Friday, September 25, 2015

ExpressCage MB324SP-B Review by ocinside.de

ICY DOCK MB324SP-B EXPRESSCAGE REVIEW

by OverClocked inside

We have recently tested the Icy Dock Turbo Swap hard drive caddy. For owners of a SATA hard drive, the frame turned out to be a useful extension. Today we want to present another hot swap cage of the brand Icy Dock, the Icy Dock MB324SP-B ExpressCage. This mobile rack is able to accommodate four SSDs. Excited? We also. Therefore, we proceed directly to the Icy Dock MB324SP-B ExpressCage review.........Read More

ExpressCage MB324SP-B Product Page: http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=196

ICY TIP: How to customize and optimize a computer forensic workstation with CASELAB's Merlin SM8 and ICY DOCK's SSD/HDD high density storage kits for intensive digital forensic data analysis?



How to customize and optimize a computer forensic workstation with CASELAB's Merlin SM8 and ICY DOCK's SSD/HDD high density storage kits for intensive digital forensic data analysis?

In today's digital world, protecting your data is of utmost importance. This is especially true when it comes to protecting data that is used in a court of law. Computer forensic investigators rely on forensic computer systems to collect, analyze, and preserve data to presenting them in the court. For this reason, forensic computer systems must be reliable in terms of delivering effective results and minimizing the margin of error that may occur. One of the problems that computer forensic investigators are currently facing is the amount of data that is collected onto a single forensic system. In order to analyze the vast amount of data on a single computer system users will not only require more processing power, but additional drives as well to support amount of data that is being analyzed. Therefore, having the option to run multiple processors, enough space to hold a plethora of storage drives, and the ability to read/write various data types all on a single computer system is the end goal for an ultimate forensic computer system.
This takes us to CASELAB's Merlin SM8. This unit is a heavy duty full aluminum computer case that is currently being appointed and use by many computer forensic investigators including the FBI Computer Analysis Response Team. What makes this case so good for this purpose is that it caters to the individual's preference in terms of customization. With a spacious interior, users can practically install any type of add-on into this case!

Add-on Capability

Computer forensic investigators use dedicated forensic computer systems to analyze and store data. If the CPU-processing-power-hungry forensic system overheats during this process, data may end up being corrupted or lost. Therefore, in order to prevent any hardware from overheating and possible corrupting important data, an effective CPU cooler is needed. CASELAB's Merlin SM8 is specifically designed to accommodate any type of CPU cooler such as the Cooler Master V8 GTS.
Similarly, for the graphic processor unit, an oversized cooler can be installed to prevent overheating on the unit. An example would be the Colorful iGame GTX 680 which provides the best cooling performance.
In addition, the case is also equipped with a fully removable motherboard tray. This will give users an easier time when installing their motherboard and other components such as G.Skill Ripjaws X series SDRAM, Samsung XP941 M.2, and more.
Radiators and fans can be installed on the open space at the top of the case. You can install up to 4x 120mm fans on the top or even a radiator to ensure effective airflow and maximum cooling. Products such as Crosair's Hydro Series or Noctua Fans can provide this level of cooling.
As you can see, the versatility of CASELAB's Merlin SM8 allows computer forensic investigators to be able to fully customize their workstation according to their needs, which will make their work easier and much more efficient without the problems heating can cause on data integrity.

Frontal Bay Accessibility

Going to the exterior of the Merlin SM8, the SM8 offers enough frontal access to support different types of devices such as card readers, drive caddies and more. It will allow all of the investigative works to be completed easily and without the need to dissemble the computer apart, making an effective and efficient forensic workstation.

An example such as the Tableau T35689iu forensic SATA/IDE/SAS/USB/FireWire Bridge allows drive connectivity outside of the host unit. It also works for legacy drives such as IDE drives and offer connectivity for Firewire 400 and 800. Computer forensic investigators can also use write blockers to prevent contamination of evidence data when accessing data thru USB or Firewire. The Tableau TB- R2 Forensic USB Bridge useful for this purpose.
Similarly, ICY DOCK's DuoSwap MB971SP-B offers benefits but focus more on the SATA hard drives. It allows 1x 2.5" drive and 1x 3.5" hard drive to be inserted in a 5.25" bay simultaneously. Equipped with a front panel release buttons for both 3.5" and 2.5" drive and a small manual on/off button for each of both drive bays, users can hot swap their drives and control the activity of the drives within a push of a button.
If a 3.5" drive such as Western Digital Red, Green, Blue and Black series requires a frontal hot swap, ICY DOCK's full metal TurboSwap MB171SP-B can get the job done securely. It is has a full metal construction and is equipped with an 80mm cooling fan (also supports a 120mm fan with optional screws holes) with frontal control buttons for the fan and hard drive's power. Designed to be hot swappable in a tray-less design, forensic investigators can easily switch drives in and out with ease. One can access many drives in a short amount of time, saving time and money on investigating critical cases.
Please see below for more ICY DOCK 3.5" hard drive mobile racks:
For using 2.5" HDD/SSD in ICY DOCK 3.5" HDD mobile racks, please use ICY DOCK EZConvert Series.
System Drive/RAID Array Setup

