Concept Product CP128-1-4 Bay 2.5" SATA/SAS/NVMe (U.3) SSD/HDD UBM Mobile Rack Enclosure for 5.25” Drive Bay

[icydock_admin]

Concept Product CP128-1
4 Bay 2.5" SATA/SAS/NVMe (U.3) SSD/HDD UBM Mobile Rack Enclosure for 5.25” Drive Bay

Product Page: https://global.icydock.com/product_344.html
Any product suggestion or new idea will be highly appreciated!
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Key Features​

• World’s first Universal Backplane Management (UBM) drive mobile rack enclosure
• Supports 4 x 2.5" SAS/SATA/U.3 NVMe SSD/HDD (tri-mode adapter is required to access SAS, SATA, and U.3 NVMe through the same drive bay)
• Supports SAS 4.0 (up to 22.5Gbps), SATA 3.0 (up to 6Gbps), and NVMe Gen 4 (up to 64Gbps)
• Installs into any standard external 5.25" optical drive bay
• Uses 2 x SlimSAS 8i (SFF-8654) rear connectors
• Ruggedized full-metal enclosure meeting flammability requirements
• Removable drive tray system with hot-plug support for easy maintenance
• Active power technology (APT) - only powers up if a drive is installed in the drive bay
• Dual high-performance 40x20mm cooling fans with three fan speed settings (high, low, off)
• The eagle-hook tray system securely holds the drive tray inside the enclosure
• EMI grounding – protects SSDs from electrical damage

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[romihs]

Just the solution I have been looking for!
Is there any update to the status of this concept?

I see that that this concept is not included in the online form here.

 

[PM-Peter]

Just the solution I have been looking for!
Is there any update to the status of this concept?

I see that that this concept is not included in the online form here.

Hi romihs,

Thank you for your interest in this concept product.
Regarding products with UBM feature, we are currently prioritizing the development of our MB218E5P-1B (8x E1.S SSD UBM Mobile Rack for 5.25" Bay) that connects only x2 PCIe lanes of NVMe drives, but allows users to connect more NVMe drives to their controller cards, as we have been receiving a lot of customer feedback about such a product.

It will be very helpful to our product evaluation if you could help answer these following questions about this concept product:
1. Could you share with us about your application? Would it be a concern to you that this concept product does not support U.2 SSDs?
2. What kinds of issue are you facing and how can this product solve/ improve the situation?
3. How many drives are you planning to install in your device? Do you plan to use different drives for different purposes?
4. Could you share with us about the environment that you plan to use this concept product? If possible, could you share with us the chassis model that you plan to install this concept product.

We look forward to your reply. You can also email your response to Peter@cremax.com.tw . Thank you.

 

[romihs]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the response.
I fully understand that you need to focus on the development of products that has greatest value to you.

To answer your questions:
1) I have several U.2 SAS drives which I would like to build into my system. I don't have a need specifically for a UBM or tri-mode supported backplane.
2) I have searched your product lineup and was not able to find a 2.5"4-bay enclosure that supports U.2 SAS drives. This product would be useful as I would be able to use the U.2 SAS drives and also, when required, insert and work with NVMe drives.
3) Primary application is to initially use 2x U.2 SAS drives (24G enterprise drives). Later I will expand the storage array with more similar drives. As mentioned above, it would be beneficial occasionally to be able to access SATA or NVMe drives (for data retrieval and such).
4) I have a virtualized workstation setup running multiple VM's and am in the process of upgrading the file server on it with enterprise SSD drives. I'm using the SilverStone SST-ALD1B ALTA D1 case.

Hope the info is helpful.

 

[VenaNocta]

Hi, since I've finally found the component that I actually require in this conceptual product I'm gonna give you another usecase.

Btw, I previously bought the ToughArmor MB699VP-B V3 believing it to be truly TriMode capable but soon figured out that it's only TriMode compatible...

My Usecase:
I intend to use this component for forensic-imaging & computer setup (namely ghosting, 1-to-1 copy from system image) as I frequently get requests to recover files from Laptop's which generally use SATA 2,5" SSDs (sometimes even HDDs) or M.2 SSDs. Another usecase are Adapters which usually convert other drives like M.2 or mSATA (Delock mSATA Adapter) to the 2,5" form factor. This component would be ideal for my usecase as it allows me to statically mount most adapters to frames and than dynamically (dependent on whatever media the customer provides) insert them into the drive bay, without me having to open up my case and try to get at any of the cables or M.2 slots.

The workstation I intend to use this in is a Threadripper 3rd Gen (equipped with 256GB DDR4) on the TRX40D8-2N2T (AS Rock Rack) in the RM46-502-I (SilverStone). I hope that this component takes up only one of the 5.25” slots as the other is already occupied by my internal storage (MB604SPO-B).

The Workstation is set up on Linux but sometimes, especially for forensic tasks, I have to boot a Windows VM from a SSD disk which I hope to be able to dynamically swap into the dock. That disk will probably be the fastest drive that I can run with the TriMode Controller.

