Antec Easy SATA Hot Swap Hard Drive Caddy Review

👤by Vinh Thai Comments 📅28-07-09
Overall Look
The Antec Easy SATA comes with the bare minimum of accessories. In addition to the Easy SATA itself, 8 screws are included to for installation into a computer case. Although most computer cases already include such screws, it was kind of Antec to include it with their product. The screws themselves were found in a resealable plastic bag, taped onto the back of the paper of the packaging. No manual is included and it is not needed. Instead, the back of the packaging offers a short diagram on how to use the device.


The Antec Easy SATA and the included 8 screws.


As stated earlier in the features and specifications, the Easy SATA comes with a black matte front bezel. The bezel has a slight rough and grainy texture, which is unlike most devices such as DVD writers and 5.25” bay covers of computer cases. No doubt, Antec was attempting to add some style to the device. The Antec logo is embossed on the flap of the device. The flap itself can be opened to allow for the installation of a 3.5” hard drive. Near the embossed logo are two small embossed vertical stripes. On the left side of the front bezel is a small button that controls the locking mechanism of the Easy SATA. On the right side, the eSATA port can be seen.


A lock button, a flap and an eSATA port at the front.


At an angle, it can be seen that the Antec Easy SATA has the typical 4 screw holes on each of its sides so that it can be installed in a conventional 5.25” drive bay. Inside the Antec Easy SATA are plastic drive rails on each side. These facilitate the entry of an inserted hard drive by routing it properly into the SATA and power connectors. Each of these plastic rails is held in place by 3 black screws; 2 are found on the side and 1 is found at the bottom.


A side view of the device.


The rear of the Easy SATA reveals its simple system. The device contains a female power-and-SATA connector to male power-and-SATA connector adapter. The straight SATA cable of the eSATA port can also be seen. Antec mentions that it has a length of 600 mm, or 2 feet, but 150 mm of it is routed inside the plastic housing and cannot be used. Therefore, only 450mm of the cable is revealed. The length is acceptable, but it is shorter than the typical SATA cable of 900 mm, or 3 feet. Some users may find this a problem if they install the device in a large case. Therefore, Antec should include a longer 900 mm or 3 feet cable, or provide a male SATA port with a detachable SATA cable instead.


A 450mm SATA cable and a SATA and power adapter.


The underside of the Easy SATA is simple and has a large opening. The opening should allow an inserted hard drive to breathe and stay a bit cooler during operation.


The Antec Easy SATA has a fairly open design for ventilation.


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