With multiple 2.5" SSD or HDD installed, computer forensic investigators can build RAID configurations to improve their systems data processing capability. By using 2.5" drives, which provides better space efficiency as oppose to 3.5" drives, various RAID modes can be configured for different applications while it occupies only a small portion of the frontal bays. You can use a reliable RAID controller card and ICY DOCK's ToughArmor series to complete this task. A suggested RAID controller card such as LSI MegaRAID series is able to help provide maximum performance and reliability for the various RAID configurations.
So why choose ICY DOCK's ToughArmor series for this purpose? ICY DOCK offers 2.5" HDD/SSD cages that hold up to 8x drives and consume only a single slot of your frontal 5.25" bay! ICY DOCK's ToughArmor series is made with all-metal design and provides hassle-free experience during installation and maintenance. Many tier-one companies such as GE, HP, Google, and Intel have integrated these products into many of their flagship workstations. Therefore, it is a must to choose ICY DOCK ToughArmor series for its reliability and longevity which are essential for a mission critical computer forensic system!
Please see below for more ICY DOCK ToughArmor Series 2.5" HDD/SSD mobile rack cages:
With CASELABS Merlin SM8's capability to provide extravagant physical space and it's extremely customizable design, it is able to handle multiple 3.5/5.25” devices, full size CPU cooler(s), high-end graphic card(s), full size motherboard, high performance RAID card(s), and anything you can think of! When combined with Icy Dock’s ToughArmor series, anyone can easily come up with a powerful workstation that will best match their needs. The limitation on the capability of these workstations is no longer physical and only your imagination can unlock the limitless potential of these workstations!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by email at tech@icydock.com or through our Live Chat (M-F 9-5pm PST)

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

TURBOSWAP MB171SP-B Review by ocinside.de

ICY DOCK MB171SP-B TURBOSWAP REVIEW

by OverClocked inside

Originally hot swap mobile racks were used in large servers to rapidly respond to hard drive failures and to be able to replace the affected hardware easily. But quickly the hard drive caddy found its way into home user computer cases. Be it for testing various hard drives or for better hard drive cooling by the integrated fan. Today Icy Dock delivers the mobile rack TurboSwap, a model which we would like to test for you in the following review. And maybe this product finds its way to your computer case as well.........Read More

TurboSwap MB171SP-B Product Page: http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=169

Thursday, September 10, 2015

ExpressCage MB322SP-B Review by servethehome.com

ICY DOCK MB322SP-B REVIEW – DUAL 2.5″ AND 3.5″ BACKPLANE


SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

by PATRICK KENNEDY

Today we are taking a look at the Icy Dock MB322SP-B which is a unique design in the hot swap bay market. The Icy Dock MB322SP-B combines the ExpressBay feature we liked in our recent Icy Dock MB324SP-B review with an additional 3.5″ option. The market is rife with clones of 4-in-1 (4x 2.5″ in 1x 5.25″) bay designs and 6-in-1 bay designs. Branching out and offering a unique combination of drive capabilities is what makes the Icy Dock MB322SP-B a particularly interesting option.......Read full artilcle

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

Introducing the ICY DOCK ToughArmor EX MB492SKL-B Industrial Full Metal 2 x 2.5” SATA/SAS HDD & SSD Mobile Rack for 3.5" Front Device Bay with Key Lock & Thumb Screw Design





The ICY DOCK ToughArmor EX MB492SKL-B dual bay 2.5” mobile rack is built specifically for industrial small form factor systems that require exceptional drive security. It uses heavy duty metal construction, which is considered to comply with flammability requirements and is capable to withstand the harshest environments. The metal key lock prevents unauthorized access your important drives and the thumb screw lock adds extra protection from impact, and reduces drive tray vibration which increases drive stability during transportation. Our removable drive tray allows interchangeability of data between multiple systems.
The ICY DOCK MB492SKL-B supports both SAS and SATA hard drives/SSDs at 6Gbps and is backwards compatible to 3 Gbps drives and hosts. The MB492SKL-B fits two drives in a single 3.5” front bay making it the perfect storage device for enterprise small form factor applications. It maximizes space in industrial small PCs, surveillance, embedded systems, automation systems, aerospace systems and mobile DVR systems.
Removable Design with Maximum Protection
The removable drive tray design supports hot-swap and makes maintenance completely hassle free which is extremely beneficial in the case of a hard drive failure. It reduces overall down time which is precious for time sensitive applications. The trays are also designed to accommodate 7 to 9.5mm height hard drive and SSD, creating dual 2.5” hot swap bays for any standard SATA/SAS hard drives and SSDs.
The metal key lock on the tray prevents unauthorized access your drive. The unique thumb screw locks the metal tray into the device to minimize the drive tray vibration, and to prevent accidental drive tray ejection providing the ultimate protection for your hard drives or solid-state drives.

