StarTech.com Thunderbolt™ 2 4-Bay 3.5" SATA Hard Drive Enclosure with RAID
Model: S354SMTB2R
*Actual product may vary from photos
Available in multiple languages: DE: Bedienungsanleitung - de.startech.com, FR: Guide de l'utilisateur - fr.startech.com, ES: Guía del usuario - es.startech.com, IT: Guida per l'uso - it.startech.com, NL: Gebruiksaanwijzing - nl.startech.com, PT: Guia do usuário - pt.startech.com
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: www.startech.com
Manual Revision: 09/19/2014
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by StarTech.com could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe [B] est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Introduction
Packaging Contents
- 1X - Thunderbolt 4-bay 3.5in Hard Drive RAID Enclosure
- 1X - 2m Thunderbolt Cable
- 4x - HDD bracket kits (2 brackets per kit)
- 3X - Allen key
- 1X - Universal Power Adapter (NA/EU/UK)
- 1X - Instruction Manual
Recommended System Requirements
- 1X Computer system with:
- Available Thunderbolt port
- Apple® Mac® OSX
- Microsoft® Windows 8/8.1, Server 2008 R2 (32/64-bit)
- 4X 3.5" SATA Hard Drives
Note: 2.5" hard drives or solid state drives are supported when installed using a 2.5in to 3.5in drive adapter (sold separately)
Product Diagram
Front View
Description of the front of the enclosure. Labeled components:
- Drive Door
- Drive LEDs
- Faceplate screws
Rear View
Description of the rear of the enclosure. Labeled components:
- Built-in drive fan
- Power switch
- Power adapter port
- Thunderbolt ports
Getting Started
Step 1. Installing your hard drives.
WARNING: Hard drives and storage enclosures require careful handling, especially when being transported. If you are not careful with your hard disk, lost data may result. Always handle your hard drive and storage device with caution. Be sure that you are properly grounded by wearing an anti-static strap when handling computer components or discharge yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface (such as the computer case) for several seconds.
- Using the included Allen key, remove the four screws from the front faceplate of the Hard Drive Enclosure.
Description of image: A hand holding an Allen key is shown removing a screw from the front faceplate of the enclosure.
- Grasp the drive door and gently pull it outward to reveal the drive bays.
Description of image: The front drive door of the enclosure is shown pulled open, revealing the internal drive bays. Components like screws and the drive door are laid out nearby.
- On each of your four 3.5in hard drives, place HDD mounting brackets from each of your HDD mounting kits on either side of the drives, aligning the pegs with the hard drive mounting holes. Then with your hard drive labels facing upward, slide each of your four 3.5in hard drives into an available drive bay with the SATA connector facing inward, using the HDD bracket to align the slot.
Description of image 1: The enclosure is shown with the drive door removed, and a hand is positioning a hard drive into a drive bay.
Description of image 2: A 3.5-inch hard drive is shown with HDD mounting brackets attached to its sides. Blue arrows indicate alignment points for insertion into the drive bay.
- Place the drive door back over the drive bays so that the four screw holes are lined up.
Description of image: The enclosure's drive door is shown being placed back into position over the drive bays.
- Using the included Allen key, drive each of the four screws back into the enclosure through the front faceplate.
Description of image: A hand is shown using an Allen key to insert a screw into the front faceplate of the enclosure.
Step 2. Connect the Thunderbolt Enclosure to your computer system.
- Connect the included Thunderbolt cable from one of the Thunderbolt ports on the back of the enclosure, to an available Thunderbolt port on your computer system.
Description of image: The Thunderbolt enclosure is shown connected via a Thunderbolt cable to a laptop computer.
Notes:- Either Thunderbolt port may be used to connect the enclosure to the host computer system. The remaining Thunderbolt port may be used to daisy chain to an additional device such as another enclosure, or Display.
- If daisy-chaining Thunderbolt 1 devices, please ensure the Thunderbolt Hard Drive Enclosure is the first down stream device, as Thunderbolt 2 performance will be throttled by a Thunderbolt 1 device.
- Connect your power adapter from the power adapter port on the back of the enclosure into an available power outlet.
- Turn on the enclosure, by placing the power switch in the "ON" position.
Step 3. Your Thunderbolt Enclosure is now ready to use!
The hard drives installed in your Thunderbolt Enclosure will now appear in your computer systems just as if they were installed internally.
Notes:
- The Thunderbolt Enclosure supports Hardware RAID. By default the Thunderbolt enclosure is configured for JBOD RAID operation.
Step 4 Install the RAID management software for hardware RAID configuration
Note: The Thunderbolt enclosure also supports software RAID configured within the Windows and Mac OSX operating systems.
Supported Hardware RAID modes:
JBOD
In JBOD, no RAID configuration is set and all drives appear as individual disks.
RAID1
In RAID1 two drives appear as an individual disk and data is written identically to both. This level protects your data from individual drive failure as a backup of all data is written instantly.
