Description
The PROBOX PRORAID U3 HF2-SU3S2 is a robust 4-bay external storage enclosure designed for users requiring massive data expansion without complex RAID configurations. Utilizing a high-quality aluminum chassis and a JMicron chipset, it supports individual drive recognition for up to 18TB per bay. Its dual-interface design offers flexibility between high-speed USB 3.0 and professional-grade eSATA connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of workstations and legacy hardware.
This product is for:
- Creative professionals needing a centralized repository for raw video footage and high-resolution photography.
- Home media enthusiasts looking to host large Plex or DLNA libraries across multiple high-capacity drives.
- Small business owners requiring a reliable, non-RAID backup solution for archival data.
- IT technicians who frequently swap 3.5-inch SATA drives for data recovery or migration tasks.
- Power users seeking to consolidate multiple external drives into a single, space-saving desktop unit.
Detailed specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.0 (up to 5Gbps) and eSATA (up to 6Gbps).
- Drive Support: 4 x 3.5-inch SATA I/II/III Hard Drives (Note: 4KN drives are not supported).
- Maximum Capacity: 18TB per bay (Total 72TB capacity).
- Cooling System: Dual 80mm x 80mm smart fans with automatic temperature sensing and manual 3-speed control.
- Material: Aluminum housing with a mirror-finish front panel and internal metal brackets.
- Dimensions: 215mm x 126mm x 166mm; Weight: 1.8kg.
- Compatibility: Windows XP/7/8/10 and Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
Operating the HF2-SU3S2 is streamlined by its plug-and-play architecture, allowing for the mix-and-match of different drive brands and capacities. The Smart Fan system actively monitors internal temperatures, adjusting fan speeds to maintain optimal drive health while minimizing acoustic noise. The Power Sync feature is particularly effective, automatically putting the enclosure into sleep mode when the host computer shuts down, significantly reducing power consumption and mechanical wear on the drives.
Compared to standard single-bay enclosures, the PROBOX 4-bay system significantly reduces cable clutter and power outlet usage. While it lacks internal RAID hardware found in the PRORAID series, it offers greater flexibility for users who prefer software-defined storage or individual drive management. Its eSATA port provides a more stable, direct-to-bus connection compared to entry-level USB-only enclosures, making it a preferred choice for sustained data transfers.
Q&A:
- Does this enclosure support 4KN (4K Native) sector hard drives? No, this specific model is incompatible with 4KN drives; please ensure your drives use 512e or 512n sector formatting.
- Can I use different sized hard drives at the same time? Yes, the enclosure supports four independent drives of varying brands and capacities up to 18TB each.
- How does the Smart Fan functionality work? The fan can be set to "Auto" to adjust speed based on heat sensors or "Manual" to select between three fixed speed levels via the front panel.
- Is a driver installation required for Windows 10 or Mac? No, the device is class-compliant and will be recognized automatically by modern operating systems.
- What is the benefit of using eSATA over USB 3.0? eSATA often provides lower CPU overhead and more consistent throughput for professional workstations equipped with eSATA ports.
