StarTech.com 4U2525SASBACKPLANE 4-Bay U.2 NVMe Drive Backplane with Lockable Trays and Cooling Fans

StarTech.com 4-Bay Backplane for U.2 Drives, Fits in a 5.25inch Bay, Mobile Rack for 2.5inch U.2 (SFF-8639) NVMe HDD/SSDs, Removable Trays

The StarTech.com 4U2525SASBACKPLANE offers a versatile solution for expanding your storage capacity with four 2.5-inch U.2 (SFF-8639) NVMe SSDs within a single 5.25-inch drive bay. Designed for easy integration into desktop or server systems, this rack-mountable backplane supports drives ranging from 7mm to 15mm in height, delivering data transfer speeds up to 32Gbps per drive via individual Mini-SAS SFF-8643 ports. Its compact form factor and included mounting hardware simplify installation, making it suitable for both professional data centers and high-performance workstations.
Constructed from durable aluminum, the enclosure not only provides robustness but also aids in heat dissipation to maintain optimal drive temperatures. The well-ventilated design features four perforated drive trays, two rear blower fans with adjustable airflow settings, and front air vents that promote active cooling and ensure sustained performance during intensive workloads. The rear fan switch allows users to toggle between high and low cooling modes based on operational needs, further enhancing thermal management. The backplane's secure design includes lockable drive trays with two keys, adding a layer of physical security and protecting drives from accidental removal or hot-swapping, provided the host system supports PCIe hot swap functionality.
Compatibility is broad, supporting major storage management systems such as Storage Spaces on Windows, RAID Assistant on macOS, and mdraid/mdadm on Linux. The device requires no drivers or additional software, providing seamless integration across various operating systems. It is environmentally compliant under RoHS standards, ensuring responsible manufacturing practices. The package includes a complete set of mounting screws, four Mini-SAS cables, drive keys, and a quick-start guide to facilitate hassle-free setup. With a limited two-year warranty and a lightweight design of approximately 1.6 pounds, this backplane is an ideal upgrade for expanding high-speed NVMe storage in a secure, cooled, and organized manner.

Features:

• 4-Bay Backplane: Supports four U.2 (SFF-8639) NVMe SSDs in a 5.25-inch bay, with speeds up to 32Gbps per drive via dedicated Mini-SAS SFF-8643 ports; compatible with drives from 7mm to 15mm in height; hot swap capable if supported by the host system

• Secure Design: Lockable drive trays with two keys ensure physical security and prevent accidental removal; aluminum body enhances heat dissipation for stable operation

• Well Ventilated: Four perforated drive trays, two rear blower fans with adjustable airflow, and front air vents facilitate active cooling; rear fan switch allows user control over cooling intensity

• Broad Compatibility: Compatible with storage management systems like Storage Spaces (Microsoft), RAID Assistant (macOS), and mdraid/mdadm (Linux); requires no drivers; supports only U.2 NVMe drives

• Hassle-Free Setup: Includes mounting screws, four Mini-SAS cables, drive keys, and a quick-start guide for straightforward installation and operation