Question 1

how does this unit connect to a computer ?

Accepted Answer

The SuperMicro CSE-M35T-1B is a compact hard drive cage that is specifically designed to mount into a larger SuperMicro computer tower or server chasis.  The SuperMicro website will show which chasis' the CSE-M35T-1B is compatible with.

NOTE: If the CSE-M35T-1B will not fit into the drive bay area on the customer's computer, it is possible to place or mount the SuperMicro CSE-M35T-1B externally to the customer's computer tower/chasis.  This is what I have done.  Longer 36" & 40" SATA cables can be purchased online (1 per individual Hard Drive) & a 4-conductor Power Supply extension cable must be added to supply power from the customer's computer power supply to the SuperMicro CSE-M35T-1B.  [Make sure the SATA cables can handle a data transfer rate of 3GB/s if SATA II drives are being used.  Some SATA cables are rated up to 6GB/s]

Question 2

I have been searching around. I see that on the SuperMicro there is an IPASS to 4 SATA ports. I am getting an HBA card that has SAS connectors. I would like to know what kind of cable to get for this. Would it be a SAS to SAS?

Accepted Answer

Just look at the images on Newegg, you need an HBA that has at least two sas ports and will need two SAS to SATA breakout cables.

Something like:

Newegg Item: StarTech Model SAS8087S450 19" (50cm) Serial Attached SCSI SAS Cable - SFF-8087 to 4x Latching SATA
or
Newegg Item: StarTech Model SAS8087S4R50 19.7" SFF-8087 to 4x SATA - Internal Mini SAS to SATA Reverse Cable

depending on the ports in your HBA.

I use zfs on Linux with this card:

Newegg Item: LSI Internal SAS SATA 9211-8i 6Gbps 8 Ports HBA PCI-E RAID Controller Card

Question 3

What size fan mount do I need if I want to replace with a quieter fan?

Accepted Answer

The stock fan is a Sanyo Denki 9G0912P2H03 that's 92x32 (which is very uncommon).  I was replacing it with an Evercool EC-9232M12BP, but they're no longer made and no one has them.  You'll probably need to go with a 92x25... it screws to the back of the housing so it should be secure.  You also can not go thicker than 32mm.

Question 4

Is this enclosure SATA II or SATA III?

Accepted Answer

The enclosure electronics are passive, i.e. the signals just pass through it like a cable. So, the controller and drives attached to it determine the interface standard. In other words, it will work fine for SATA II or III.

Question 5

How big of hard disk can this handle ?

Accepted Answer

The M35T just provides hot-swap, cooling and activity lights through 5 separate SATA connectors.  It doesn't impose any size limits on the disks other than those of your controller and OS.

Question 6

Is there a operating system and are there SATA (2) equipped.  Please tell me  what is included.???

Accepted Answer

This is just a case to hold hard drives.
I it used to retrofit a computer chassis to support
Hot-plug drives.  It DOES NOT include any drives,
nor is capable of running an OS.

Questions & Answers