The ToughArmor EX MB492SKL-B is an ideal mobile rack for RAID configurations for systems that require higher drive security and have limited space to work with such as mobile systems and embedded systems.
Convenient Utility with Full Metal Construction
The front of the ToughArmor EX includes a status LED when the drive is powered on, off and being accessed. Active Power Technology (APT) allows the status LED to be on only when a hard drive is inserted into the enclosure. We have also included drive ID plugs so user with multiple MB492SKL-B units in their system can give each drive tray a unique ID number.
Ensuring the material used can be relied upon for many years after its deployment, the MB492SKL-B is capable of holding up in the harshest environments, with heavy duty metal construction throughout the entire device. The ToughArmor EX’s full metal design is perfect for industrial devices that may require a flammability rating since all-metal already complies with flammability requirements. Because of the high build quality, it can be used in various enterprise systems including: military and law enforcement deployment. It can also be used in manufacturing conditions such as embedded control systems and factory automation systems such as: military and law enforcement deployment.
Key Features

* Low profile design for small form factor applications such as industrial small PCs, surveillance, embedded systems, automation systems, aerospace systems and mobile DVR systems
* Fits two drives in a single 3.5” front device bay which is perfect for RAID configurations
* Dual Lock Design - Metal key lock (for drive security) and thumb screw lock (for impact/vibration)
* Removable drive tray design allows easy maintenance and fully supports SATA hot-swap
* Unique drive ID plugs for drive trays are included (#1 - #8)
* Fits 2 x 7mm to 9.5mm height 2.5” SATA HDD or SSD in a 3.5” floppy drive bay
* Supports SAS or SATA HDD/SSD at 6Gbps and is backwards compatible with SATA 3Gbps drives and hosts (SAS host is required for SAS drives)
* Heavy Duty Full Metal construction, perfect for enterprise applications
* Multi-Flow Technology - provides excellent passive cooling
* Anti-Vibration Technology - creates a safe environment for hard drives or SSDs
* Active Power Technology (APT) - individual led only powers up if there is drive installed in the drive bay
* EMI Grounding - protects hard drives from electrical damage
* Locking latch for both SATA 7 pin data port and SATA 15 pin power port

Quick links:

MB492SKL-B Product Page

MB492SKL-B Product images
MB492SKL-B Datasheet

ICY DOCK

Tel: 626.956.8800
Fax: 626.956.8811
11740 Clark St.
Arcadia, California 91006
Sales e-mail: sales01@cremax.com
Support e-mail: tech@icydock.com

Introducing the ICY DOCK ToughArmor EX MB491SKL-B Industrial Full Metal 2.5” SATA/SAS HDD & SSD Mobile Rack for 3.5" Front Device Bay with Key Lock & Thumb Screw Design





The ICY DOCK ToughArmor EX MB491SKL-B 2.5” mobile rack is built specifically for industrial small form factor systems that require exceptional drive security. It uses heavy duty metal construction, which is considered to already comply with flammability requirements and is capable of withstanding the harshest environments. The metal key lock prevents unauthorized access to your important drives and the thumb screw lock adds extra protection from impact which reduces drive tray vibration, increasing drive stability during transportation. Our removable drive tray allows interchangeability of data between multiple systems.
The ICY DOCK MB491SKL-B supports both SAS and SATA hard drive/SSDs at 6Gbps and is backwards compatible to 3 Gbps drives and hosts. It is an ideal solution for enterprise level small form factor applications since it maximizes the use of space in industrial small PCs, surveillance, embedded systems, automation systems, aerospace systems and mobile DVR systems.
Removable Design with Maximum Protection
The removable drive tray design supports hot-swap and makes maintenance completely hassle free in the event of a hard drive failure. With a simple swap of the hard drive, your overall down time is greatly reduced which is especially useful for time sensitive projects and applications. The trays are designed to accommodate a 7 to 15mm height hard drive or SSD, creating a 2.5” hot swap bay for any standard SATA/SAS drive. While the tray is not installed to the MB491SKL-B, the Anti-Dust Flap helps prevent dust from entering the device.
The metal key lock on the tray prevents unauthorized access your drive. The unique thumb screw design locks the metal tray into the device to minimize the drive vibration, and to prevent accidental drive tray ejection, providing the ultimate protection for your hard drives or solid-state drives.

