USB 3.0 PCI ExpressCard/34 Adapter for my early 2011 17 inch Macbook Pro?

[Steve Grappone]

I think it maybe time to look at t-bolt options. I know Promise makes a great device.

[Samantha Bode]

Thank you so much for your response, Steve!

I am having trouble locating what you are referring to. Would you happen to have a link to the product, or some good terms to be able to search it? Right now, I am only coming up with card readers.

To give you an example of what I was looking for in terms of the USB 3.0 adapter: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet%20Technologies/USB32PMAE34/

Thanks!
Samantha

Samantha Bode

[Steve Grappone]

My recommendation was not to use USB 3.0 I would use the Thunderbolt connection that is already on your mac and use a raided system such as this:

https://www.promise.com/products/Pegasus/Pegasus2

Hope this helps.

[Samantha Bode]

Oh, ok! Thanks. I am currently on a really, really tight budget.

In your personal opinion, do you think it’s worth trying to get the USB 3.0 adapter?

Samantha Bode

[Chris Sebes]

If budget is very tight and you’re currently editing with USB3 drives, I’d go with the adapter. Buying a shiny new RAID system is wonderful, but expensive. Something like that Pegasus 2 starts at $1400. The USB3 speeds are very fast and a huge step up from the USB2 speeds. You should easily notice the difference.

Chris Sebes
Senior Video Editor
https://www.MediaMixStudios.com

[Rob Alexander]

As mentioned below, your drives should be up to it. USB 3 expresscards were a bit finicky on the macbooks – I have a caldigit one which has worked well but is no longer available. I suggest you look to something like the Caldigit TS2 which connects to your thunderbolt port and adds USB3, esata, ethernet and HDMI. A great little device!