Tripp Lite by Eaton U338-000 USB 3. 0 to SATA / IDE Combo Adapter - Black - Supports 2. 5"/3. 5"/5. 25" Drives up to 4TB
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This data transfer adapter leverages USB 3.0 SuperSpeed technology with backward compatibility to USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Full-Speed modes, delivering up to 5Gbps throughput for fast data transfers. On the drive side, it supports SATA III at 6Gbps and earlier SATA generations, along with standard 40-pin IDE interfaces, covering most desktop and laptop hard drives manufactured in the past two decades.
The adapter includes an external power supply that accepts 100-240V AC input and provides 12V, 2A DC output, ensuring stable operation with 3.5" and 5.25" drives that require additional power. A dedicated backup button integrates with the included AI-OTB software for one-touch backup operations, adding convenience for routine data protection tasks.
This section brings together practical product details such as Adapter Type, Connector Type on First End, Connector on First End Details, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
The U338-000 stands out with its dual-interface design that handles both SATA and IDE drives through a single adapter, eliminating the need for multiple devices in mixed-drive environments. Its comprehensive compatibility with 2.5", 3.5", and 5.25" form factors makes it suitable for everything from laptop SSDs to desktop HDDs and optical drives.
Complete Accessory Package
Includes all necessary cables and power supply for immediate use with any supported drive, plus backup software and documentation.
- USB 3.0 Cable (2.5 ft)
- 4-Pin Molex Power Cable
- External Power Supply
- Owner's Manual
- Backup Software CD
One-Touch Backup Functionality
Features a physical backup button that works with the included AI-OTB software to simplify scheduled or manual backup operations without requiring software navigation.
Deployment / Use Cases
IT professionals and data recovery specialists will find this adapter invaluable for accessing drives from decommissioned computers, performing forensic data extraction, or cloning drives during system upgrades. Its ability to handle both SATA and IDE interfaces makes it particularly useful in environments with legacy systems still in operation.
For home users and small offices, the adapter serves as an economical external enclosure alternative, allowing temporary connection of internal drives for backup, media storage expansion, or file transfers between systems. The included backup software adds value for users establishing simple backup routines without investing in separate backup solutions.
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed to immediately connect and power SATA or IDE drives via USB 3.0.
Highlights
- Connects SATA and IDE drives to USB 3.0 ports for external access
- Supports 2.5", 3.5", and 5.25" drive form factors
- Handles drives up to 4TB capacity
- USB 3.0 SuperSpeed with backward compatibility to USB 2.0
- SATA III (6Gbps) and earlier SATA generation support
- Includes AI-OTB One Touch Backup software with dedicated backup button
- Complete accessory package with cables and external power supply
- Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems
- 3-year limited warranty for reliability assurance
- Black design for professional workstation integration
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eaton Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | U338-000 |
| Brand Name | Tripp Lite series |
| Product Model | U338-000 |
| Product Name | USB 3.0 to SATA / IDE Combo Adapter |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Adapter Type | IDE/SATA/USB |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 3.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x Type A USB 3.0 USB Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | SATA 3.0 - Male,IDC IDE - Female |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x 7-pin Serial ATA 3.0 SATA Male,1 x 40-pin IDC IDE Female |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 3.0 to SATA / IDE Combo Adapter USB 3.0 Cable - 2.5 ft. 4-Pin Molex Power Cable External Power Supply (Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.8A Output: 12V, 2A) Owner's Manual Backup Software CD |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 3 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of drives does the U338-000 adapter support?
The adapter supports both SATA and IDE interface drives in 2.5", 3.5", and 5.25" form factors. This includes modern SATA III hard drives and SSDs as well as legacy IDE/PATA drives, making it suitable for accessing drives from computers manufactured over the past two decades.
What is the maximum drive capacity this adapter can handle?
The Tripp Lite U338-000 supports drives up to 4TB in capacity. This covers most consumer and professional hard drives currently available, though extremely high-capacity enterprise drives above 4TB may not be fully compatible due to interface limitations.
Does this adapter require external power for operation?
Yes, the adapter includes an external power supply that provides 12V, 2A DC output. This is necessary for 3.5" and 5.25" drives that require additional power beyond what USB can provide. The power supply accepts 100-240V AC input, making it suitable for international use.
What backup software is included and how does it work?
The package includes AI-OTB (One Touch Backup) software on CD. This software integrates with a physical backup button on the adapter, allowing users to initiate backups with a single press without opening software interfaces. It supports scheduled and manual backup operations for connected drives.
Is this adapter compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, the U338-000 is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. The adapter uses standard USB mass storage protocols that are natively supported by both platforms, though the included backup software may have specific version requirements that should be verified against your operating system version.
What warranty coverage does Tripp Lite provide for this adapter?
Tripp Lite by Eaton provides a 3-year limited warranty for the U338-000 USB 3.0 to SATA / IDE Combo Adapter. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions, providing assurance for professional deployment in IT environments and data recovery applications.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 3.0 Type A - Male, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.