Samsung site (but I suspect is relevant to other newer SSDs), is you may want to check your bios setting for the HDD controller (SATA), mine was set to RAID, but the preferred is AHCI. I can't say whether this was part of the issue or not, but something to keep in mind.Hardware/softwareDell Precision M4500 (circa 2011) i7 chipsetWin 7 PRO, 64 bit-> cloning to Samsung 500 Gb 860 EVO SSDusing Samsung Data Migration software (not Samsung Magician)

The factory original HDD on my Dell Inspiron 5559 laptop (circa 2017) was limping along with 3+ minute boot times and occasional error messages. The machine itself is fine (previously upgraded RAM from 8 to 16mb) so rather than drop a bunch of coin on a new machine, decided to try the upgrade route. Watched a thousand YouTube videos to get ready.Got a 960gb Kingston A400 SDD. Needed a way to connect it to the laptop to clone from the failing HDD. This StarTech cable did the job in a no nonsense, budget friendly way. Used the USB3.0 to 2.5 SATA cable (data + power). Both ends made solid, trouble free connections. The cable and connector moldings seem well made with no obvious flaws or defects.Used a free trial version of Macrium Reflect X software to perform the clone. Everything – including this cable – worked flawlessly.For less than $60 total (the SDD + this cable) was able to give my laptop a new lease on life. Saved hundreds over taking it to a shop or purchasing a new laptop. Will hold on to this cable for the next time.

This adapter is a reliable tool for quick access to 2.5" SATA SSDs and HDDs. I used it to clone and format my 870 evo drive, and it worked flawlessly. Transfer speeds are solid over USB 3.0, and setup is truly plug and play—no drivers, no hassle.One limitation to note is that it does not support SMART monitoring or Samsung Magician software. If you rely on those features, this won’t be your go-to for diagnostics or firmware updates.Pros:Works instantly with no setupGood build quality and tight connector fitFast transfer speeds with UASP supportGreat for cloning, backups, or data recoveryVery compact and portableBringus Studios said it's the most reliable brand.Cons:No SMART data passthroughNot compatible with Samsung MagicianVerdict:Great for quick file access or cloning SSDs, just be aware of the SMART and Magician limitations. Still a dependable and affordable tool to keep around.

these things are great for hooking up my Video SSDs to my multi usb hub for my TV and ability to unplug and plug into a computer to change info or videos.I have purchased 10 or more,,,witha USB hub you can power 4 SSDs at a time on all sources i have tried without the external power cable on my HUB because i used a psu for my hub that was not a match and burned one up.

Just what I needed connect my new larger digital hard drive via USB to my Windows Laptop Hard Drive . Worked great after I figured out I had to open my Macrium Reflect Backup Software to read the new hard drive.

Outstanding value, worked exactly as needed. Will add this brand for cabling needs in the future.