Description
CRU Data Express DX175 Drive Bay Adapter for 5.25" - Serial ATA/600, 6Gb/s SAS Host Interface Internal - Black
The CRU Data Express DX175 is a purpose-built removable drive solution designed to maximize the utility of 5.25" bays in compact workstations and PCs. Engineered to fit in systems with tight rear clearance, the DX175 delivers the robust performance of SATA/600 (6 Gb/s) and SAS host interfaces within a sleek, durable black enclosure. This drive bay adapter empowers IT professionals, content creators, and power users to add fast, removable storage without sacrificing motherboard space or airflow. By housing a 2.5" drive in a 5.25" bay, the DX175 provides a flexible, space-efficient path to ramp up storage capacity, streamline backups, and enable rapid data retrieval for media editing, data archiving, and field deployments where quick drive replacement matters. Built on CRU’s proven removable-drive platform, the DX175 balances reliability with ease of use, delivering a seamless integration experience that supports a wide range of drives and system configurations. Whether you need a dedicated imaging station, a portable editing rig, or a compact server node, the DX175 makes it simple to deploy high-performance storage in environments with limited chassis real estate while maintaining the aesthetic and airflow advantages of a standard 5.25" bay.
- Compact, removable storage for tight spaces: The DX175 is specifically designed to fit into standard 5.25" bays even when rear clearance is limited. It uses CRU’s tried-and-true removable-drive concept, letting you swap drives quickly without disassembling your entire machine. This makes it ideal for workstations, media editing rigs, and IT labs where frequent drive changes are part of the workflow. The chassis and tray system are engineered to minimize vibration and maximize data integrity, so you can rely on consistent performance during demanding operations such as 4K video editing, large-scale backups, or offline data archival tasks. By leveraging a 5.25" form factor in a compact package, the DX175 preserves precious internal space for cooling, graphics cards, or additional expansion cards while still delivering high-speed SATA/SAS connectivity for your drives.
- High-speed SATA/600 and SAS compatibility: The DX175 matches the needs of modern storage ecosystems by supporting Serial ATA/600 (6 Gb/s) and SAS host interfaces. This broad compatibility ensures you can deploy a wide range of 2.5" drives—HDDs or SSDs—from consumer to enterprise-grade options—without sacrificing performance. Real-world tasks like video ingest, data streaming, and large file transfers benefit from the 6 Gb/s bandwidth, while professional workloads that leverage SAS controllers can take advantage of the extended feature set and reliability characteristics of SAS storage while still enjoying the convenient, removable tray design. The DX175 is an adaptable solution for mixed-drive environments, enabling you to curate storage pools and workflows that reflect your evolving project needs.
- Secure, tool-free drive access with a durable build: The removable drive system is designed for frequent access and quick replacement, reducing maintenance time in busy IT environments. The DX175 enclosure provides a robust, rugged home for a 2.5" drive, protecting sensitive data from dust and minor bumps with a sturdy construction. The black finish complements most workstations, blending unobtrusively with existing hardware while signaling a professional, enterprise-grade solution. Because the DX175 is built to integrate into a wide range of CRU removable-drive configurations, it supports a consistent user experience across multiple systems, helping IT teams standardize deployment, spare parts, and recovery procedures. This focus on reliability, ease of use, and interoperability makes the DX175 a dependable component for daily data handling and critical backups alike.
- Easy integration into existing 5.25" bays and chassis: The DX175’s frame mounts into virtually any standard 5.25" bay, enabling a straightforward upgrade path for workstations, desktops, and compact servers. Its design minimizes steps during installation and future expansion, so you can add storage without modifying the chassis or performing complex cable routing. For workstations with space constraints or GPUs/heat-dissipation considerations, the DX175 preserves the necessary clearance while delivering rapid drive access. This plug-in approach supports quick imaging, cloning, and data migration tasks, helping teams accelerate project timelines and reduce downtime.
- Versatile use cases for professionals and prosumers: Whether you’re an animator handling large video projects, a photographer managing high-resolution RAW libraries, or an IT technician provisioning field-ready workstations, the DX175 offers a practical, scalable storage solution. The removable 2.5" drive tray can be swapped between machines or upgraded as your storage requirements grow, enabling consistent workflows across a fleet of systems. The combination of a compact 5.25" form factor, SATA/600 and SAS support, and a simple, secure drive-removal mechanism makes the DX175 a versatile choice for backup rotation, field deploys, and temporary storage expansion in labs, studios, and on-premises infrastructure.
Technical Details of CRU Data Express DX175
- Form factor: Removable drive sled designed for a 5.25" drive bay
- Drive interface: Serial ATA/600 (6 Gb/s) with SAS host compatibility
- Drive support: Removable 2.5" drive sled suitable for SATA/SAS drives
- Material and finish: Black enclosure for a professional, durable look
- Compatibility: Fits standard 5.25" bays in workstations and PCs with limited rear clearance
How to install CRU Data Express DX175
- Power off your system and disconnect any power sources. Remove the computer’s side panel to access the 5.25" bay where the DX175 will be installed.
- Slide the DX175 into the 5.25" bay until it seats firmly in place. Ensure there is no contact with surrounding components and that the mechanism aligns with the bay guides.
- Attach the data cable from the motherboard or host controller to the DX175’s SATA/SAS interface. Secure the cable to prevent strain during system operation.
- Connect the power interface required by the DX175 backplane or drive sled. Confirm the power connection is snug and properly seated to support reliable drive operation.
- Insert a 2.5" SATA or SAS drive into the removable sled, secure it as needed, and reassemble the chassis. Power up the system and use your OS or BIOS to initialize and mount the drive as appropriate for your workflow.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: What drives are compatible with the DX175? A: The DX175 is designed to hold a 2.5" drive on a removable sled and supports SATA or SAS drives. The exact performance will depend on the drive’s specifications and the host controller it connects to.
- Q: Can I use the DX175 in a 3.5" drive bay? A: The DX175 is specifically built for 5.25" bays and uses a 2.5" drive sled. For 3.5" drives, you would need a different CRU removable bay or a dedicated 3.5" bay adapter.
- Q: Is this hot-swappable? A: The DX175 supports rapid drive changes through its removable design, but hot-swapping capabilities depend on your system’s hardware, BIOS/UEFI settings, and OS. Always follow your workstation’s safe removal procedures when swapping drives.
- Q: What performance can I expect? A: Performance is governed by the drive itself and the host interface. With SATA/600 (6 Gb/s) and SAS support, you can achieve high transfer rates when pairing the DX175 with capable SSDs or enterprise SATA/SAS drives. Real-world speeds vary based on drive type, workload, and system configuration.
- Q: Does the DX175 include encryption or security features? A: The DX175 focuses on the physical enclosure and removable drive mechanism. Data security features are provided by the installed drive and the system software, not by the DX175 itself.
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