CRU Forensic LabDock S5: 5.25" SATA Drive Dock with USB 2.0 Internal Interface

Designed for professional investigators, technicians, and system builders, the CRU WiebeTech Forensic LabDock S5 is a purpose-built solution that slots into a standard 5.25" PC bay to deliver fast, front-panel access to suspect SATA drives. Built to support rigorous digital forensics workflows, this drive dock helps you streamline evidence collection, imaging, and drive triage with a robust, reliable interface that minimizes disruption to your workstation. The LabDock S5 combines a sturdy build with practical ergonomics, enabling investigators to work efficiently in the lab, field, or incident response environments while maintaining the integrity of critical evidence.

Whether you are imaging a single drive for a case file or performing rapid triage on multiple disks, the LabDock S5 is engineered to fit seamlessly into existing forensic infrastructures. Its compact, metal chassis is designed to endure the rigors of daily laboratory use, and its front-panel design provides immediate visibility into the drive being accessed. By connecting through a USB 2.0 host interface, the LabDock S5 offers broad compatibility with standard forensic workstations and imaging software, helping you accelerate data acquisition without sacrificing reliability or control over your workflow.

In practical terms, the LabDock S5 helps you manage evidence with greater confidence. Its 5.25" bay form factor allows you to reclaim valuable rack space while keeping suspect drives easily accessible for imaging, cloning, and data extraction. This is especially useful in high-volume investigations or environments where multiple drives must be processed quickly and methodically. With straightforward installation, clear front-panel access, and a dedicated forensic-oriented design, the LabDock S5 serves as a dependable backbone for your digital forensics workstation.

Key features and benefits

• Front-panel access to suspect drives: Quickly insert and retrieve SATA drives from a convenient front-facing location, minimizing handling time and keeping the driving workflow smooth and efficient for imaging and data extraction.
• Fits standard 5.25" PC bays: A utility-grade installation that works with most desktop workstations, imaging rigs, or incident response consoles, maximizing space and simplifying integration into existing setups.
• SATA drive compatibility: Supports Serial ATA drives, enabling investigators to work with a wide range of devices encountered in investigations while maintaining reliable data paths to the host system.
• Internal USB 2.0 host interface: Provides broad compatibility with laboratory workstations and imaging suites, delivering accessible data transfer for imaging tasks and faster transfer rates within the USB 2.0 specification.
• Designed for forensic workflows: Built to support efficient imaging, evidence collection, and drive triage, with a focus on reliability, ease of use, and compatibility with common forensic software and processes.

Technical Details of CRU Forensic LabDock S5 Drive Dock for 5.25" - Serial ATA, USB 2.0 Host Interface Internal

• Drive interface: Serial ATA (SATA) drive compatibility for direct imaging and data access
• Host interface: USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 host connection) for standard workstation connectivity
• Form factor: Internal 5.25" bay installation for desktop workstations
• Enclosure: Durable cabinet designed for lab environments with front-panel accessibility
• Mounting: Fits in a standard 5.25" PCI drive bay for easy integration into existing rigs

How to install CRU Forensic LabDock S5

Installing the LabDock S5 is straightforward and requires no specialized tools. Begin by powering down your workstation and disconnecting all cables. Remove the 5.25" drive bay cover where you intend to install the LabDock S5. Align the docking unit with the bay, slide it into place, and secure it as needed according to your case or chassis guidelines. Connect the LabDock S5 to your computer using the included USB 2.0 cable, ensuring a clean, direct path to a USB port on the motherboard or on a PCIe USB expansion card if required by your workstation configuration. Once connected, power on the system. The LabDock S5 should be recognized as a standard USB storage device by your operating system, ready for use with forensic imaging software and workflows. Insert a suspect SATA drive into the front panel, verify the drive is detected, and begin imaging or data extraction with your preferred tools. For best results, label drives clearly and maintain consistent documentation to support chain-of-custody practices throughout your investigation.

Tips for optimal use:

• Pre-label drives with case numbers and imaging IDs to maintain traceability.
• Use write-aware imaging software and in-session logs to document transfer activities.
• Keep a log of all drives inserted into the LabDock S5, including timestamps and operator IDs.
• Confirm drive health and SMART data when feasible before imaging to anticipate potential read errors that may require alternative imaging strategies.
• When finished, safely remove the drive and eject the LabDock S5 from the bay following your standard lab procedures.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the LabDock S5 used for? It is designed for forensic imaging, evidence collection, and drive triage by providing front-panel access to SATA drives installed in a standard 5.25" bay and connected to a host computer via USB 2.0.
• Does it fit in all 5.25" bays? It is intended to fit standard 5.25" PCI drive bays found in most desktop workstations and forensic workstations, ensuring broad compatibility across diverse rigs.
• Which drives are supported? The LabDock S5 supports Serial ATA (SATA) drives, enabling imaging and data access for a wide range of HDDs and SSDs commonly encountered in investigations.
• Do I need special drivers? In most environments, the LabDock S5 is recognized as a standard USB mass storage device by common operating systems, requiring no special drivers for basic imaging workflows. Check your imaging software requirements for any additional components.
• What about data transfer speed? With a USB 2.0 interface, practical data transfer speeds are governed by USB 2.0 performance and the drives involved. Expect real-world imaging rates that align with USB 2.0 capabilities and drive performance, rather than the higher theoretical speeds of USB 3.x.
• Is write-blocking available? Forensic safety and integrity are enhanced by organized workflows and appropriate imaging practices. The LabDock S5 focuses on accessibility and reliability; if your requirement includes enforced write-blocking, you may need to pair it with dedicated write-blocking hardware or software in your imaging setup.
• How do I maintain evidence integrity? Use consistent labeling, maintain a detailed chain-of-custody log, image to verified write-protected media when possible, and document all steps performed on each drive to ensure defensible, repeatable results.