RAID0
In RAID0 two drives appear together as a larger individual disk the size of both drives combined. This level can improve your performance as read and write operations are performed in parallel on separate disks.
RAID 1+0
In RAID 1+0 two drives appear together as a larger individual disk the size of both drives combined, with the added benefit of improved performance. However, the data is then backed up to the remaining two drives for added security.
HyperDuo
The HyperDuo can quickly access data from a Solid-State Drive (SSD), while safely storing all remaining data on SATA Hard Drives (HDD) with larger capacities, allowing for SSD performances at HDD capacity levels.
Software Installation
Mac OSX
- Download the RAID Management Tool (MSU) from: StarTech.com/Support
Description of image: Screenshot of the StarTech.com support website, showing the download section for the RAID Management Tool.
- Open the "osx" folder from the main directory and launch the smu4.1.0.2021 installer file. Then double click the msu installer package.
- The windows installation wizard will walk you through the remaining installation steps. To complete the installation, click the Next button on each window, and accept the License Agreement when displayed.
- Once installation is complete, click the Finish button. The Marvell Storage Utility has now been installed.
Windows 8/8.1, 7, Vista (32/64 bit)
- Download the RAID Management Tool from: StarTech.com/Support
Description of image: Screenshot of the StarTech.com support website, showing the download section for the RAID Management Tool.
- Open the "Win" folder from the main directory and launch the MSUSetupX.X.XXXX(.exe) setup file. You may receive a Windows Security Warning alerting you that the application has been launched. Click Run.
Description of image: A Windows Security Warning dialog box asking "Do you want to run this file?" with options to Run or Cancel.
- The windows installation wizard will walk you through the remaining installation steps. To complete the installation, click the Next button on each window, and accept the License Agreement when displayed.
Description of image: The Marvell MSU V4 Setup Wizard welcome screen, with options to proceed or cancel.
- Once installation is complete, click the Finish button. The Marvell Storage Utility has now been installed.
Software Operation
The Marvell Storage Utility (MSU) is a browser-based management utility that can create and manage RAID and HyperDuo virtual disks using your Thunderbolt hard drive enclosure.
Note: Active Scripting or JavaScript must be enabled in your default web browser.
Create a RAID Array
WARNING! In order to prepare your drives for RAID operation, this enclosure will configure newly installed drives into your desired RAID configuration. Please be aware that any data currently on the drives may be lost during this process. It is recommended that you back up all data prior to setting your RAID configuration.
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop.
Description of image: An icon representing the Marvell Storage Utility software.
- Once the application window is opened you will need to login.
- a) Windows users require their Windows account user name and password to login.
- b) Mac OSX users require their User name and password to login.
Note: In Mac OSX there are two user names: a friendly username, and an actual user name. Please note that the actual user name is required to login.
- Select Adapter from the Marvell Storage menu, then hover-over the operation tab, and select Create RAID.
Description of image: A screenshot of the Marvell Storage Utility interface showing the menu with 'Adapter' selected, the 'Operation' tab highlighted, and 'Create RAID' being chosen.
- The Create New VD window is now displayed, using the Select RAID Level drop down menu choose your desired RAID mode.
Description of image: The 'Create New VD' window in the Marvell Storage Utility, with the 'Select RAID Level' dropdown menu visible.
- Your physically installed hard drives will be represented on the Create New VD Window. Select each drive you would like included in your RAID array. Then click the Next Button.
Description of image: The 'Create New VD' window showing physical drives listed, with options to select them for the RAID array. The 'Next' button is highlighted.
Note: The Next button will not be selectable, until the correct number of physical hard drives have been selected to build your desired array.
- A default name will now be assigned to your RAID array. If you would like to rename the array, click the Name field and type your desired name. Then Select the Initialization method for your choice.
Description of image: The 'Create New VD' window showing fields for naming the RAID array and selecting an initialization method.
- Next, select your desired stripe size using the Stripe size drop down menu. Then click the submit button.
Description of image: The 'Create New VD' window showing the 'Stripe Size' dropdown menu and the 'Submit' button.
Note: a number of advanced customizable options can also be changed such as Name, Initialize setting, Cache Modes, RAID Set Size, Stripe Size, and Gigabyte Rounding (It is recommended that they are left as their defaults).
- Your RAID array has now been created. The Property tab will now be displayed for your newly created RAID array.
Create a HyperDuo Array
WARNING! In order to prepare your drives for HyperDuo operation, this enclosure will configure newly installed drives into HyperDuo configuration. Please be aware that any data currently on the drives may be lost during this process. It is recommended that you back up all data prior to setting your HyperDuo configuration.
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop, and login.
- Select Adapter from the Marvell Storage menu, then hover-over the operation tab, and select Create HyperDuo.
