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Product Features
Technical Overview
This drive docking station features a Serial ATA controller that supports SATA/600 interface speeds, compatible with SATA revision 1, 2, and 3 drives operating at 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 Gbps respectively. The USB 3.0 Type B host interface delivers theoretical transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, while maintaining full functionality with USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) connections for broader system compatibility.
The external form factor requires no internal installation, making it suitable for temporary drive access, data recovery, and backup operations. The dock accommodates both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA hard disk drives and solid-state drives without requiring additional adapters or brackets.
Relevant factors for this section include Number of Hard Drives Supported, Number of Solid State Drive Supported, Controller Type. 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 docking station simplifies drive access with several practical features that enhance usability and reliability. The patented ejection mechanism provides secure drive insertion and removal, while the combined power switch and status LED offers clear operational feedback. Built-in short circuit protection safeguards both the dock and connected drives from electrical issues.
Universal Drive Support
Accommodates both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDDs and SSDs without additional hardware, supporting drives from various manufacturers and capacity points.
- No bracket adapters needed
- Works with SATA I/II/III drives
- Supports HDD and SSD technologies
Simplified Connectivity
Single USB 3.0 connection to host computers provides both data transfer and power delivery through the included universal power adapter.
- USB 3.0 Type B interface
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
- Universal power adapter included
Deployment / Use Cases
The SATDOCKU3S docking station serves multiple practical applications in IT environments, small offices, and home setups. Its plug-and-play functionality makes it ideal for temporary drive access when retrieving data from old systems, performing drive diagnostics, or cloning drives for migration purposes.
For businesses maintaining multiple systems, this dock provides a convenient way to repurpose retired drives as external storage or backup destinations. The hot-swap capability allows quick drive rotation for data transfer between systems without restarting computers. The compact footprint makes it suitable for crowded workspaces, while the lack of cooling fan ensures silent operation in office environments.
Data Recovery & Migration
Access drives from failed or retired systems to recover important files or migrate data to new storage devices without internal installation.
Temporary Storage Expansion
Quickly add storage capacity to systems for large file transfers, backups, or media projects without committing to permanent internal drive installation.
Physical Profile
Measuring 2.60" high × 3.70" wide × 5.70" deep (66.04 × 93.98 × 144.78 mm), the compact black plastic enclosure fits easily on desktops without occupying significant workspace. The 13.83 oz (392 g) weight provides stability during drive insertion and removal while remaining portable enough for occasional relocation between workstations.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 2.60" (66.04 mm), 3.70" (93.98 mm), 5.70" (144.78 mm), 13.83 oz (392 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 3.70" (93.98 mm)
- Depth
- 5.70" (144.78 mm)
- Height
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Weight
- 13.83 oz (392 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate operation with most desktop and laptop computers.
Highlights
- Single-bay USB 3.0 to SATA docking station for 2.5" and 3.5" drives
- USB 3.0 interface delivers transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps with backward compatibility
- Supports SATA revision 1/2/3 drives (1.5/3.0/6.0 Gbps)
- Patented drive ejection mechanism for secure insertion and removal
- Combined power switch and status LED for clear operational feedback
- Hot-swap and plug-and-play compatible with most operating systems
- Built-in short circuit protection for enhanced reliability
- Compact desktop form factor with black plastic enclosure
- Universal power adapter supports North American, European, UK, and ANZ outlets
- 2-year limited warranty with RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SATDOCKU3S |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5/3.5 HDD |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Drive Dock |
| Technical Information | |
| Number of Hard Drives Supported | 1 |
| Number of Solid State Drive Supported | 1 |
| Controllers | |
| Controller Type | Serial ATA |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Number of Total Expansion Bays | 1 |
| Number of 3.5" Bays | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wireless LAN | No |
| UASP Support | No |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Drive Interface | SATA/600 |
| Host Interface | USB 3.0 Type B |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Plastic |
| Cooling Fan | No |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Width | 3.70" (93.98 mm) |
| Depth | 5.70" (144.78 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 13.83 oz (392 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5/3.5 HDD 1 x USB 3.0 Cable 1 x Universal Power Adapter (NA,EU,UK,ANZ) 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Compatibility | USB 1.1 USB 2.0 Plug n Play |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of drives does this docking station support?
The SATDOCKU3S supports both 2.5" and 3.5" form factor SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). It is compatible with SATA revision 1, 2, and 3 drives operating at 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 Gbps respectively. The dock accommodates drives from various manufacturers without requiring additional adapters or brackets.
What is the maximum transfer speed with USB 3.0?
When connected to a USB 3.0 port, this docking station supports transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. Actual performance depends on the connected drive's capabilities and the host system's configuration. The dock maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) connections for use with older computers.
Does this docking station require external power?
Yes, the docking station includes a universal power adapter that supports North American, European, UK, and Australia/New Zealand outlets. The adapter provides necessary power for 3.5" drives, while 2.5" drives typically draw power through the USB connection. The combined power switch controls both the dock and connected drive.
Is driver installation required for operation?
No driver installation is required for most modern operating systems due to plug-and-play compatibility. The docking station should be automatically recognized when connected to Windows, macOS, or Linux systems with appropriate USB support. Some older operating systems may require basic mass storage drivers that are typically included with the OS.
Can I hot-swap drives with this docking station?
Yes, the docking station supports hot-swapping, allowing you to insert and remove drives without powering down the host computer. The patented ejection mechanism ensures secure drive insertion and removal. Always use the operating system's safe removal procedure before physically removing drives to prevent data corruption.
What warranty coverage does this product include?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty for this docking station. The product also complies with multiple environmental standards including EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) requirements.