Orico MiniTower 2 Bay RAID Review: A Fun, Affordable Storage Solution with Speed Limits

When it comes to expanding your Mac’s storage, external solutions have always been a go-to, especially given Apple’s notorious markup on internal upgrades. Enter the Orico MiniTower 2 Bay RAID—a compact, affordable enclosure that promises to boost your desktop storage without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dive in.

Design: A Mini Mac Tower for Your Desk

The Orico MiniTower is a sleek, rounded square cylinder crafted from aluminum, reminiscent of a taller Mac mini. Its design is clearly aimed at Mac users, fitting perfectly into the same footprint as a modern M4 Mac mini. The white top and circular “foot” not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also serve a functional purpose by aiding airflow.

While there are some differences—like the white top—the MiniTower still manages to look like the Mac mini’s taller cousin. It’s a design that will undoubtedly appeal to Apple enthusiasts looking for a cohesive desktop setup.

Drive Capacity: Hot and Cold Storage Options

Under the hood, the MiniTower offers two vertical bays for 3.5-inch hard drives, supporting up to 24TB per drive (though we tested it with 26TB drives without issue). This means you can pack up to 48TB—or even more if you’re adventurous—into this compact enclosure.

Additionally, there’s a rear compartment for an M.2 NVMe SSD, accommodating up to 8TB. Orico markets this as “Hot and Cold” data partitioning—use the SSD for fast access (“hot” data) and the hard drives for bulk storage (“cold” data). However, there’s no software to automate this process, so you’ll need to manage it manually.

The enclosure supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations via a switch on the back, but it’s recommended to use Mac’s Disk Utility for setup, as it’s more reliable and user-friendly.

Connectivity: A Mixed Bag

The front panel features SD card slots, a USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.2 Type-A port (10Gbps), and a power button. The rear includes the USB-C port for connecting to your Mac, two additional USB 2.0 ports, the RAID switch, and the power input.

However, there’s a significant limitation: the single USB-C connection maxes out at 10Gbps, which is shared across all ports and drives. This is sufficient for the hard drives, but if you’re transferring large files to the SSD while using other ports, you’ll quickly hit the bandwidth ceiling.

It’s a missed opportunity that Orico didn’t opt for USB4, which would have provided much more bandwidth and future-proofed the device. For most casual users, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but power users should take note.

Performance: Good Enough for Most, But Not All

At a retail price of $129 (often discounted), the Orico MiniTower offers excellent value for those looking to expand their storage without splurging on high-end enclosures. It’s perfect for home users who need extra space for media, backups, or general file storage.

However, the 10Gbps speed limit means it’s not suitable for professionals who require blazing-fast transfer rates or plan to use multiple high-speed devices simultaneously. If you’re in that camp, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Affordable price point
  • Supports up to 56TB of storage
  • Easy to set up and use
• Cons:
  • Limited to 10Gbps bandwidth
  • Ports could be better labeled
  • No USB4 or Thunderbolt support
  • Manual management of “Hot and Cold” storage

Final Verdict: A Fun, Affordable Option with Caveats

I’ve reviewed countless storage enclosures over the years, and the Orico MiniTower 2 Bay RAID stands out for its fun design and affordability. If it offered USB4 support, it would be a near-perfect solution for everyone. As it stands, it’s a solid choice for casual users but falls short for those with more demanding needs.

For under $100 (with current discounts), it’s hard to beat for home storage needs. Just be aware of its limitations before making a purchase.

Where to Buy

The Orico MiniTower is available on Amazon, often with discounts that bring the price below $100. Use code TMINITOWER at checkout for additional savings through August 27, 2025.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is entirely my opinion.

Source: Orico MiniTower 2 Bay RAID review: Inexpensive, speed-limited, and fun storage enclosure, appleinsider.com