Product Overview
The Cenmate 4 Bay Aluminum Hard Drive RAID Enclosure is designed to provide robust and flexible storage solutions for 2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDDs/SSDs. It supports up to 80TB total capacity across four bays and offers multiple RAID modes for data management and protection. Featuring a durable aluminum shell and an integrated cooling fan, this enclosure ensures stable performance and efficient heat dissipation.
Figure 1: Cenmate 4 Bay Aluminum Hard Drive RAID Enclosure.
Figure 2: Overview of the enclosure's features including large capacity and data safety.
Figure 3: Key features of the Cenmate 4 Bay RAID Enclosure, including LED indicators, 80TB capacity, screwless design, 5Gbps transfer speed, and a cooling fan.
Setup and Installation
Drive Installation (Tool-Free for 3.5" HDD)
The enclosure features a tool-free design for 3.5" SATA HDDs. Simply pull up the blue clasps on both sides of the drive bracket and gently insert the hard disk. For 2.5" SSDs/HDDs, a screwdriver is required to open the blue clasp on the side of the bracket before securing the drive with screws.
Figure 4: Illustrates the screwless installation for 3.5-inch drives and the non-slip feet at the base of the enclosure.
Video 1: Demonstrates the installation process for hard drives into the Cenmate 4 Bay RAID Enclosure, including both 3.5" and 2.5" drives.
RAID Mode Configuration
The enclosure supports 8 RAID modes, including Normal, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 3, RAID 5, RAID 10, LARGE (JBOD), and CLONE. To change the RAID mode, adjust the DIP switches located on the back of the unit. After setting the desired RAID mode, press and hold the "Reset" button for 5 seconds to apply the changes. Refer to the diagram below for specific DIP switch settings for each mode.
Figure 5: Detailed diagram of DIP switch settings for all 8 supported RAID levels.
Connecting to Your Computer
Connect the enclosure to your computer using the provided USB A/C 3.0 or eSATA cable. Ensure the DC 12V power adapter is securely connected to provide stable power for data transfer.
Figure 6: Shows the DC 12V power connection, essential for stable operation and data transfer.
The enclosure is widely compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems, and supports both laptop and PC devices.
Figure 7: Illustrates the plug-and-play functionality and wide compatibility with different devices and operating systems.
Initial Drive Formatting
After connecting a new hard drive to the computer, it must be formatted before the system can recognize and use it. Follow these steps:
- Right-click 'Computer' (or 'This PC' on Windows 10/11).
- Click 'Manage'.
- Open 'Disk Management'.
- Find the new hard drive.
- Right-click 'Initialize Disk' and select 'MBR' (for hard drive capacity less than or equal to 2TB) or 'GPT' (for greater than 2TB).
- Then, right-click the unallocated space and select 'New Simple Volume'. Follow the wizard to format the partition.
Once formatting is complete, the hard drive will be ready for use, showing a new disk letter.
Operating Instructions
Data Transfer
The Cenmate 4 Bay RAID Enclosure supports data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gigabits Per Second (5Gbps) via USB 3.0, allowing for quick and efficient file transfers.
Figure 8: Illustrates the maximum 5Gbps data transfer capability of the enclosure.
LED Indicators
The enclosure features LED indicators for each drive bay to provide status information:
- Blue: Always on, indicating standby mode.
- Red: Flashing, indicating active reading or writing.
- Purple: Indicates a hard drive problem.
Figure 9: Explains the meaning of different LED indicator colors for drive status.
Maintenance
Cooling System
The enclosure is equipped with an upgraded built-in cooling fan and an aluminum housing to ensure superior heat dissipation, maintaining optimal operating temperatures for your drives. Please note that the fan noise is typically around 40-50 decibels. If you are highly sensitive to noise, this should be considered.
Figure 10: Highlights the upgraded built-in cooling fan and aluminum housing for effective heat dissipation.
Stability and Protection
The enclosure features silicone anti-skid pads on its base, providing wear resistance, preventing slippage, and protecting the unit from damage.
Figure 11: Shows the silicone anti-skid pads on the bottom of the enclosure for enhanced stability.
Troubleshooting
Q1: After connecting new hard drive to the computer, why can't I find the hard drive and display the disc letter?
After the new hard drive is connected to the computer, it must be formatted before the system can be recognized and used. Refer to the "Initial Drive Formatting" section under Setup and Installation for detailed steps.
Q2: The hard drive appears in RAW format in Disk Management due to improper extraction or power failure. What should I do?
Recovery can be attempted through the chkdsk command. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and input chkdsk D:/f (replace 'D' with the actual disc letter). After scanning and repair are complete, reboot your system.
Q3: The hard drive is dynamically invalid in Disk Management since it was previously removed from an old computer?
This is typically due to your system. Reinstall the hard drive into the original computer motherboard, and then back up the data. If your old computer has been scrapped or you cannot access the system, you may need to use dynamic disk conversion software to convert it directly to a basic disk.
Q4: Hard drive just shows up but no disc letter?
Inside Disk Management, right-click on the Disk Partition section and select 'Change Drive Letter and Paths...' to add a drive letter for use.
Q5: It automatically disconnects during transmission and then connects itself after a while?
This issue may stem from problems with the USB interface on your computer, the USB cable, computer USB drivers, the hard drive itself, or the hard drive enclosure. It is recommended to contact Cenmate technical support for assistance in diagnosing and resolving the problem.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | cenmate |
| Model Number | 4 Bay RAID |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, PC |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches, 3.5 Inches |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 4 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 80 TB (20TB per drive) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.0, eSATA |
| Product Dimensions | 7.95 x 5.2 x 5.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.2 pounds |
| Housing Material | Aluminum |
Warranty and Support
Cenmate is committed to providing high quality products and excellent service. For technical assistance, warranty information, or any product-related inquiries, please contact Cenmate customer support. You can find more information and contact details on the official Cenmate store page: Cenmate Store.
Cenmate aims to provide quick replies and detailed instructions to resolve any product issues efficiently.
