Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your SilverStone Technology FS304-12G hot-swap drive cage. The FS304-12G is designed to accommodate four 3.5-inch SAS-12G or SATA 6Gbit/s drives within three standard 5.25-inch device bays in a personal computer chassis. It features a trayless, hot-swap design for convenient drive management and includes a built-in cooling fan and individual drive security locks.
Product Features
- Fits four 3.5" SAS-12G/SATA 6Gbit/s drives in three 5.25" device bays.
- Adjustable drive status LED and fan control system.
- Trayless and screwless design for easy drive installation and removal.
- Individual metal key lock for each drive bay for enhanced security.
- All-aluminum body with a hairline brushed finish for durability and aesthetics.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- SilverStone FS304-12G Hot-Swap Cage
- Mounting Screws
- Keys for drive bay locks
Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install the FS304-12G into your computer chassis.
1. Prepare Chassis
- Ensure your computer is powered off and disconnected from the power source.
- Open your computer chassis to access the internal drive bays.
- Identify three consecutive empty 5.25-inch drive bays. Remove any covers or brackets from these bays.
2. Install the FS304-12G
Slide the FS304-12G into the three 5.25-inch bays from the front of the chassis until the mounting holes align.
Image: The FS304-12G unit shown fitting into three standard 5.25-inch device bays within a computer chassis.
Secure the unit to the chassis using the provided mounting screws. Typically, screws are inserted from the side of the 5.25-inch bays.
3. Connect Power and Data Cables
Access the rear of the FS304-12G unit inside your chassis.
Image: Rear view of the FS304-12G, highlighting the cooling fan, four SATA data ports, and power connectors.
- Connect the appropriate SATA data cables from your motherboard or host controller to the SATA data ports on the back of the FS304-12G. There are four data ports, one for each drive bay.
- Connect the necessary SATA power cables from your power supply unit (PSU) to the power connectors on the back of the FS304-12G. Ensure all power connectors are securely attached.
After all connections are made, close your computer chassis and reconnect the power source.
Operating Instructions
1. Inserting a Hard Drive
- Ensure the drive bay lock is in the "unlock" position.
- Gently pull the release handle of the desired drive bay outwards to open it.
- Slide a 3.5-inch SAS or SATA hard drive into the open bay. The trayless design means no additional brackets are needed. Ensure the drive is oriented correctly with the connectors facing the rear of the cage.
- Push the release handle back in until it clicks, securing the drive in place.
- For added security, use the provided key to lock the drive bay.
Image: Illustration of a 3.5-inch hard drive being inserted into a trayless hot-swap bay of the FS304-12G.
2. Removing a Hard Drive
- If the drive bay is locked, use the key to unlock it.
- Gently pull the release handle outwards. The drive will partially eject.
- Carefully slide the hard drive out of the bay.
Note: For hot-swapping drives, ensure your operating system and motherboard/controller support hot-swap functionality and that the drive is safely ejected or unmounted before physical removal to prevent data loss.
3. LED Indicators
The FS304-12G features LED indicators for each drive bay:
- Blue LED: Indicates a drive is present and powered on.
- Red LED (flashing through blue): Indicates drive activity (read/write). This may appear as a purple color when active.
The brightness of these LEDs can be adjusted via a control system on the unit.
4. Fan Control
The unit includes a built-in cooling fan to maintain optimal drive temperatures. A fan control system allows for adjustment of the fan speed (e.g., High/Low settings) to balance cooling performance and noise levels. Refer to the rear panel for specific fan control switches or jumpers.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure the fan intake and exhaust vents are free from dust buildup to maintain proper airflow.
- Fan Inspection: Check the cooling fan periodically for excessive noise or reduced performance. If the fan becomes noisy or fails, it may require replacement. The fan uses standard power connectors and mounting, making replacement feasible if necessary.
- Drive Bay Locks: Ensure the key locks operate smoothly. Avoid forcing the locks.
Troubleshooting
- Drives Not Detected:
- Verify all SATA data and power cables are securely connected to both the FS304-12G and your motherboard/PSU.
- Ensure the hard drives are fully seated in their bays and the handles are closed.
- Check your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure SATA ports are enabled and configured correctly (e.g., AHCI mode).
- Test drives individually or in different bays to isolate a faulty drive or bay.
- Fan Noise:
- Adjust the fan speed control to a lower setting if available.
- Ensure the fan is free from obstructions and dust.
- If the fan produces persistent clicking or grinding noises, it may be failing and require replacement.
- Drive Bay Lock Issues:
- Ensure the key is fully inserted and turned correctly.
- Avoid excessive force when locking or unlocking.
Specifications
| Model Number | SST-FS304B-12G |
| Drive Support | Four (4) 3.5-inch SAS-12G / SATA 6Gbit/s hard drives |
| Host Interface | SAS, SATA |
| Drive Bay Compatibility | Three (3) 5.25-inch device bays |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 6 Gigabits Per Second (SATA) / 12 Gigabits Per Second (SAS) |
| Material | Aluminum body |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 7.8 x 5.75 x 4.96 inches (198 x 146 x 126 mm) |
| Item Weight | 3.33 pounds (1.51 Kilograms) |
| Cooling System | Built-in cooling fan with adjustable speed control |
| Security | Individual metal key lock for each drive bay |
| UPC | 844761025465 |
Warranty Information
Specific warranty details for the SilverStone Technology FS304-12G are not provided within the product data. Please refer to the official SilverStone Technology website or your product packaging for the most current warranty terms and conditions.
Support
For technical support, driver downloads, or further product information, please visit the official SilverStone Technology website. Contact information for customer service may also be found on the product packaging or within the documentation included with your purchase.
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