Thermaltake Designs SilverRiver Wardrobe for 3.5-inch HDDs

For end-users wishing to employ extra SATA 1.5 Gbps or SATA 3.0 Gbps drives as external storage, hardware makers have been manufacturing drive enclosures. Thermaltake has just introduced two models, one for 3.5-inch drives and another for 2.5-inch units. While enabling extra storage possibilities for any USB-equipped system, these products bring the added bonus of providing the housed units with protection against various 'accidents' possible in an office or home environment.

Even though, most often, end-users choose to purchase a USB flash drive to meet their data-transfer needs, external hard drives have also been seeing widespread adoption thanks to their significantly larger storage capabilities. Some systems do not have support for a suitable number of storage units and end-users may choose an external solution for backup or storing their data. However, those wishing for a way to use any spare drives, in case their system cannot normally accommodate them, may employ one of Thermaltake's three new models.

The 3.5-inch ST0016 and ST0017 are part of the SilverRiver II series and are constructed with a diamond-cut aluminum finish. They not only provide good protection against any type of 'accidents' that may occur, but also feature a removable foot. This design feature enables the drives to be placed in various positions, adding both convenience and aesthetic value. Both of these products support USB 2.0, but only the ST0016 is also equipped with eSATA connectivity. The ST0016 and ST0017, respectively, measure 195 x 125 x 70 mm and 136 x 79 x 17 mm.

The SilverRiver II line also has a smaller member meant to house 2.5-inch drives. Known as the ST0018, it measures only 79 (W) x 17 (H) x 136 (D) mm and connects via USB. It is described as “the ideal mobile storage enclosure.”

All three models come bundled with the required data cables as well as a screwdriver and will become available during the next few weeks. The SilverRiver II Series drive enclosures carry price tags of $39.99 for the ST0016, of $29.99 for the ST0017 and of $19.99 for the ST0018.