OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad External Storage Enclosure User Manual

1. Introduction

The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad is a high-performance four-bay external storage enclosure designed for professional data storage needs. It offers flexible connectivity via USB-C and supports various RAID configurations through SoftRAID XT, providing options for capacity, speed, and data redundancy.

Image: Front-side view of the OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad external storage enclosure, showcasing its silver aluminum chassis, front-facing drive bays with a perforated grille, and LED indicators.

2. Key Features

• Universal Compatibility: Works with all USB systems and is Thunderbolt 3 compatible.
• High Performance: Data transfer speeds up to 947MB/s.
• Advanced RAID Capabilities: Includes SoftRAID XT software for creating, monitoring, and managing advanced RAID sets (RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 1+0).
• Flexible Drive Bays: Four universal drive bays support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives.
• Robust Design: Heat-dissipating aluminum enclosure, whisper-quiet fan, and vibration-absorbing feet for stable operation.
• Security Features: Front panel access lock and rear-mounted Kensington compatible lock slot.

3. Package Contents

The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad package typically includes:

• OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad Enclosure
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Cable (for backward compatibility)
• Power Adapter
• Keys for Front Panel Lock
• SoftRAID XT Software License (if applicable)
• User Manual (this document)

4. Setup Instructions

4.1 Drive Installation

1. Unlock and Open: Use the provided key to unlock the front panel of the enclosure. Gently pull the front panel open.
2. Remove Drive Trays: Pull out the empty drive trays from the bays.


Image: The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad enclosure with its four drive trays partially extended, showing the internal bays and the mechanism for drive insertion.

3. Attach Drives:
   • For 3.5-inch drives: Secure the drive to the tray using the provided screws.
   • For 2.5-inch drives: Use the appropriate adapter (if not pre-installed) to secure the 2.5-inch drive to the tray.


Image: A 2.5-inch Solid State Drive (SSD) securely mounted onto a drive tray, ready for insertion into the enclosure.



Image: A 3.5-inch Hard Disk Drive (HDD) securely mounted onto a drive tray, ready for insertion into the enclosure.

4. Insert Trays: Carefully slide the loaded drive trays back into the enclosure until they click into place.
5. Close and Lock: Close the front panel and lock it with the key.

4.2 Connecting to Your Computer

1. Power Connection: Connect the power adapter to the enclosure's AC IN port and then to a power outlet.


Image: Rear view of the OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad, highlighting the power input, power switch, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (USB-C) port.

2. Data Connection:
   • For USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 equipped computers: Use the included USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the enclosure to your computer.
   • For computers with legacy USB-A ports: Use the included USB-C to USB-A cable to connect the enclosure to your computer.
3. Power On: Flip the power switch on the rear of the enclosure to the "ON" position. The front LEDs will illuminate.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Initial Drive Recognition

Upon first connection, your operating system (macOS or Windows) should recognize the OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad. New drives may need to be initialized and formatted before use. Refer to your operating system's disk utility for these procedures.

5.2 SoftRAID XT Configuration

The Mercury Elite Pro Quad includes SoftRAID XT software, which allows for advanced RAID array creation and management. Follow these general steps:

1. Install SoftRAID XT: If not pre-installed, download and install the SoftRAID XT software from the OWC website.
2. Launch SoftRAID XT: Open the application. It will detect the drives within your Mercury Elite Pro Quad.
3. Create RAID Volume:
   • Select the drives you wish to include in your RAID array.
   • Choose your desired RAID level (e.g., RAID 0 for maximum speed, RAID 1 for mirroring, RAID 4/5 for parity with redundancy, RAID 1+0 for combined speed and redundancy).
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to configure and format your new RAID volume.
4. Monitor RAID Status: Use the SoftRAID XT application to monitor the health and status of your RAID array and individual drives.

For detailed instructions on using SoftRAID XT, refer to the SoftRAID XT user manual available on the OWC support website.

5.3 Data Transfer

Once your drives are formatted and configured, you can transfer data to and from the Mercury Elite Pro Quad like any other external storage device. Drag and drop files, or use your preferred backup and synchronization software.

6. Maintenance

• Keep Clean: Regularly clean the exterior of the enclosure with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure ventilation grilles are free from dust to maintain optimal airflow.
• Firmware Updates: Check the OWC support website periodically for firmware updates for the Mercury Elite Pro Quad. Keeping firmware updated ensures optimal performance and compatibility.
• SoftRAID Updates: Ensure your SoftRAID XT software is always up to date for the best performance and stability of your RAID arrays.
• Data Backup: While RAID configurations like RAID 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 offer data redundancy, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive backup strategy. Regularly back up critical data to a separate location.
• Drive Health: Monitor the health of your individual drives using SoftRAID XT or your operating system's tools. Replace failing drives promptly.

7. Troubleshooting

Device not recognized by computer:

• Ensure all cables (power and data) are securely connected.
• Verify the power switch on the back of the enclosure is in the "ON" position.
• Try a different USB port on your computer.
• Test with a different USB-C or USB-A cable.
• Check your computer's Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to see if the drives are detected but uninitialized/unformatted.

Slow data transfer speeds:

• Ensure you are using a USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) compatible port and cable on your computer.
• Verify that your drives are healthy and not experiencing issues.
• Check your RAID configuration in SoftRAID XT; RAID 0 offers the highest speed, while other RAID levels prioritize redundancy.
• Close any unnecessary applications that might be consuming system resources.

Drive activity LEDs are not lighting up:

• Confirm drives are properly seated in their trays and the trays are fully inserted into the enclosure.
• Ensure the enclosure is powered on and connected to your computer.
• If only specific drive LEDs are off, the corresponding drive might be faulty or improperly installed.

For further assistance, please visit the OWC support website or contact customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

OWC products are built to high standards of reliability and performance. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty information included with your product or visit the official OWC website.

For technical support, product registration, and access to the latest drivers and documentation, please visit the OWC support portal:

OWC Support Website

OWC offers 24/7 customer support for assistance with any product-related inquiries.