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Akasa
Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0

Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0

Last price we saw

$34.99at Performance-PCs.com, last seen Nov 2

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Our take on the Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0

The Akasa InterConnect is a 5.25-inch front-bay adapter that holds one 2.5-inch HDD or SSD and adds two front USB 3.0 ports. It connects the drive and ports through internal USB 3.0 headers, so it turns an unused optical bay into storage and easy-access ports. It is a niche part for desktop builders, not a USB hub or external enclosure. No current price was provided, so check the latest best price against its recent range before buying.

Best forDesktop builders with a free 5.25-inch bayAdding front USB 3.0 ports to an older caseMounting a spare 2.5-inch SSD up front
Cheap way to reuse an optical bay
Pros
  • Fits a standard 5.25-inch bay
  • Holds one 2.5-inch HDD or SSD
  • Adds two front USB 3.0 ports at up to 5Gb/s
  • Powered from the motherboard header, no separate PSU cable
  • Works with Windows XP through 10
Cons
  • Needs a free internal USB 3.0 header
  • Only one 2.5-inch drive slot
  • USB 2.0 fallback is limited to 480Mb/s
  • No USB-C or fast charging
  • Old OS support list; no Windows 11 mention

Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0 prices at every store

  • Performance-PCs.comCheck price at Performance-PCs.com

Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $34.99 on Nov 2 at Performance-PCs.com. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 2.

Specifications

Application
5.25 PC bay
Max Data Transfer Rate
5Gb/s (USB 3.0) and 480Mb/s (USB 2.0)
Power Requirement
DC 5V
Supported OS
Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8.X / 10

Questions and answers

Is it worth buying?
Only if you have a free 5.25-inch bay and an unused internal USB 3.0 header. It is a cheap way to add front ports and a 2.5-inch drive mount, but a plain USB 3.0 front-panel kit or a 3.5-inch adapter may cost less if you need only one of those.
Does it need a power cable from the PSU?
No. It draws DC 5V through the internal USB 3.0 header connection, so no separate SATA or Molex power lead is required.
Will it work with my motherboard?
It needs a motherboard with a 19-pin internal USB 3.0 header. On boards without one, the ports will not work unless you add a USB 3.0 header card.
What drive sizes does it take?
One 2.5-inch HDD or SSD, up to 9.5mm thick in most builds. It does not take 3.5-inch drives.
What is in the box?
The bay device with the 2.5-inch mount and USB 3.0 ports, plus mounting screws. A USB 3.0 header cable is built in; check the listing for any extras.
When is it cheapest?
This is an older, low-volume part, so prices move with stock rather than sales cycles. Watch the price history and buy when it dips below its recent average.

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Compare the Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0

  • Akasa InterConnect 5.25" Bay Device with 2.5" HDD/SSD Mount and USB 3.0 vs StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel