Introduction
IcyDock has a wide lineup of hard drive accessories from the enthusiast-level ExpressCage series to the enterprise-oriented ToughArmor series. I’ve been reviewing the latter for years now and have been able to see the lineup mature from only a few units to a whole host of sizes and capacities.
Today I have two units for review: the new flagship MB998SP-B (http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=192) and an entry into the external storage accessories with the MB991U3-1SB (http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=188).
Device Overview and First Impressions
MB991U3-1SB
IcyDock’s external 2.5” USB3.0 solution targets the portable drive market. While it’s certainly larger and heavier than Vantec and Rosewill enclosures, it doesn’t require an external power source like the IcyDock Blizzard 3.5” drive enclosure. It also sports a Kensington lock slot if you're worried about the enclosure walking off, which is nice.
Unlike other solutions, though, the MB991U3 sports a removable drive cage that’s compatible with other MB991 and MB994 devices that IcyDock sells. This makes swapping drives between your main machine and the enclosure a quick and painless experience if you already own one of their 5.25” bay devices.
MB998SP-B
Back in 2012 when I first started reviewing IcyDock’s ToughArmor lineup, the MB994SP-1 was the big dog -- sporting a total of four 2.5” devices in a single 5.25” slot. However, in 2013 IcyDock launched an even beefier 6-unit model the MB996SP-6SB. And now we have the MB998SP-B to take the crown once again.
The removable drive trays are thinner than the MB996 and won’t likely fit prior models. To get so many drives in such limited space, the unit also limits compatibility to 7mm HDD/SSDs. However, the caddies for each drive still support an activity/power LED and feature full-metal construction.
Article includes:
- Construction and Aesthetic
- Test Equipment:
- Performance
- Conclusion, Pricing and Availability
MB998SP-B product page: http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=192
MB991U3-1SB product page: http://www.icydock.com/goods.php?id=188