Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure Review

Overview
Now lets take a detailed look into the NexStar HX2R. The front of the enclosure has a clear window with a power icon which will let you know when unit is powered on. Under that is a label for 1 which is drive one and then there is a label for drive 2. This lights up when the drive is on and in use. The bottom of the NexStar you can see little cut outs where air is brought in to cool the dual hard drives.

Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure

The top of the NexStar HX2R has ventilation which pushes air out of the top of the enclosure. The neat thing with the NexStar line is that the enclosures are round which gives air a little bit more room to be pulled through to cool internal parts and also hard drives. Another feature I would like to point out is that there is really no other enclosures that have the same design at all.

Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure

On the back of the NexStar HX2R you are able see the hard drive area where your drives are to be inserted into the enclosure. The brackets have a nice little pull tab which is big enough to put in one finger in order to pull out, you have to make sure before pulling out the bracket that you unlock the latch which keeps the bracket and your hard drive in. After getting the brackets taken of of the enclosure you are able to see that they kept the internal clutter free with area for air to move around.

Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure

The brackets are made out of plastic and with only 2 mounting holes on each bracket. The holes are recessed so you are able to slide the drive in and out without getting caught.

Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure

Now for all the major parts of the NexStar HX2R. You will have the power on the bottom left which is 12V with a system reset button next to it. Then we have the fan speed dial which allows us to either turn up the fan speed or turn it down. The USB 3.0 connector is right next to the RAID switches. We have the eSATA connection on the bottom and the power On/Off Switch on top of that.

Vantec NexStar HX2R Hard Drive Enclosure