Icy Box FlexCage MB973SP 2B Trayless 3-in-2 SATA Backplane

1. Introduction2. Icy Box MB973SP3. Testing4. Conclusion5. View All Pages

Initial impression is that the design is simple, efficient and server-like in appearance.

Physically, it takes up around the same amount of space as a pair of ROM drives on top of each other and that's actually one of the products strongest selling points.

While it occupies two 5.25″ drive bays in a full sized chassis, it can actually hold 3 full sized hard drives, each of which click easily into place through the spring-loaded front doors.

If ordered online, the product comes in a cardboard box with white polystyrene holders inside which should prevent damage. The package box itself is neat and tidy, with a clear explanation on the outside of what the product does.

  

  

The simple black design will suit most chassis without jarring the eye.

  

Installation is fairly straightforward with the Icy Box FlexCage's simple lines.

  

At the back of the cage is a pair of molex connectors, delivering enough juice for 3 drives, while on the front is a pair of USB 3.0 connectors and a fan controller.

This fan controller has 3 settings: low speed, high speed and a smart setting, which automatically varies fan speed according to the environment/usage model.

The fan itself is an 80mm, centered at the rear, designed to pull in cooler air from the front of the chassis and pass it over the hard drives. This fan can be easily replaced if you prefer a specific model for your individual requirements.

  

The integral backplane provides fixed connection points for both power & data and after multiple tries at a variety of different angles, we found it effortless to use. Sure this might degrade with lots of use over a long period of time, but how often are you likely to be swapping hard drives like USB pen drives?

  
Realistically, this product is aimed squarely at those who want to put lots of old system drives into a new build. However, Icy Box does offer some flexibility for mobile folks in the form of a 2.5″ caddy which can take your notebook hard drives or standard SSD's and make them work in the FlexCage. These need to be bought separately.

This Icy Box 3-in-2 FlexCage uses a 2-stage locking mechanism for each drive. You need to push a small button in, before you are able to release the door handle. It needs a definite ‘double action' to make this happen, which is unlikely to occur accidentally.

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