StarTech.com 4-Bay U.2 Backplane for 5.25" Bay with Removable Trays

The StarTech.com 4-Bay Backplane for U.2 drives is a compact, high-density storage solution designed to maximize space in desktop workstations, servers, and storage enclosures. Built to fit in a standard 5.25-inch bay, this mobile rack supports up to four 2.5-inch U.2 (SFF-8639) NVMe SSDs or HDDs, delivering dramatic increases in storage capacity without sacrificing performance or expandability. Its rugged construction and thoughtful design address the needs of IT professionals, content creators, gamers, and enterprise users who demand reliable, fault-tolerant storage in a small form factor. The backplane is engineered to simplify deployment, enable easy upgrades, and keep your drives secure with lockable, removable trays—so you can protect sensitive data and minimize the risk of accidental drive removal during operation. With a focus on ease of installation, robust signal integrity, and flexible compatibility, this backplane makes it straightforward to deploy high-speed U.2 storage in environments where space is at a premium.

• Four 2.5" U.2 drives in one 5.25" bay: Consolidate NVMe SSDs or NVMe HDDs into a single, space-efficient backplane, ideal for high-performance workstations, compact servers, and external storage enclosures.
• Removable, lockable drive trays: Each drive tray can be removed and locked to secure drives against tampering or accidental displacement, providing added protection for data in secure environments.
• Tool-less installation for rapid maintenance: The design supports quick drive installation and replacement, reducing downtime during upgrades, diagnostics, or field service.
• Durable, high-quality construction: Built to withstand demanding environments with a sturdy metal chassis and precise backplane connections to maintain signal integrity for NVMe performance across all bays.
• Easy integration into standard systems: Compatible with typical 5.25" front bays found in many desktops, workstations, and small form factor servers, enabling straightforward upgrades without custom adapters.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Bay U.2 Drive Backplane

• Product type: 4-Bay U.2 drive backplane / mobile rack designed for a single 5.25" bay
• Drive compatibility: Supports 2.5" U.2 drives (SFF-8639) including NVMe SSDs and NVMe HDDs
• Bays: 4 independent drive bays for parallel NVMe storage expansion
• Front bay compatibility: Fits into standard 5.25" drive bays used in many desktops, workstations, and servers
• Drive trays: Removable and lockable trays for security and easy servicing
• Construction: Durable metal housing designed to provide rigidity, shielding, and reliable connectivity
• Connectivity: Provides four U.2 drive connections to the host system (SFF-8639 interface)
• Security: Lockable trays offer protection against accidental removal or tampering

How to install StarTech.com 4-Bay Backplane for U.2 Drives

Installing the backplane is a straightforward process that expands storage capacity while preserving system organization and drive security. Follow these general steps to ensure a clean, reliable deployment. Always consult your system’s hardware manual for any vendor-specific caveats or unique mounting requirements.

• Power down the host system completely and disconnect all power and data cables before handling components.
• Prepare an available 5.25" drive bay and, if included, the mounting bracket required by your chassis to ensure a secure fit.
• Insert the backplane into the 5.25" bay, aligning all mounting holes, then secure the unit with the appropriate screws to the chassis brackets.
• Open each drive tray, install a 2.5" U.2 (SFF-8639) NVMe SSD or NVMe HDD into the tray, and then close the tray, ensuring the drive is firmly seated and the latch is engaged.
• Slide the tray back into the backplane slot until it clicks into place, repeating for all four bays as needed. Use the locking mechanism on each tray if you require additional physical security.
• Reconnect the host cables or any included backplane connectors as specified by your storage controller or motherboard, then reattach power and data cables.
• Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI or storage controller configuration utility to recognize the new NVMe drives and configure RAID or pass-through as required by your workload.
• Verify drive visibility in the operating system, perform a basic health check, and format or initialize the drives according to your storage strategy.
• Regularly monitor drive temperatures and ensure adequate airflow around the 5.25" bay to maintain NVMe performance and longevity.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What drives are supported? A: The backplane supports 2.5" U.2 drives using the SFF-8639 interface, including NVMe solid-state drives and NVMe hard drives compatible with U.2 form factors.
• Q: Can I install four drives at once? A: Yes, the backplane is designed to hold up to four drives within a single 5.25" bay, enabling high-density NVMe storage in a compact footprint.
• Q: Are the drive trays lockable? A: Yes. Each tray includes a locking mechanism to help deter tampering and prevent accidental removal in active systems.
• Q: Is the backplane hot-swappable? A: The trays are designed for easy removal and replacement, enabling maintenance without extensive downtime; hot-swappable capability may depend on the host controller and system configuration.
• Q: Do I need a separate RAID controller? A: Depending on your use case, you may configure the drives as individual NVMe volumes or through a software- or hardware-managed RAID controller. The backplane itself does not include a RAID controller.
• Q: Will this backplane fit in my chassis? A: It fits standard 5.25" drive bays found in many desktops, workstations, and compact servers. Verify your chassis supports the size and mounting pattern before installation.
• Q: Do I need any special cables? A: You will use the appropriate U.2 cables/connectors supplied by your motherboard or storage controller to connect each drive channel through the backplane.