3-Bay 5.25-Inch SATA Backplane From Icy Dock

Icy Dock introduced the MB973SP-B 3-in-2 SATA Backplane. This product allows the user to install 3 x 3.5" SATA hard drives into a computer case’s 2 available 5.25" device bays. Using screw-less technology, no screws or tools are required to insert or eject the drives making hot swapping a hassle free experience.

The front of the device includes childproof power buttons for each drive which require the button to be pressed slightly deeper than normal to ensure that a drive is not accidentally turned off by bumping into it or rubbing against it. These power buttons also act as an LED indicator showing drive power and activity. Similarly, each drive door has a multi-locking latch mechanism to prevent a door from being opened easily, making it a solution for systems where IT and non-IT personnel have access. Also on the front are USB and eSATA ports to connect external storage peripherals, useful for cases that do not have front/top port access.

On the rear of the MB973SP-B is a 80mm cooling fan to pull cool air from the front ventilation slots, over the drives, and exhaust the warm air out through the rear ventilation slots. The fan also features an ‘on-demand’ power system, so that the fan is only powered on if a drive’s power is on. So even if all 3 slots are filled, the fan will only spin if one of the drives is powered on. And if the included fan is not enough, it can be upgraded to use most aftermarket 80mm case fans that use a 2 or 3 pin connector, giving the user a range of choices. To further the user’s customization, a 3 speed fan control is built in letting the user choose between high, low, or auto. The auto setting uses Smart Cooling Technology to adjust fan speed according to the cooling requirements of the drives. An internal SATA cable and USB header connector are also built into the rear for connection to the systems motherboard or add-on card.

Product Features:

• Fits 3 x 3.5" SATA HDD into 2 x 5.25" Device Bays
• Screw-less, tool-less design for genuine plug &play and hot swap use
• Compatible with SATA 6 Gb/sec
• Aluminum construction for durability and heat dissipation
• 80mm cooling fan for maximum air flow
• On-demand power system – Fan power only when a drive is powered on
• Fan is replaceable with aftermarket fans that use 2-pin or 3-pin connectors
• 3 speed fan control including Smart Cooling Technology providing temperature
• Front and rear ventilation slots
• Front side USB and eSATA ports for external storage connections
• Individual power switches and LEDs for each drive
• Child-proof power buttons to avoid accidental power shut down
• Multi-locking door latches to prevent accidental drive ejection
• Internal SATA cable and USB header cable built into rear of device