Description of image: A screenshot of the Marvell Storage Utility interface showing the menu with 'Adapter' selected, the 'Operation' tab highlighted, and 'Create HyperDuo' being chosen.
- The Create HyperDuo Screen is now displayed. Using the Mode drop down menu, select Safe or Capacity depending on your desired mode (a description for both modes is listed below) then click the submit button.
Mode Description Safe Creates an array for optimal fault tolerance. Capacity Creates an array for optimal performance. (Capacity Mode will delete all content currently saved on your drives) Description of image: The 'Create HyperDuo' screen showing the 'Mode' dropdown menu with 'Safe' or 'Capacity' options, and the 'Submit' button.
Note: (Safe only) If you would like to keep the data on your hard drive ensure the Keep Original Data box is checked.
- Click the Submit button.
Description of image: The 'Create HyperDuo' screen with the 'Submit' button highlighted.
- Your HyperDuo array will now be created. The Property tab will now be displayed for your newly created HyperDuo array.
Note: It can take up to 30 minutes for the HyperDuo array to be created.
Managing Your Array
View Properties of your RAID/HyperDuo Array
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop, and login.
- Select your desired array from list of Virtual Disks in the Marvell Storage Menu. The Property tab is now displayed, listing the Properties for your array.
Description of image: The Marvell Storage Utility interface showing a list of Virtual Disks and the 'Property' tab displaying details of a selected array.
Rename Your Array
- To rename your Array select the Name field on the Property tab and type your desired Name in the field. Then click the Modify button.
Description of image: The 'Property' tab of a selected array, highlighting the 'Name' field and the 'Modify' button.
- Your Array has now been renamed.
Delete Your Array
WARNING! Deleting your RAID array permanently erases any data on your virtual disk. However, you can choose to keep partition information on the virtual disk.
- Hover-over the Operation tab at the top of the Property page and select Delete.
Description of image: The Marvell Storage Utility interface showing the 'Operation' tab highlighted, with the 'Delete' option selected.
- A warning will be displayed alerting you that all data on the virtual disk will be erased. Select OK to acknowledge the warning.
- An additional pop-up message warning you that drive data will be lost is displayed. Click Ok continue.
- A message will now be displayed asking: Do you want to delete the partition information if this has one? Click OK to delete the partition information or Cancel to keep the partition information stored on the drive
Customize Your HyperDuo Array
Add Folders for HyperDuo Optimization
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop, and login.
- Select HyderDuo Service from the Marvell Storage menu, then select Advanced. The customize Wizard will be displayed.
Description of image: The Marvell Storage Utility interface showing the 'HyperDuo Service' menu with 'Advanced' selected.
- Navigate through the folders and place a check next to the folders you would like to add.
Description of image: The customization wizard interface showing folders and checkboxes for selection. A green arrow button is visible for navigating to parent directories.
Note: You can navigate into each folder by clicking the folder name. Or return to the parent directory by clicking the green button with white arrow.
- Click Next to add selected folders.
- Review the folders and click the red ❌ beside a folder or file to remove it.
- Click the submit button to save changes.
Change Method of Optimization
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop, and login.
- Select HyderDuo Service from the Marvell Storage menu.
- Place a check in your desired method for optimization. A description of each optimization method is listed below.
Mode Description Auto Select Auto to have the Software manage the optimization of a folder or program. Cache Select Cache to manually select a folder or program for optimization. Neither Select neither to specify that a folder or program should never be optimized. - Click Submit to save your changes.
Description of image: The optimization settings screen with the 'Submit' button highlighted.
- An alert window will be displayed, click OK to begin the optimization process.
View Properties of your Physical Hard Drives
- Launch the MSU software using the icon on your desktop, and login.
- Select your desired physical disk from list of Physical Disks in the Marvell Storage Menu. The Property tab is now displayed, listing the Properties for your disk.
Description of image: The Marvell Storage Utility interface showing a list of Physical Disks and the 'Property' tab displaying details of a selected disk.
Note: Your physical disk properties cannot be edited.
Erase Foreign RAID Configuration
WARNING! When erasing previously configured RAID Data, this enclosure will erase all drive data. Please be aware that any data currently on the drives will be lost during this process. It is recommended that you back up all data prior to erasing previously configured RAID data. RAID controllers store data on any drive within a RAID array. If your drives have been previously configured in a different RAID array, this data must be deleted before a new array can be built. Please follow the below steps to erase previously configured RAID data.
- Select your desired physical disk from list of Physical Disks in the Marvell Storage Menu. Hover-over the Operation tab and select Erase Foreign Configuration.
Description of image: The Marvell Storage Utility interface showing the 'Physical Disks' list, the 'Operation' tab highlighted, and 'Erase Foreign Configuration' selected.
- Your previously installed RAID data will now be deleted.
Technical Support
StarTech.com's lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and downloads.
For the latest drivers/software, please visit www.startech.com/downloads
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a two year warranty. In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.
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