1. Introduction
The Alxum S1235A 3-in-1 USB-C Hard Drive Adapter is a versatile tool designed for seamless data transfer and management across various storage devices. This adapter supports NVMe M.2 SSDs, 2.5-inch/3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs, and 3.5-inch IDE HDDs, allowing you to connect up to three different drives simultaneously to your computer via a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface. It is ideal for data recovery, system migration, or accessing old hard drives without the need for complex installations.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 1 × USB-C to M.2/SATA/IDE Adapter
- 1 × USB Type-C to Type-C Cable (10Gbps)
- 1 × 4-pin IDE Hard Disk Power Cable
- 1 × 12V 2A Power Adapter
- 1 × User Manual
3. Key Features
- 3-in-1 Hard Drive Reader: Supports simultaneous reading of NVMe M.2, SATA, and IDE hard drives, displaying three disk symbols for easy data access and management.
- 10Gbps High-Speed Transmission: Equipped with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface, offering data transfer rates up to 10Gbps. Backward compatible with USB 3.1 and USB 3.0.
- Tool-Free Design: Allows for quick and easy installation and removal of drives without the need for tools.
- Advanced Heat Dissipation: Features an open M.2 slot design and advanced heat dissipation architecture, improving efficiency by 30% to extend device lifespan.
- Plug-and-Play: No driver installation required. Simply connect and use.
- UASP and TRIM Protocol Support: Enhances data transfer performance and optimizes SSD longevity.
- Intelligent Sleep Technology: Automatically enters sleep mode after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve energy and protect drives.
4. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Number | S1235A |
| Brand | Alxum |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches (also supports 2.5 inches for SATA) |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 3 (simultaneously) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gigabits Per Second (USB 3.2 Gen 2) |
| Product Dimensions | 3.78 x 2.76 x 0.63 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces (0.3 Kilograms) |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Television |
| Supported Drive Types | 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIE NVME M.2 SSDs (M Key/B&M Key), 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSDs, 3.5-inch IDE hard drives |
5. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to connect your hard drives to the Alxum S1235A adapter:
- Ensure Power is Off: Before connecting any drive, ensure the adapter's power switch (located on the back) is in the OFF position.
- Connect Power Adapter: Plug the 12V 2A power adapter into the adapter's power input and then into a wall outlet.
- Connect USB-C Cable: Connect one end of the USB Type-C to Type-C cable to the adapter's USB-C port and the other end to your computer's USB-C port.
- Insert Hard Drive(s):
- For M.2 NVMe SSD: Gently insert your M.2 NVMe SSD into the dedicated M.2 slot on the top of the adapter.
- For 2.5/3.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD: Slide your SATA drive into the SATA interface slot. Note: An external power supply is required for 3.5-inch SATA hard disks.
- For 3.5-inch IDE HDD: Connect your IDE HDD to the IDE interface. Use the provided 4-pin IDE hard disk power cable if necessary.
- Power On: Once all drives are securely connected, switch the adapter's power button to the ON position. Your computer should detect the new device(s) automatically.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Data Transfer
Once your hard drive(s) are connected and the adapter is powered on, they will appear as removable drives on your computer. You can then drag and drop files, copy, paste, or perform any other file management operations as you would with any other connected storage device. The 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures rapid data transfer for large files.
6.2. LED Indicators
The adapter features LED indicators that monitor the device status in real-time. These lights will illuminate to indicate power, connection status, and data activity for each connected drive (A, B, C).
6.3. Hot-Swapping
The USB-C connection supports hot-swapping, meaning you can connect or disconnect the adapter from your computer while it is powered on. However, for the drives themselves, it is recommended to power off the adapter using the switch before inserting or removing any hard drive to prevent data corruption or damage.
7. Maintenance
7.1. Heat Dissipation
The adapter's open design and advanced heat dissipation architecture help maintain optimal operating temperatures for your drives, extending their lifespan. Ensure the adapter is placed in a well-ventilated area during prolonged use.
7.2. Intelligent Sleep Technology
To conserve energy and protect your hard drives, the adapter automatically enters sleep mode after 30 seconds of inactivity. The instrument lights will turn off during sleep mode. Activity will resume automatically upon data access.
7.3. Anti-Slip Design
The bottom of the adapter features a silicone anti-slip design to ensure stability and prevent accidental movement or damage to the connected drives.
8. Troubleshooting
- Cloning Operations: This SSD enclosure does not support cloning operations. For cloning, specialized software or hardware is typically required.
- 3.5-inch SATA Hard Disk Power: An external power supply (the included 12V 2A adapter) is required to connect a 3.5-inch SATA hard disk. Ensure it is properly connected.
- Optical Drive Devices: The SATA and M.2 interfaces only support hard drive devices (SSDs/HDDs); they do not support optical drive devices (CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives).
- IDE Drive Power (4-pin connector): If your IDE drive is not powering on, ensure the 4-pin IDE hard disk power cable is correctly connected to both the adapter and the IDE drive. Verify that the main 12V 2A power adapter is also connected and functioning.
- Slow Transfer Speeds: While the adapter supports 10Gbps, actual speeds can vary based on the connected drive's capabilities, your computer's USB port (e.g., USB 3.0 vs. USB 3.2), and the quality of the USB-C cable. Ensure you are using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatible port and the provided cable for optimal performance.
- Drive Not Detected: Ensure the adapter's power switch is in the ON position. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB-C cable and the hard drive. Check if the drive is properly seated in its slot. For new drives, they might need to be initialized and formatted in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) before they appear in File Explorer/Finder.
9. Wide Compatibility
The Alxum S1235A adapter is designed for broad compatibility with various devices and operating systems:
- Supported Drive Types:
- 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIE NVME M.2 SSDs (M Key/B&M Key)
- 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs
- 3.5-inch IDE hard drives
- Compatible Devices: Laptops, Desktops, Tablets, Smartphones (recommended to use exFAT/FAT/FAT32 format for smartphones), and Televisions.
- Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or customer service inquiries, please refer to the official Alxum website or contact their customer support directly. Contact details are typically provided on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.
