This category covers external hard drive and SSD enclosures and storage drive cases. They suit anyone who needs to connect an old drive to a computer, make backups or build a home storage box. Most of our range comes from ICY BOX, with models from SILVERSTONE, GRAUGEAR and JONSBO as well. Most enclosures hold a single 2.5-inch drive, but there are 3.5-inch and multi-drive options too.
How to choose a drive enclosure or NAS case
Drive size. The enclosure must match your drive format: 2.5-inch drives are used in laptops and in most SSDs, while 3.5-inch drives are usually desktop hard drives. Most enclosures in our range are made for 2.5-inch drives, though 3.5-inch versions are available. Check the drive thickness before buying too, as not every enclosure fits every 2.5-inch drive.
Number of drives. A simple enclosure is enough for one drive, and that is what most of our range offers. Two-drive and four-drive models make sense when you want more capacity in one place or a RAID array to protect your data. The more drives a case holds, the more space it takes and the more important cooling becomes.
Interface and speed. Our range includes enclosures rated at 5, 6 and 10 Gbit/s. 5 Gbit/s corresponds to USB 3.2 Gen 1, 10 Gbit/s to USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 6 Gbit/s to SATA III. A mechanical hard drive is limited by its own moving parts and does not need the fastest interface, while a fast SSD benefits from the quickest option if your computer has a matching port.
Power. Many enclosures in our range are powered over USB, which is convenient for 2.5-inch drives because no extra power adapter is needed. There are also models with AC or DC power. This kind of supply is usually needed for 3.5-inch drives and multi-drive cases.
Material and indicators. An aluminium body spreads drive heat better than plastic, which helps during long copy jobs. Some models have LED indicators for power and drive activity, and a few also show a fan failure, which matters in multi-drive cases with active cooling.
Brands we carry
- ICY BOX: known for external drive enclosures, docking stations and accessories for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, which is why it makes up most of this category.
- SILVERSTONE: better known for PC cases and power supplies, and here it offers storage drive cases.
- JONSBO: known for aluminium cases for computers and home NAS builds.
Also in our range: GRAUGEAR.
Frequently asked questions about drive enclosures and NAS cases
What is the difference between a drive enclosure and a NAS case?
A drive enclosure usually holds one drive that you connect straight to a computer over USB. A NAS case is meant for several drives and a home or office storage system reached over the network. If the case does not include the NAS hardware itself, you will need to choose that separately.
Does a 2.5-inch enclosure need separate power?
Usually not, because a 2.5-inch drive can run on USB power alone. Most enclosures in our range are powered this way. 3.5-inch drives generally need an external power adapter.
Does an SSD need a 10 Gbit/s enclosure?
It is not essential, but a 10 Gbit/s enclosure lets the SSD work closer to its limits. A SATA SSD cannot exceed the 6 Gbit/s SATA limit, so the faster enclosure mainly helps when moving large files. For everyday use and backups, 5 Gbit/s is often enough.
Can I use an old laptop drive as an external drive?
Yes, as long as the drive has a SATA connector and the enclosure is made for that drive size. Check the drive thickness as well, since not every enclosure suits both thinner and thicker 2.5-inch drives. Older IDE drives will not work in these enclosures.
