
Buffalo
Buffalo’s DriveStation DDR Ultra Fast 3TB is a desktop external hard drive that combines a 3.5‑inch HDD with a 1 GB DDR3 cache, delivering burst write speeds up to 408 MB/s. It ships with Buffalo Tools and supports Time Machine, targeting users who need high‑capacity storage with SSD‑like performance for small‑file workloads.
Pros
Current
$124.99
Average
$124.99
Lowest
$124.99
Highest
$124.99
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Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers commend the DriveStation DDR for its impressive 1 GB DRAM cache that yields up to 375 % faster transfers than typical USB 3.0 drives, and they appreciate the bundled Buffalo Tools and macOS Time Machine compatibility. However, they caution that the speed boost fades on large files and note the plastic chassis feels less premium than higher‑end offerings.
What Users Say
Everyday users praise the drive’s ability to back up large photo and video collections in seconds and value the straightforward Windows and macOS setup, especially the Time Machine support. Recurring complaints focus on the unit’s warm operation, high power consumption requiring an external adapter, and the fingerprint‑prone plastic enclosure.
Common Complaints
Common complaints include reduced performance on files larger than the 1 GB cache, noticeable heat and high power consumption during extended use, and a plastic case that easily shows fingerprints and feels less robust.
How It Compares
vs. WD Elements / Seagate Backup Plus (Standard USB 3.0 3TB)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose Buffalo for faster cached performance and extra software; choose standard drives for simple, portable, bus‑powered solutions.
vs. LaCie Rugged (cached competitor)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Buffalo is a cost‑effective choice for desktop use with fast cached transfers; LaCie Rugged is better for mobile or harsh‑environment scenarios.