Sidenote:
For "forensic" / "system recovery" use I generally have to passthrough devices to the Windows-VM for the Windows based tools to run well and as fast as possible - although it often takes several hours (see file carving). Therefore it would be great if the full bandwidth of the disk is available!

For "forensic" use in the legal context the storage-media in question has to be converted to a image first through the use of a hardware write-blocker. I am aware that the write-blocking feature is not something that is intended for this product but It would be great if IcyDock provided a hardware-write-blocking drive bay or adapter.


Hope that this is helpful, LG Sebastian

 

[mPisano]

We have about 50 Supermicro Edge Servers for File, Print, AD that I need to upgrade the spinning SAS Seagate Enterprise drives and I need a new mobile rack.
Our current mobile racks are Chembro or InWIn which used a single 8087 connector with sidebands from a LSI 9271 to a 4 bay unit, everything has been flawless for 15 years.

I have already purchased for testing the U.2 (MB699VP-B V3) and M.2 (MB720MK-B V3) and some EZConvert MB705M2P-B trays. I love these, they are perfect except no UBM!

I love NVMe, but now that there 2 cables and 4 separate slimsas connections from 9560-16i going to individual devices the likelihood that somebody inverting a cable is inevitable.

If you couple a drive failure and lose the ability to clearly know which device is bad… this is a “recipe for disaster”… I need UBM!

I know UBM can do a lot per spec, I really am only looking to gain “Locate” as SPGIO has done in my SAS world.

regards,
Mike

 

[mPisano]

Further to my post above, in regard to your efforts on MB218E5P-1B (8x E1.S SSD UBM Mobile Rack for 5.25" Bay)

E1.S Which is definitely a form factor with a lot of push behind it for Data Centers.... I'm not sure why this is your focus since Icy typically markets towards retail and system integrators, not compete directly with true backplane manufactures like Dell or Supermicro.

U.2 and M2 (with adapter) to the CP-128 is a much more viable solution with Drives\Media that are more economical then E1.S drives per TB

If UBM PCI Lane management is your focus then I can see why 8x bays might sound good, except again E1.S?? It would have been my last choice....

I have plenty of 5.25 bays, I could easily put 2x CP128 for 8 bays if I could manage the 16i controllers lanes effectively.

Universal Backplane Management Whitepaper

Mike

 

[PM-Peter]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the response.
I fully understand that you need to focus on the development of products that has greatest value to you.

To answer your questions:
1) I have several U.2 SAS drives which I would like to build into my system. I don't have a need specifically for a UBM or tri-mode supported backplane.
2) I have searched your product lineup and was not able to find a 2.5"4-bay enclosure that supports U.2 SAS drives. This product would be useful as I would be able to use the U.2 SAS drives and also, when required, insert and work with NVMe drives.
3) Primary application is to initially use 2x U.2 SAS drives (24G enterprise drives). Later I will expand the storage array with more similar drives. As mentioned above, it would be beneficial occasionally to be able to access SATA or NVMe drives (for data retrieval and such).
4) I have a virtualized workstation setup running multiple VM's and am in the process of upgrading the file server on it with enterprise SSD drives. I'm using the SilverStone SST-ALD1B ALTA D1 case.

Hope the info is helpful.

Hi romihs,

Thank you for your reply. If the main application is to access 2.5" SAS drives, we recommend using our MB994SP-4SB-1 (https://global.icydock.com/product_162.html ), as CP128-1 has to be paired with Tri-Mode Controller in order to access SATA/SAS and NVMe drives.

Please let us know if this model works for you or if you have any question.

 

[PM-Peter]

Hi, since I've finally found the component that I actually require in this conceptual product I'm gonna give you another usecase.

Btw, I previously bought the ToughArmor MB699VP-B V3 believing it to be truly TriMode capable but soon figured out that it's only TriMode compatible...

My Usecase:
I intend to use this component for forensic-imaging & computer setup (namely ghosting, 1-to-1 copy from system image) as I frequently get requests to recover files from Laptop's which generally use SATA 2,5" SSDs (sometimes even HDDs) or M.2 SSDs. Another usecase are Adapters which usually convert other drives like M.2 or mSATA (Delock mSATA Adapter) to the 2,5" form factor. This component would be ideal for my usecase as it allows me to statically mount most adapters to frames and than dynamically (dependent on whatever media the customer provides) insert them into the drive bay, without me having to open up my case and try to get at any of the cables or M.2 slots.

The workstation I intend to use this in is a Threadripper 3rd Gen (equipped with 256GB DDR4) on the TRX40D8-2N2T (AS Rock Rack) in the RM46-502-I (SilverStone). I hope that this component takes up only one of the 5.25” slots as the other is already occupied by my internal storage (MB604SPO-B).

