Pricing and Conclusion
Pricing
The ToughArmor is in line with other (more cheaply made) equivalent solutions, but the ICYBento seems a bit on the high side compared to other equivalent 3.5" enclosures out there.
Warranty
ICYDock products ship with a 3-year warranty.
Conclusion
These two ICY DOCK products were well made and innovative. The metal housing the trays of the ToughArmor were extremely durable, and the ICYBento is a nice looking and very capable 3.5" external enclosure. We will be looking at more ICY DOCK products soon, so stay tuned!
Awards
ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB:
ToughArmor gets my Editor's Choice as the best 2.5" x 6 to 5.25 hot swap device available.
ICYBento MB559U3S-1S:
The ICYBento is a nice looking and capable external enclosure, but many lower cost options are available.
ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB is on
ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB is on sale $83.64 (same link in the article) and Prime shipping!!
Just bought one!
Thanks Allyn!
I do have the 4 slot version
I do have the 4 slot version of the tough armor. It came with dual 40mm fans and I tell ya, those fans were the loudest thing in my whole system.
I see that the MB996SP-6SB come with a single 40mm fan. Is it still loud?
It can be switched off, and
It can be switched off, and it's nearly inaudible in slow speed. High is still nowhere near as loud as the old style fan that was used in the old model.
A valuable option that was
A valuable option that was left out of the 4 bay version. Had to stick a piece of tape in them to shut the fans off.
I have the 4 slot version,
I have the 4 slot version, and disconnected its fans (the system / PS fan pull enough air through to cool down the drives). I very much love this device. 🙂
So ‘armor’ which usually
So ‘armor’ which usually protects one knight (or a vehicle) is a fixed spot for six drives, while ‘bento’, a box of several small tasty items, is a mobile case for just one drive. Marketing fail!
haha nice one 😉
haha nice one 😉