Supporting multiple disc drives at the same time on iMacs?

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Supporting multiple disc drives at the same time on iMacs?

How powerful are the 21" and or 27" current iMacs in supporting multiple disc drives at the same time?

Posted on Sep 16, 2019 8:14 AM

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Answer 1

pokey b

Level 4

1,929 points

Sep 16, 2019 8:25 AM in response to HornblowerToo

Works fine for me, but maybe you could elaborate on exactly what you are intending to do with multiple drives. I use a 4 TB external drive for back up with Time Machine and also run another drive that has Super Super ! on it for making bootable clones. Having all 3 connected at the same time is no issue. I have never tried using a RAID system but understand that many users here do without issues.

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Answer 2

pokey b

Level 4

1,929 points

Sep 16, 2019 8:50 AM in response to HornblowerToo

I have never tried more than 4 drives attached at one time, but the iMac could handle that fine with no delays or crashing. Also, two of those 4 drives drew power from the Mac to operate. Most generally you will see brick powered drives recommended here, especially for a Time Machine drive. OWC products are also thought highly of here (by me included). I have never had an issue with any of their products.

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Answer 3

Sep 16, 2019 8:43 AM in response to pokey b

Thanks for replying. I currently have a MacBook Pro which has only two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one of which is the main power supply. It requires a dock with multiple USB ports (unknown type/brand) to facilitate interchange of information between multiple drives. However, I have tried several docks somewhat unsuccessfully. Consequently, I am looking at an iMac 21' or 27" with their 4 USB and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports to make this set up work. Interchange between drives would include 1-6 TB OWC (twin discs), 1-1.5 TB (Iomega) disc, 1-16 TB OWC (twin discs) and occasionally several Passport and Porsche 1 TB drives. The family set up requires this flexible form of storage/backup and intercommunication. Bottom line will the new iMacs handle a full house plugged in to the back (perhaps not quickly, but at least without crashing?).

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Answer 4

Sep 16, 2019 9:01 AM in response to pokey b

Thanks for taking the time to reply with worthwhile information!

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Answer 5

pokey b

Level 4

1,929 points

Sep 16, 2019 9:45 AM in response to HornblowerToo

You're welcome.

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Supporting multiple disc drives at the same time on iMacs?

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