Tool-Less Removable Tray Design for NAS & Homelab Storage
The ICY DOCK ExpressCage MB324SP-1B is a 4-bay 2.5" SATA/SAS SSD/HDD mobile rack that fits into a standard 5.25" optical drive bay, ideal for NAS servers, homelab systems, compact workstations, and small business servers. It combines high-density storage with ICY DOCK's proven tool-less removable tray design, allowing quick hot-swaps and easy maintenance while securely supporting drives from 5-12.5mm in height.
Designed for users who value flexibility and serviceability, the MB324SP-1B enables effortless drive upgrades, swaps, and replacements without opening the chassis - perfect for testing different drive types, expanding RAID volumes, or managing backups. Its universal 5.25" form factor maximizes storage density in small or repurposed chassis, delivering a reliable and space-efficient solution for DIY NAS builders and homelab enthusiasts.
High-Density Storage in Any 5.25" Optical Drive Bay
The MB324SP-1B transforms a single 5.25" bay into four individually hot-swappable 2.5" drive bays. Supporting SATA III 6Gb/s and single-channel SAS drives (SAS host required), this enclosure is ideal for creating compact RAID arrays or high-capacity NAS volumes. With the ability to power all four drives using a single 15-pin SATA power connector, cable clutter is minimized - allowing for cleaner builds and improved airflow.
ExpressTray with Tool-Less & Screw Mounting
The MB324SP-1B features ICY DOCK's ExpressTray system, designed to simplify drive installation and removal with a fully tool-less process. Drives can be secured to the tray in seconds - just align the front end of the drive with the built-in pins, press the connector side down, and it locks firmly into place. To remove, pull the rear latch tab and lift the drive upward.
For environments requiring additional stability, such as systems exposed to vibration or mobile enclosures, the tray also includes optional screw holes for extra drive retention. With its reinforced latching mechanism, the ExpressTray ensures reliable performance and long-term durability even under frequent drive swaps.
Active Cooling with Adjustable Fan Control
A rear-mounted 40mm cooling fan provides direct airflow across all four drives, supported by ventilation holes around the chassis and trays. Users can select from three fan modes using a jumper:
- HIGH - Maximum cooling performance
- LOW - Quiet operation for home or office environments
- OFF - Fan disabled for silent operation in low-power or low-heat setups
The stock fan can be replaced with any standard 40mm 2-pin or 3-pin fan, offering flexible cooling options. Integrated cable management keeps long fan cables neatly organized, further improving system airflow.
Each drive bay is equipped with a dedicated activity LED, providing clear visual feedback when drives are in use. The soft-blue illumination is bright enough to monitor status without causing eye strain. In addition, the enclosure supports locking-latch SATA data and power connectors, ensuring secure cable connections that prevent accidental disconnection during operation. (Requires cables with locking-latch support.)
Tool-Less Removable Tray Design for NAS & Homelab Storage
The ICY DOCK ExpressCage MB324SP-1B is a 4-bay 2.5" SATA/SAS SSD/HDD mobile rack that fits into a standard 5.25" optical drive bay, ideal for NAS servers, homelab systems, compact workstations, and small business servers. It combines high-density storage with ICY DOCK's proven tool-less removable tray design, allowing quick hot-swaps and easy maintenance while securely supporting drives from 5-12.5mm in height.
Designed for users who value flexibility and serviceability, the MB324SP-1B enables effortless drive upgrades, swaps, and replacements without opening the chassis - perfect for testing different drive types, expanding RAID volumes, or managing backups. Its universal 5.25" form factor maximizes storage density in small or repurposed chassis, delivering a reliable and space-efficient solution for DIY NAS builders and homelab enthusiasts.
High-Density Storage in Any 5.25" Optical Drive Bay
The MB324SP-1B transforms a single 5.25" bay into four individually hot-swappable 2.5" drive bays. Supporting SATA III 6Gb/s and single-channel SAS drives (SAS host required), this enclosure is ideal for creating compact RAID arrays or high-capacity NAS volumes. With the ability to power all four drives using a single 15-pin SATA power connector, cable clutter is minimized - allowing for cleaner builds and improved airflow.
ExpressTray with Tool-Less & Screw Mounting
The MB324SP-1B features ICY DOCK's ExpressTray system, designed to simplify drive installation and removal with a fully tool-less process. Drives can be secured to the tray in seconds - just align the front end of the drive with the built-in pins, press the connector side down, and it locks firmly into place. To remove, pull the rear latch tab and lift the drive upward.
For environments requiring additional stability, such as systems exposed to vibration or mobile enclosures, the tray also includes optional screw holes for extra drive retention. With its reinforced latching mechanism, the ExpressTray ensures reliable performance and long-term durability even under frequent drive swaps.
Active Cooling with Adjustable Fan Control
A rear-mounted 40mm cooling fan provides direct airflow across all four drives, supported by ventilation holes around the chassis and trays. Users can select from three fan modes using a jumper:
- HIGH - Maximum cooling performance
- LOW - Quiet operation for home or office environments
- OFF - Fan disabled for silent operation in low-power or low-heat setups
The stock fan can be replaced with any standard 40mm 2-pin or 3-pin fan, offering flexible cooling options. Integrated cable management keeps long fan cables neatly organized, further improving system airflow.
Each drive bay is equipped with a dedicated activity LED, providing clear visual feedback when drives are in use. The soft-blue illumination is bright enough to monitor status without causing eye strain. In addition, the enclosure supports locking-latch SATA data and power connectors, ensuring secure cable connections that prevent accidental disconnection during operation. (Requires cables with locking-latch support.)