The Workstation is set up on Linux but sometimes, especially for forensic tasks, I have to boot a Windows VM from a SSD disk which I hope to be able to dynamically swap into the dock. That disk will probably be the fastest drive that I can run with the TriMode Controller.

Sidenote:
For "forensic" / "system recovery" use I generally have to passthrough devices to the Windows-VM for the Windows based tools to run well and as fast as possible - although it often takes several hours (see file carving). Therefore it would be great if the full bandwidth of the disk is available!

For "forensic" use in the legal context the storage-media in question has to be converted to a image first through the use of a hardware write-blocker. I am aware that the write-blocking feature is not something that is intended for this product but It would be great if IcyDock provided a hardware-write-blocking drive bay or adapter.


Hope that this is helpful, LG Sebastian

Hi VenaNocta,

Thank you for sharing your use case with us. We will make sure to take it into consideration during our product development process.

 

[PM-Peter]

Further to my post above, in regard to your efforts on MB218E5P-1B (8x E1.S SSD UBM Mobile Rack for 5.25" Bay)

E1.S Which is definitely a form factor with a lot of push behind it for Data Centers.... I'm not sure why this is your focus since Icy typically markets towards retail and system integrators, not compete directly with true backplane manufactures like Dell or Supermicro.

U.2 and M2 (with adapter) to the CP-128 is a much more viable solution with Drives\Media that are more economical then E1.S drives per TB

If UBM PCI Lane management is your focus then I can see why 8x bays might sound good, except again E1.S?? It would have been my last choice....

I have plenty of 5.25 bays, I could easily put 2x CP128 for 8 bays if I could manage the 16i controllers lanes effectively.

Universal Backplane Management Whitepaper

Mike

Hi Mike,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Your feedback can really help us understand the importance of UBM features to our customer.
We are prioritizing MB218E5P-1B as it can also be paired with CP154 (M.2 NVMe SSD to E1.S SSD converter) to install 8x M.2 NVMe SSD in a single 5.25" bay.
However, we are certainly looking forward to add UBM features to other products in the near future as well, especially our MB699VP-B V3.
Please feel free to let us know if you have any further question or thought.

 

[mPisano]

Thanks for the response, using CP154 in the MB218E5P-1B does add some value (depending on cost?) for M.2s while E1.S hopefully becomes economical and available.
Certainly having 8 devices allow you to really use lane management for UBM for more then SGPIO's features.

All of my disks (~150) are Seagate ES 3.5 mirrors with a cold spare, For this new project I still only need a 2 to 4tb Mirrors and it's all about SSD Cost and availability considering I'll need 100 drives for 50 mirrors. (no cold ssd)

E1.S and U2 are much better for heat distribution and size allows larger TB's, but more costly then M.2 Pro.... (2TB NVME Comparison)
ES.1 KIOXIA KXDZ1RJ91T92 = 425.00 (Expensive and Not much selection)
U.2 Samsung MZ-QL21T900 = 325.00 (Mainstream and available for Data Centers)
M.2 Samsung 9100 PRO = 225.00 (Prosumer and Economical)
M.2 Samsung 990 = 125.00 (Consumer)

Your entering a "Data Center" market, Enterprise Product Quality is most important... anybody spending this much on controllers and drives can't afford even a simple fan failure. (Think about Noctua)

Would also love if the device had an alarm since LSI stopped putting them on the cards. Could configure to alert on Over Temp or Fan RPM failure or UBM\Drive fail.

Looking forward to it's release or testing if available

 

[PM-Peter]

Thanks for the response, using CP154 in the MB218E5P-1B does add some value (depending on cost?) for M.2s while E1.S hopefully becomes economical and available.
Certainly having 8 devices allow you to really use lane management for UBM for more then SGPIO's features.

All of my disks (~150) are Seagate ES 3.5 mirrors with a cold spare, For this new project I still only need a 2 to 4tb Mirrors and it's all about SSD Cost and availability considering I'll need 100 drives for 50 mirrors. (no cold ssd)

E1.S and U2 are much better for heat distribution and size allows larger TB's, but more costly then M.2 Pro.... (2TB NVME Comparison)
ES.1 KIOXIA KXDZ1RJ91T92 = 425.00 (Expensive and Not much selection)
U.2 Samsung MZ-QL21T900 = 325.00 (Mainstream and available for Data Centers)
M.2 Samsung 9100 PRO = 225.00 (Prosumer and Economical)
M.2 Samsung 990 = 125.00 (Consumer)

Your entering a "Data Center" market, Enterprise Product Quality is most important... anybody spending this much on controllers and drives can't afford even a simple fan failure. (Think about Noctua)

Would also love if the device had an alarm since LSI stopped putting them on the cards. Could configure to alert on Over Temp or Fan RPM failure or UBM\Drive fail.

Looking forward to it's release or testing if available

Hi Mike,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We will keep note of your requirements and evaluate the possibility of integrating these features into our product during development process.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.