Amazon Basics 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive Enclosure - USB 3.0, 5-Pack User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Amazon Basics 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive Enclosure provides a convenient solution for converting internal 3.5-inch SATA hard drives into external USB 3.0 storage devices. This enclosure supports most SATA I, SATA II, and SATA III HDDs, offering data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. It is AC powered and features a tool-free design for easy installation, along with hot-swappable functionality.

Figure 1: Amazon Basics 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive Enclosure (front view)

Package Contents:

• 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive Enclosure
• AC Power Adapter
• USB 3.0 Cable
• Self-adhesive Sponges
• User Manual (this document)

Figure 2: Included accessories: enclosure, USB 3.0 cable, AC power adapter, and self-adhesive sponges.

2. Setup and Installation

The enclosure features a tool-free design for quick and easy hard drive installation.

2.1 Installing a 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive

1. Gently slide open the enclosure cover to reveal the internal SATA connector.

Figure 3: Enclosure with cover removed, showing the SATA data and power connectors.
2. Align your 3.5-inch SATA hard drive with the internal SATA data and power connectors.
3. Carefully push the hard drive into the connectors until it is firmly seated.
4. If desired, apply the self-adhesive sponges to the inside of the enclosure cover to secure the hard drive and prevent movement.
5. Slide the enclosure cover back into place until it clicks securely.

2.2 Connecting to a Computer

1. Connect the AC power adapter to the enclosure's DC12V power connection and plug it into a wall outlet.
2. Connect one end of the included USB 3.0 cable to the USB port on the enclosure.


Figure 4: USB 3.0 port and LED indicator on the enclosure.

3. Connect the other end of the USB 3.0 cable to an available USB 3.0 port on your computer. The enclosure is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, but will operate at USB 2.0 speeds.
4. Press the on/off button on the enclosure to power it on. The LED indicator light will illuminate.

3. Operating Instructions

The Amazon Basics 3.5-inch SATA Hard Drive Enclosure is designed for Plug & Play operation, requiring no additional drivers for most operating systems.

• Automatic Recognition: Once connected and powered on, your computer should automatically detect the hard drive within the enclosure. The drive will appear as an external storage device.
• Data Transfer: You can now access, save, and transfer files to and from the hard drive as you would with any other external storage device. The USB 3.0 interface provides fast data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
• Hot Swappable: The enclosure supports hot-swapping, meaning you can connect or disconnect the device while your computer is running, provided you safely eject the drive through your operating system first.
• LED Indicator: The blue LED indicator light signifies power and activity. A solid light indicates power, and a blinking light indicates data transfer.
• Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and Mac OS X and above.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your hard drive enclosure.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the enclosure. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Storage: When not in use, store the enclosure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Hard Drive Protection: The included self-adhesive sponges help cushion the drive and protect against scratches and movement within the enclosure. Ensure they are properly placed during installation.
• Ventilation: Ensure the enclosure is placed in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, especially during prolonged use.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Amazon Basics Hard Drive Enclosure, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

1. Enclosure not recognized by computer:
   • Ensure the AC power adapter is securely connected to both the enclosure and a working power outlet.
   • Verify the USB 3.0 cable is firmly connected to both the enclosure and your computer's USB port. Try a different USB port or cable if available.
   • Confirm the hard drive is correctly installed and seated within the enclosure's SATA connectors.
   • Check if the enclosure's on/off button is pressed and the LED indicator is illuminated.
   • For new hard drives, they may need to be initialized, partitioned, and formatted through your operating system's Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac OS) before they appear in File Explorer/Finder.
2. Slow data transfer speeds:
   • Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. Connecting to a USB 2.0 port will result in USB 2.0 speeds.
   • Verify your hard drive supports USB 3.0 speeds. Older SATA I/II drives will operate at their maximum supported speed, which may be lower than USB 3.0.
   • Avoid transferring many small files simultaneously, as this can reduce overall transfer speed.
3. Hard drive not spinning or making unusual noises:
   • Ensure the AC power adapter is providing sufficient power. The enclosure requires 12V DC power.
   • Disconnect and reconnect the hard drive inside the enclosure to ensure proper seating.
   • If the issue persists, the hard drive itself may be faulty. Test the hard drive in another enclosure or directly connected to a computer if possible.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product at the time of purchase or visit the official Amazon Basics website. For technical support or further assistance, please contact Amazon Basics customer service through their official support channels.

Online Support: Visit the Amazon Basics Store for product information and support resources.