LaCie Drive User manual

LITTLE BIG DISK THUNDERBOLT 2 USER MANUAL

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Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 1

INTRODUCTION

™

Welcome to the User Manual for the LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt
computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology for transfer rates that reach up to
20Gb/s! Constructed to handle bandwidth-intensive content such as raw 4K and 3D
graphics, the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 is ideal for professional editors, photographers,
and graphic artists.

Use this manual to guide you through the process of connecting your LaCie storage. For questions on
installation, consult the Getting Help page.

1)

2. Connect it to a

BOX CONTENT

■

LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2

■

Power supply 12V (DC) 4A

■

Thunderbolt cable

■

Drive stand for upright use

■

Hex key and drive stand screws

■

Quick Install Guide

■

User Manual and software utilities are pre-loaded on the disk's volume

2)

Important info: Save your packaging. In the event that the storage or enclosure require servicing, the
device must be returned in its original packaging.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Your system must meet certain requirements in order for your LaCie product to function properly. For a list of
these requirements, please refer to the product packaging or consult the product support web page at

www.lacie.com/support/.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 2

Important info: To reach Thunderbolt 2 technology transfer rates of up to 20Gb/s bi-directional, the Little
Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 must be connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology.
Connecting the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to a computer that supports first generation Thunderbolt
technology allows for transfer rates up to 10Gb/s bi-directional. See Daisy Chain for details on adding the
Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to a daisy chain with other Thunderbolt 2 technology devices and/or first
generation Thunderbolt technology devices.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 3

VIEWS OF THE ENCLOSURE

Front view

Connectivity LED1.
Removable stand2.

The front LED will turn solid blue when the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 meets the following conditions:

■

Connected to a power source via the included power supply.

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Connected to a computer or device compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt
technology.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 4

Rear view

Thunderbolt 2 technology ports1.
Power supply connection 12V (DC) 4A2.
Chain lock option3.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 5

DUAL COOLING HEAT MANAGEMENT

The Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 includes state-of-the-art temperature control via LaCie's dual cooling system.
The built-in thermo-regulated fan makes certain that temperatures remain within the operational range while
the aluminimum enclosure absorbs and dissipates drive heat away from the internal parts. The dual cooling will
keep the drives safe and prolong the life of the device.

Since LaCie's unique design draws heat away from the internal drives, the external casing will be warm to the
touch after extended use. Make sure that the vent on the back bezel is not obstructed and that there is a
natural airflow across the casing.

POSITION AND STACKING

Heat dissipation is maximized when the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 enclosure rests on its stand in a vertical
position. Make certain that it has ample space on all sides of the casing for proper airflow.

Do not stack the unit with one or more enclosures or similar items. Stacking your LaCie Little Big Disk
Thunderbolt 2 will void the warranty.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 6

LITTLE BIG DISK THUNDERBOLT 2: ADVANCED STORAGE TECHNOLOGY

THUNDERBOLT 2 TECHNOLOGY

The Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 uses Thunderbolt 2 technology, the fastest, most versatile connection for your
computer. While first generation Thunderbolt technology transfer rates are 10Gb/s bi-directional, Thunderbolt 2
technology provides 20Gb/s bi-directional. Additionally, Thunderbolt 2 technology gives priority to the video
stream, apportioning the required bandwidth for playback. This is a critical advantage when working with
high-end video and 3D graphics.

For example, you have two streams, 4K video at 12Gb/s and data at 4Gb/s. Whereas first generation
Thunderbolt technology may experience difficulty with the video signal, Thunderbolt 2 technology allows it to
pass without a problem, dividing the bandwidth as needed for playback.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 7

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 technology: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

The Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 is housed within LaCie's signature aluminum design for easy portability and
exceptional reliability. Its internal parts have been reconstructed to give you nothing short of the best
performance for your increasingly demanding projects:

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Two Thunderbolt 2 technology ports, 20Gb/s bi-directional

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Two PCIe Gen 2 SSDs, 2.5x faster than SATA III SSDs

■

Pre-configured Striped Set, RAID 0 optimizes drive utilization and throughput

Unlike starndard hard drives (HDDs), SSDs are not mechanical devices and they do not have moving parts. With
an SSD, users can stop calculating revolutions per minute for data seek rates since it is composed entirely of
RAM. Thus, accessing data on an SSD is considerably faster than an HDD. As with most comparisons, the bump
in speed is based upon the types of SSDs and HDDs as well as the throughput of the interface. However, SSDs
have proven to be faster and are increasingly available in storage, mobile, and computing devices.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 8

At the heart of the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 are two PCIe Gen 2 SSDs. The use of PCIe Gen 2 SSDs place the
Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 into the next level of advanced storage. Most standard multi-disk enclosures that
feature SSDs or HDDs share a SATA bus. No matter the version of SATA, the drives are limited to a fixed number
of channels to pass data. However, each PCIe Gen 2 SSD has its own bus which helps to limit data bottlenecks
from multiple drives.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 9

GETTING CONNECTED

Consider the following before connecting your LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2:

■

To reach transfer rates of up to 20Gb/s bi-directional, the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 must be connected to a
computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology. Connecting the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to a computer
that supports first generation Thunderbolt technology allows for transfer rates up to 10Gb/s bi-directional.

■

A single Thunderbolt 2/Thunderbolt technology daisy chain can have up to seven devices, including the
computer (see Daisy Chain for further information). If your computer supports Thunderbolt 2 technology and
you are adding the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to a daisy chain that includes first generation Thunderbolt
devices, make certain that the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 is the first enclosure connected to the computer.
You can lose the higher performance offered by Thunderbolt 2 technology if the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 is
daisy-chained behind first generation Thunderbolt technology devices.

■

While the ports on the back of the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 can easily seat older Mini DisplayPort cable
ends, Thunderbolt 2 storage will only work when connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2
technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology. Additionally, a cable that supports Thunderbolt
technology is required to connect the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to a computer.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 10

ATTACH THE STAND

LaCie recommends attaching the included stand before connecting the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 to your
computer. Use the screws and hex key (Allen wrench) shipped with your device when following the instructions
below. DO NOT attach the stand while the device is powered on.

Locate the following:1.

Slide the stand into its slot on the bottom of the device.2.

Fasten the screws using the hex key.3.

Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 11