StarTech.com S251BMU313 2.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure - USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) - Aluminum - UASP Support - SSD/HDD
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This enclosure delivers USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance with theoretical transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, significantly faster than standard USB 3.0 connections. UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support reduces CPU overhead and improves data transfer efficiency, making it ideal for demanding storage tasks.
The SATA/600 interface maintains full compatibility with SATA I, II, and III drives, supporting both traditional hard drives and modern solid-state drives. The single 2.5" bay accommodates drives up to 9.5mm thick, with an included spacer for thinner 7mm SSDs.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Hard Drives Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Number of Total Expansion Bays, Number of 2.5" Bays. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This enclosure combines high-speed connectivity with practical design features that benefit both IT professionals and everyday users. The aluminum construction not only looks professional but also helps dissipate heat from high-performance SSDs during extended use.
Plug-and-Play Simplicity
The enclosure requires no external power adapter, drawing all necessary power directly from the USB port. This eliminates cable clutter and makes setup as simple as connecting the included USB cable.
- Bus-powered operation
- No external power brick needed
- Quick installation process
Broad Compatibility
Backward compatibility with USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.x ensures this enclosure works with virtually any computer system. The included spacer accommodates different drive thicknesses for maximum flexibility.
- Works with older USB standards
- Supports 7mm and 9.5mm drives
- No driver installation required
Deployment / Use Cases
This external drive enclosure serves multiple practical applications in business and personal computing environments. Its combination of speed, portability, and durability makes it versatile for various storage needs.
IT departments can use it for quick data migration between systems, creating portable diagnostic tools, or repurposing retired laptop drives as external backup solutions. Creative professionals benefit from the high-speed transfers when working with large media files directly from external storage.
Data Backup & Migration
Create instant external backups or migrate data between computers without opening cases. The enclosure turns any 2.5" SATA drive into a portable storage device for secure data transport.
- Quick system upgrades
- Secure data transportation
- Temporary storage expansion
Portable Workstation Storage
Professionals who work across multiple locations can maintain consistent storage environments by carrying their drives between workstations. The lightweight design and protective case ensure safe transport.
- Mobile work solutions
- Consistent storage across locations
- Protected during transport
Physical Profile
Measuring just 0.5" tall, 3" wide, and 4.8" deep, this enclosure maintains an exceptionally compact footprint that fits easily in bags or desk drawers. The brushed aluminum finish provides both aesthetic appeal and structural rigidity, while the black color scheme blends seamlessly with most computing equipment.
At only 2.8 ounces, the enclosure adds minimal weight to portable setups. The external form factor requires no internal mounting, making it instantly usable with any available USB port. The included protective case adds an extra layer of protection during transport.
- Width
- 3" (76.20 mm)
- Depth
- 4.80" (121.92 mm)
- Height
- 0.50" (12.70 mm)
- Weight
- 2.80 oz (79.38 g)
What's in the Box
The enclosure comes complete with everything needed for immediate use, including all necessary cables and installation accessories.
Highlights
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) connectivity for high-speed data transfers
- UASP support reduces CPU overhead and improves transfer efficiency
- Aluminum construction for durability and heat dissipation
- Supports both 2.5" SSDs and HDDs with SATA I/II/III compatibility
- Bus-powered design requires no external power adapter
- Compact dimensions (0.5" x 3" x 4.8") for easy portability
- Includes protective case and all necessary installation accessories
- Backward compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.x standards
- 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- TAA compliant for government and educational procurement
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | S251BMU313 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Enclosure for 2.5" SATA Drives |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Drive Enclosure |
| Technical Information | |
| Number of Hard Drives Supported | 1 |
| Number of Solid State Drive Supported | 1 |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Number of Total Expansion Bays | 1 |
| Number of 2.5" Bays | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wireless LAN | No |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Drive Interface | SATA/600 |
| Host Interface | USB 3.1 Micro-B |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Aluminum |
| Cooling Fan | No |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 0.50" (12.70 mm) |
| Width | 3" (76.20 mm) |
| Depth | 4.80" (121.92 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.80 oz (79.38 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Enclosure for 2.5" SATA Drives 1 x USB 3.1 A to Micro B Cable - 18 inches 1 x 7mm - 9.5mm SSD Spacer 1 x Protective Case 4 x Assembly Screws 1 x Screw Driver 1 x Quick Start Guide |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of drives are compatible with this enclosure?
The enclosure supports standard 2.5" SATA solid-state drives and hard disk drives. It maintains full compatibility with SATA I, II, and III interfaces, accommodating both older mechanical drives and modern SSDs. The included spacer allows proper installation of thinner 7mm SSDs alongside standard 9.5mm drives.
Does this enclosure require external power?
No, the enclosure is bus-powered and draws all necessary power directly from the USB port. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, reducing cable clutter and simplifying setup. The design supports both data transfer and drive operation through the single USB connection.
What is UASP and how does it benefit performance?
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is an advanced transfer protocol that reduces CPU overhead during data transfers compared to traditional USB Bulk-Only Transport. This results in faster file transfers, particularly with multiple simultaneous operations, and improves overall system responsiveness when using the enclosure for active storage tasks.
What USB standards does this enclosure support?
The enclosure features USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity with theoretical speeds up to 10 Gbps. It maintains backward compatibility with USB 3.0 (5 Gbps), USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), and USB 1.x standards. This ensures the enclosure works with virtually any computer system, from modern workstations to older legacy equipment.
What materials is the enclosure constructed from?
The main chassis is constructed from brushed aluminum, providing both structural durability and effective heat dissipation. The aluminum construction helps manage temperatures during extended use with high-performance SSDs. The finish is black, creating a professional appearance that blends with most computing equipment.
What accessories are included with the enclosure?
The package includes a complete set of installation and usage accessories: an 18-inch USB 3.1 A to Micro B cable, a 7mm-9.5mm SSD spacer for thinner drives, a protective carrying case, four assembly screws, a screwdriver, and a quick start guide. Everything needed for immediate use is provided in the box.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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