Question 1

Is it possible to just use the 3.5" tray and screw it in a 3.5" bay of a PC case without using the 5.25" outer bracket?

Accepted Answer

No it's all one piece, It fits in the 5.25 bay just like a DVD drive does and won't fit into the smaller bay, The front hole actually is 3.5 bay so no way to make it fit.

Question 2

what's the front surface like? is it smooth/glossy? or more textured? i need a textured face to match my case.

Accepted Answer

The front surface is not smooth (glossy). It has slightly visible milling lines similar to the unpolished surface of some CPU heatsink bottoms. It is also not as dark black as the surrounding metal of my black computer case; however, neither are many DVD drives.

While it isn't a perfect match in color, it's only noticeable under scrutiny, and I don't find it a problem. It is a great accessory for what it does functionally, and that was a higher priority for me. However, I can appreciate you're wanting to obtain consistency in appearance. In my opinion, the milling lines put it in the category of a "rough" finish as opposed to a glossy smooth finish.

I'm very glad I purchased that specific model, as it gave me the ability to remove all internal 3.5" drive cages for better internal cooling. In addition to my DVD drive, I only have 1 storage drive, an SSD; and prior to installing the Icy Dock Flex-fit had to jury-rig the drive to the side of the 5.25" internal drive cage. The Flex-fit solved the problem, as it will hold 2 SSD's in the top layer and I can install a 3.5" accessory (fan controller or similar) in the bottom. It's a handy device, so I don't mind that there are subtle finish differences with the exposed surrounding sheet metal.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

Question 3

With up to three drives pancaked like this, won't they overheat?

Accepted Answer

I haven't had a problem with overheating.  I'm actually not making use of mine like I originally intended but when I did have three drives (one 3.5" and two 2.5") I didn't have a problem with overheating.  I always do use as many large (120mm or larger) fans as I can in any case, though, and have all but one blowing inward.

Question 4

Does this unit come with dust cover for the front?

Accepted Answer

You have to snap off the rear panel located in the rear of the product. You can check out their product page on icydock to see where to snap off the plastic panel.

Question 5

Can this be used to mount my twin USB 3.0 ports that were mounted using the original floppy drive bay on my old PC, in my 2nd optical bay slot? Since my newer case doesn't have the floppy opening, looks to be my best option.

Accepted Answer

Yes. (If your USB mount is 3.5" device)
Read the description:
Fits 1 x 3.5" Device / HDD & 2 x 2.5" HDD / SSD in 1 x 5.25" device bay
Smart-Tip Locking Mechanism for tool-less 3.5" device installation
Tool-less 2.5" SSD installation
Snap-off front dust cover

Question 6

I have ordered this adapter. How do I connect the SSD's to power in a 2008 Mac Pro? Do I have to buy something else?

Accepted Answer

You need to Google better...

This adapter is for SSDs in a desktop computer.

For a Mac Pro 2008, you need to open the *laptop,* and put it in after making a copy of your current hard drive.

You need to return this.

Question 7

Will an Anker USB 3.0 two port 2.5" hub fit into this OK, And have room behind it for the USB 19 pin cable to get to ASUS Z97 motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Basically, it can take (1) 3.5" drive the size of a old fashioned floppy disk drives. I put a (2) 2.5" drive bay in it with two 2.5" SSDs. One nice surprise is a nice spot for a 3rd, and 4th 2.5" drives on the top. The whole thing fits in one 5.25" big drive bay. It's plastic, so you have to take care of static discharge through the front panel. It's best to make a little wire with lugs at both ends, and tie the chassis ground of the disk drive to the computer chassis ground together. Otherwise it's a nice little drive bay adapter. (4)! 2.5" drives in one 5.25 drive bay. Whoo Hoo!

Question 8

I like the snap-in SSD feature this product offers, but I don't want to take the face plate off of my case to install the 5.25 converter.  I have a closed loop liquid cooler, so assuming nothing is in my way on the inside, is it possible to load this from within the case and use the easy install clips with the case?

Accepted Answer

If you have enough room inside the case to shove it in from the inside then yes. but you have to remove the 5.25" faceplate to have it mounted securely Now there is always a way to mount about anything but this is set to snap in when it is flush mounted in the front.

Question 9

My case CM Stacker STC-T01 has the plastic rails that go tool less in either side of the drive holder and allows the drive to snap into the bay. Will this adapter accept the plastic rails?

Accepted Answer

Yes, my case also have the tool less install, this has the same screw holes as a rom drive so your rails will connect just like they would on the DVD rom drive.

Question 10

Nice looking adapter. Does anyone know if it will mount securely into a Antec 302 tool less 5 1/4 bay?

Accepted Answer

It should as the holes are all in the standard position as all 5/ 1/4 hole positions on other peripherals. I have put this in tool-less cases just not your model but I can say with about 99% accuracy it will fit if you can fit a optical drive then it should fit.

Questions & Answers