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StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel

StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel

Last price we saw

$38.15at BlueDogInk, last seen Nov 2

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Our take on the StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel

This is a mounting panel that fits a 5.25-inch front bay and holds one 2.5-inch SATA drive while adding two USB 3.0 ports to the front of the case. The drive connects over SATA at up to 6 Gbps, and the USB ports run off a single 4-pin Molex power connection. It needs no drivers and works with any OS. It suits older or custom-built desktops that lack front USB 3.0 and want a spare 2.5-inch drive bay.

Best forDesktop builders adding front USB 3.0 portsOwners of older cases with empty 5.25-inch baysPutting a spare 2.5-inch SSD or HDD in a full-size tower
Hot-swap or quick-access 2.5-inch drive setups
Pros
  • Adds two front USB 3.0 ports to cases that lack them
  • Holds one 2.5-inch SATA drive at up to 6 Gbps
  • No drivers or software; works with any OS
  • Fits a standard 5.25-inch front bay
  • Single 4-pin Molex powers the whole panel
Cons
  • Holds only one 2.5-inch drive
  • Needs a free 5.25-inch bay, which many modern cases lack
  • USB 3.0 only, no USB-C
  • Requires a motherboard USB 3.0 header and a free 4-pin power plug
  • No drive included

StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel prices at every store

  • BlueDogInkCheck price at BlueDogInk

StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel price history

Lowest price we've seen: $38.15 on Nov 2 at BlueDogInk. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 2.

What reviewers say

Owner feedback on StarTech bay adapters like this is generally positive on fit and function, with the usual complaints about cable routing and the need for a free 5.25-inch bay.

Pros
  • Solid metal build
  • Straightforward install
  • USB 3.0 ports work as expected
Cons
  • Cables can be tight in small cases
  • Needs both a USB 3.0 header and Molex power
  • Limited to one drive

Specifications

Drive Type
Hard Drive Tray/Cage, Hard Drive Rack, Hard Drive Accessory
Storage Capacity
Tested up to 500 GB
Storage Type
Hard Drive
Storage Included
No
Operating System
OS independent, No software or drivers required
Device Compatibility
PC
Form Factor
Rear full profile expansion card slot
Style
Internal
Color
Black
Connection Interfaces
SATA
Network Connectivity
No
Transfer Speed
Up to 6 Gbps
Power Source
1x 4-pin connection
Power Consumption
50 watts

Questions and answers

Will this fit my case?
It needs one free 5.25-inch front bay and a motherboard USB 3.0 header. Many modern cases have neither, so check before buying.
Does it include a hard drive?
No. The panel is just the mount and ports; you supply the 2.5-inch SATA drive.
What speed do the USB ports run at?
USB 3.0, up to 5 Gbps, provided your motherboard header supports it. The SATA drive link runs up to 6 Gbps.
Do I need drivers?
No. It is OS independent and needs no software or drivers.
What power does it need?
One 4-pin Molex connection from your power supply.
Is it worth it over a plain 2.5-inch bay adapter?
Only if you also want front USB 3.0 ports. If you just need a 2.5-inch mount, a cheaper bracket does the job.

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Compare the StarTech.com 5.25in Front Bay to 2.5in SATA Hard Drive and USB 3.0 Panel

  • 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