1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ICY BOX IB-254U3 External USB 3.0 Enclosure. This device is designed to house a 2.5-inch SATA I/II/III Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD), transforming it into a portable external storage solution with high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity and UASP support.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure proper functionality and to prevent damage.
2. Package Contents
- ICY BOX IB-254U3 Enclosure
- Silicone Protective Sleeve
- USB 3.0 Cable
- User Manual (this document)
3. Product Overview
The ICY BOX IB-254U3 features a durable aluminum housing for efficient heat dissipation and a removable silicone sleeve for added protection. It supports 2.5-inch SATA drives up to 9.5mm in height and offers tool-free installation for convenience.
Image 1: Front view of the ICY BOX IB-254U3 external enclosure, encased in its protective silicone sleeve.
Image 2: Close-up view of the USB 3.0 port and the green LED indicator on the side of the enclosure.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install your 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD into the ICY BOX IB-254U3 enclosure.
- Remove Silicone Sleeve: Gently slide the silicone protective sleeve off the aluminum enclosure.
- Open Enclosure: Slide the internal tray out from the aluminum housing. This is a tool-free process.
- Install HDD/SSD: Connect your 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD to the SATA connector on the internal tray. Ensure the drive is securely seated. The enclosure supports drives up to 9.5mm in height.
- Secure Drive: If a protective film is provided, apply it to the underside of the drive's PCB to prevent short circuits.
- Close Enclosure: Carefully slide the internal tray, with the installed drive, back into the aluminum housing until it clicks into place.
- Re-attach Silicone Sleeve: Slide the silicone protective sleeve back onto the enclosure for enhanced protection.
Image 3: The ICY BOX IB-254U3 enclosure with the silicone sleeve removed, revealing the aluminum casing and the internal drive tray partially visible.
Image 4: Top-down view of the ICY BOX IB-254U3 enclosure with the internal drive tray fully inserted into the aluminum housing.
Image 5: Angled view of the ICY BOX IB-254U3 enclosure with the silicone protective sleeve fully re-attached, ready for use.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Connecting to a Computer
Use the provided USB 3.0 cable to connect the enclosure to an available USB port on your computer (PC, Mac, or Linux system). For optimal performance, connect to a USB 3.0 port.
- Connect the micro-B end of the USB 3.0 cable to the enclosure's port.
- Connect the standard USB-A end of the cable to your computer's USB port.
5.2 LED Indicator
The enclosure features an LED indicator:
- Solid Green: Indicates the enclosure is powered on and connected.
- Flashing Green: Indicates data activity (read/write operations) on the installed drive.
5.3 Drive Recognition and Formatting
Upon connecting, your operating system should automatically detect the new storage device. If the drive is new, it may need to be initialized, partitioned, and formatted before use. Refer to your operating system's documentation for instructions on disk management.
5.4 UASP Support
The IB-254U3 supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which can significantly increase data transfer speeds, especially with SSDs, when connected to a UASP-enabled USB 3.0 port on a compatible operating system (e.g., Windows 8/10/11, macOS, Linux).
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the enclosure. Avoid liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
- Storage: Store the enclosure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: While the silicone sleeve provides protection, avoid dropping or subjecting the enclosure to strong impacts.
- Safe Removal: Always safely eject or unmount the drive from your operating system before disconnecting the USB cable to prevent data corruption.
7. Troubleshooting
- Drive Not Detected:
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the enclosure and the computer.
- Try connecting to a different USB port on your computer.
- Verify that the HDD/SSD is correctly installed and seated within the enclosure's SATA connector.
- Check your computer's Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to see if the drive is recognized but uninitialized or unformatted.
- Test the HDD/SSD in another enclosure or directly connect it to a computer (if possible) to rule out drive failure.
- Slow Data Transfer Speeds:
- Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. USB 2.0 ports will operate at significantly lower speeds.
- Verify that your operating system and drivers support UASP for optimal performance.
- Check the health and fragmentation status of your installed HDD/SSD.
- LED Indicator Not Lighting Up:
- Confirm the USB cable is properly connected and providing power.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | IB-254U3 |
| Brand | ICY BOX |
| Drive Compatibility | 2.5-inch SATA I/II/III HDD/SSD |
| Max Drive Height | 9.5 mm |
| Internal Interface | SATA III (up to 6 Gbit/s) |
| External Interface | USB 3.0 (up to 5 Gbit/s) with UASP |
| Material | Aluminum, Plastic, Silicone |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.7 x 8.2 x 1.7 cm |
| Weight | 170 g |
| Operating System Support | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Power Supply | USB powered |
9. Warranty and Support
ICY BOX products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty information provided with your purchase or visit the official ICY BOX website. For technical support or further assistance, please contact your retailer or the ICY BOX customer support team.
Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