The removable drive tray design combined with our dual layer drive security system makes the ToughArmor EX MB491SKL-B a great mobile rack for mobile servers and military grade systems.
Convenient Utility with Full Metal Construction
The front of the ToughArmor EX includes a status LED when the drive is powered on, off and accessed. Active Power Technology (APT) allows the status LED to be on only when a hard drive is inserted into the enclosure. We have also included drive ID plugs so users with multiple MB491SKL-B units in their system can give each drive tray a unique ID number.
Ensuring the material used can be relied upon for many years after its deployment, the MB491SKL-B is capable of holding up in the harshest environments, with heavy duty metal construction throughout the entire device. The ToughArmor EX’s full metal design is perfect for industrial devices that may require a flammability rating since all-metal already complies with flammability requirements. Because of the high build quality, it can be used in various enterprise systems including: military and law enforcement deployment. It can also be used in manufacturing conditions such as embedded control systems and factory automation systems such as: military and law enforcement deployment.
Key Features

* Low profile design for small form factor applications such as industrial small PCs, surveillance, embedded systems, automation systems, aerospace systems and mobile DVR systems
* Dual Locks design – Metal key lock (for drive security) and thumb screw lock (for impact/vibration)
* Removable drive tray design for easy maintenance which fully supports SATA hot-swap
* Unique drive ID plugs for drive trays are included (#1 - #8)
* Fits 1 x 7mm to 15mm height 2.5” SATA HDD or SSD in a 3.5” floppy drive bay
* Supports SAS or SATA HDD/SSD at 6Gbps and is backwards compatible with SATA 3Gbps drives and hosts (SAS host is required for SAS drives)
* Heavy Duty Full Metal construction, perfect for enterprise applications
* Multi-Flow Technology - provides excellent passive cooling
* Anti-Vibration Technology - creates a safe environment for hard drives or SSDs
* Active Power Technology (APT) - individual led only powers up if there is drive installed in the drive bay
* EMI Grounding - protects hard drives from electrical damage
* Anti-Dust Flap prevents dust from entering when device not used
* Locking latch for both SATA 7 pin data port and SATA 15 pin power port

Quick links:

MB491SKL-B Product Page

MB491SKL-B Product images
MB491SKL-B Datasheet

ICY DOCK

Tel: 626.956.8800
Fax: 626.956.8811
11740 Clark St.
Arcadia, California 91006
Sales e-mail: sales01@cremax.com
Support e-mail: tech@icydock.com

ICY DOCK Labor Day ICYRaid MB662U3-2S Giveaway (9/5/2015 to 9/11/2015)

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Friday, September 04, 2015

ICY DOCK CLASSROOM - BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY (9/4/2015 to 9/11/2015)

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Tuesday, September 01, 2015

ICY DOCK Community Giveaway Round #2 (9/1/2015 to 9/30/2015)

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Black Vortex MB174U3S-4SB Review by NismoTechUK

Icy Dock Black Vortex MB174U3S-4SB {Unboxing & Review}

Published on Aug 19, 2015

NismoTechUK

One hell of a stunning metal enclosure

Black Vortex MB174U3S-4SB: http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=191

ExpressCage MB324SP-B Review by servethehome.com

ICY DOCK EXPRESSCAGE MB324SP-B REVIEW – AN EASY 4-BAY HOT SWAP SAS/ SATA


AUGUST 12, 2015

by PATRICK KENNEDY

Hot swap bays are awesome. They allow one to quickly swap drives in the event of a failure and can decrease the need for extensive cabling. The Icy Dock ExpressCage MB324SP-B we are reviewing today is an evolution in the company’s designs and a great piece of innovation. Simply put, this is one of the easiest hot swap bays we have ever used, even after reviewing them for almost six years now. The tool-less ExpressCage design was very simple to use.......Read full artilcle

ToughArmor MB998SP-B Review by tweaktown.com

ICY DOCK ToughArmor MB998SP-B Eight-Bay SATA Backplane Cage Review


Posted: Aug 8, 2015 2:10 am

By: Tyler Bernath

Drive cages are unique solutions that allow users to install multiple hard drive or SSDs into a single chassis case bay. ICY DOCK has been producing these solutions for many years and in taking things to the next level have launched the latest in the Tough Armor series.

The latest in ToughArmor solutions is the MB998SP which features an incredible eight bays of storage capabilities. It can house either solid state or hard drives with a maximum height of 7mm and utilizes ICY DOCK's unique "EZ-Slide Nano trays" that ease in swapping drives. Putting this solution in the ToughArmor family, the MB998SP features a heavy duty metal housing designed for medical and military deployments in addition to industrial settings.......Read full artilcle