ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe - Review

ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack for External 3.5” Drive Bay | ToughArmor MB601VK-1B: A Comprehensive Review

If you’re looking for a way to easily access and hot-swap solid-state drives (SSDs), ICY DOCK has an interesting solution. The ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack for External 3.5” Drive Bay, also known as ToughArmor MB601VK-1B, allows you to connect and disconnect U.2-based PCIe NVMe SSDs without having to shut down your system.

Let’s dive into this innovative product and learn more about its features and benefits in this comprehensive review.

Specifications

The ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack is built with durability in mind. It’s made of full-metal construction, securing your drives while also keeping them cool with its efficient passive cooling system. One point to note is that the mobile rack requires a 3.5” external drive bay. It’s a reasonable size to be fitted in most PC cases or server racks.

One of the most crucial features of the MB601VK-1B is its ability to support U.2-based PCIe NVMe SSDs. This means that not only can it handle the faster PCI-Express 4.0 NVMe SSDs, but it is also backward compatible with earlier PCIe 3.0 SSDs.

Installation and Connectivity

The mobile rack is effortless to install. You can mount it onto your chassis just like you would any other 3.5” device, with four screws into the bay and a final connection of the SATA power and data cables.

The connection to your computer system is made via a standard Mini SAS HD SFF-8643 (SFF-8643) connector on the back of the unit. This connector, which is included with the unit, connects into a PCIe NVMe host adapter card in your system, allowing the passing of data and the management of the SSD.

Hot Swap Capabilities

With its hot-swap capabilities, the MB601VK-1B allows you to switch out SSDs without the need to restart your system. This feature is excellent for people who regularly work with solid-state drives or frequently test new drives. This capability can increase productivity when it comes to creating backups or simply replacing drives when necessary.

LED Indicators

The LED indicators on the side of the mobile rack provide you with quick visual confirmation that your U.2 NVMe SSD is properly seated and operational. One LED indicates when power is available, and the other LED lights up when data activity is being passed from the SSD to the computer system.

Compatibility

The ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can work with most NVMe PCIe U.2 host adapters and motherboards. One thing to note, however, is that the unit doesn't have native support for Thunderbolt 3.

Security and Locking Mechanism

The secure-fit locking mechanism keeps your SSDs safe and ensures your data is securely held in place. It easily locks your drives in, and the quick-release button allows you to remove the drives just as easily.

Overall Verdict

If you’re in search of a mobile rack that can support PCIe NVMe SSDs, the ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack is a product worth considering. Its full-metal construction ensures durability, while its passive cooling system keeps your drives from overheating. The ability to hot swap SSDs and the LED indicators make it an ideal solution to use in data centers or for users who require quick data backups.

While the MB601VK-1B may not be a product everyone needs, it definitely will come in handy for individuals who own multiple U.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs and need a more efficient way to switch between them. The secure-locking mechanism is an added bonus that ensures your data is safe and sound.

Overall, the ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD PCIe 3.0/4.0 Mobile Rack is an excellent product and worth considering if you’re looking for a secure and easy-to-use mobile rack to use in your daily computing needs.

ICY DOCK 2.5” U.2 NVMe

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