ORICO 2189U3 Review: Secure Your Data In Style

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Awais Khan

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Orico sent us their Orico 2189U3 for review, focusing on their external storage solutions. Originally expecting a USB 3.1 2.5″ hard drive enclosure, we received the USB 3.0 version for 2.5″ SSD/HDD due to stock availability. The Orico 2189U3, a tool-less assembly, effortlessly converts any 2.5″ SATA-based HDD/SSD up to 2TB into a USB 3.0 external drive. With a simple open, insert, close, and play setup, it’s compatible with various operating systems without the need for additional drivers. The dedicated PCB ensures added protection features such as over-current, over-voltage, and overheat protection. Let’s dive into its performance and ease of use!

Key Takeaways

• Orico 2189U3 is a USB 3.0 external enclosure designed for a 2.5″ SATA-based SSD/HDD, providing tool-less assembly and compatibility with drives up to 2TB. It boasts a sleek design, ease of use, and safety features.
• It is ideal for users looking to convert their 2.5″ SATA SSD/HDD into a portable USB 3.0 external drive with a user-friendly setup, LED indicators, and shockproof pads for added protection.
• It is not suitable for users needing extremely high-speed data transfers, as there is a performance hit compared to using the drive directly via SATA III.

These are the specified requirements.

Packaging and Unboxing

The product is shipped in a rugged cardboard box with retail printing done right on the box itself.

Box Contents

The ORICO has provided the following items in the box:

• 1x External Enclosure
• 2x Anti-Vibration Pads
• 1x USB Adapter Cable
• 1x User Guide

Design

The ORICO 2.5” SATA USB 3.0 External Enclosure, known as Orico 2189u3, transforms your 2.5” SATA III SSD/HDD drive into an external drive. It’s a compact and well-designed gadget by ORICO that enhances the portability of non-portable drives.

The enclosure, measuring 125x80x14mm, is made of ABS material with a brushed aluminium finish for a sleek appearance. On the top, there’s an ORICO brand name and logo in silver, with a rough-textured surface and a blue LED indicator on the left side for drive operation status.

The backside of the enclosure reveals a two-fold design, with 19mm fixed to the front side and the rest of the cover being removable. The right side displays product information in silver, including the ORICO brand name, logo, product name, model, manufacturer’s website address, input current, and voltage.

The left side features a USB 3.0 Micro B port following the USAP protocol for enhanced sync speed and reduced CPU utilization. The enclosure comes with a braided black USB adapter cable with a blue end indicating USB 3.0. Opening the rugged cover reveals a design suitable for 2.5” SSD or HDD, with a SATA port, shockproof pads, and a simple slide-in mechanism. The enclosure utilizes SATA 3 bandwidth over the USB 3.0 interface, with multi-protection safety features like over-current, over-voltage, overheat, electric leakage, short circuit, clutter, fall resistance, and shockproof capabilities, though the operating temperature range is not specified.

Testing

The following test bench was used to test the drive:

• Intel i7 6850k
• Asus ROG Rampage V Edition 10
• Ballistics Elite 4x4GB @ 3000 MHz
• Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 FE
• Corsair AX1200i
• Samsung 840 EVO 250GB for OS
• HyperX 120GB SSD [Test Drive]
• PrimoChill Praxis WetBench

I connected the HyperX 120GB to the PC using the SATA III port and ran tests. Next, I placed the SSD in the ORICO 2.5” SATA USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure, connected it to the USB 3.0 port, and repeated the tests. Results are categorized with USB 3.0 and SATA III labels for clarity. Check out the results.

Should You Buy It?

Following an in-depth analysis of ORICO’s USB 3.0 External Enclosure, my judgment is:

Buy It If

✅ You are looking for a compact design: The Orico 2189U3 offers a tool-less assembly, making it easy to convert your 2.5″ SATA drive into a portable USB 3.0 external drive.

✅ You prioritize portability and ease of use: With a sleek design, lightweight construction, and a simple open-insert-close setup, this enclosure enhances the portability of non-portable drives.

✅ You want added safety features: The dedicated PCB in the enclosure provides over-current, over-voltage, and overheat protection, ensuring the safety of your hard drive or SSD during operation.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You require extremely high-speed data transfers: The Orico 2189U3 may not be suitable for applications demanding the highest speeds, as there is a performance hit compared to using the drive directly via SATA III.

Final Words

ORICO’s USB 3.0 External Enclosure turns your spare hard drive into a portable one with a USB 3.0 connection. It’s compact, made of tough ABS material, and supports up to 2TB drives. The case is sleek, weighs very little, and has a two-part design. The drive easily slides into a container inside, connecting its SATA ports to the enclosures. The case, though plastic, looks like brushed aluminum.

It’s rugged with a slide-out bottom cover. The USB 3.0 Micro B port connects with a provided cable. No drivers are needed, and it works with various operating systems. The enclosure includes multiple protections, such as overcurrent and overheat protection, making it a reliable and affordable choice for your 2.5″ SSD.

I am thankful to the ORICO for allowing reviewing their 2.5” SATA USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure Orico 2189u3.

Awais Khan

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com