ICY DOCK
ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB 6 x 2.5" SAS/SATA SSD/HDD Hot-Swap Cage
Best high-density storage solution for compact server and workstation builds.
The ICY DOCK ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB is a robust 6-bay enclosure designed to house 2.5-inch SATA HDDs and SSDs (up to 9.5mm thick) within a single 5.25-inch bay. Its heavy-duty full metal construction ensures durability for demanding environments like media servers or IPCs. Featuring Anti-Vibration Technology and a 40mm rear fan with adjustable speed, it maintains optimal drive performance. EZ Slide Micro Trays simplify drive management, while the eagle-hook lock provides secure storage. This cage is ideal for high-capacity RAID setups and space-saving storage solutions.
$159.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 25
Best Hard Drive Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+98%
Above average
Drive Bays
62.59.5
/ x " SATA HDD/SSD (up to mm height)
Who it's for
- Server administrators maximizing storage in limited chassis space
- Enterprise IT professionals requiring rugged, heat-dissipating hardware
- System builders needing rapid, tool-less drive maintenance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking affordable storage expansion
- Users with limited space for complex cable management
- Quiet-office workers sensitive to small, high-pitched cooling fans
Performance breakdown
Storage Density
Maximizes limited chassis space by packing six drives into one bay.
Build Durability
Full metal construction provides industrial-grade protection for sensitive drive hardware.
Thermal Management
Adjustable fan speeds effectively balance cooling performance with acoustic comfort.
Drive Accessibility
EZ Slide trays make swapping drives quick and remarkably frustration-free.
Vibration Control
Integrated dampening technology keeps high-speed drives stable during heavy workloads.
Security Features
Eagle-hook locks prevent accidental ejections in high-traffic server environments.
Key Specs
Drive Bays
6 x 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD (up to 9.5mm height)
Host Bay Compatibility
Single 5.25" device bay
Interface
SATA 3 (6 Gb/s)
Material
Aluminum, Steel (Full Metal Construction)
Cooling
1 x 40mm rear fan with High/Low/Off switch
Power Input
2 x 4-Pin Molex
Dimensions
5.8 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches
Weight
1.5 lb / 699 g
Features
- Accommodates six 2.5" SATA drives in one 5.25" bay
- Heavy-duty full metal construction for durability
- Anti-Vibration Technology ensures stable drive operation
- 3-Mode Fan Speed Control for cooling customization
- Active Power Technology conserves energy when drives are absent
- EZ Slide Micro Trays simplify drive interchangeability
- Eagle-hook lock secures drives against accidental ejection
- Supports SATA III 6 Gb/s and hot-swap functionality
What customers say
Users overwhelmingly praise the ICY DOCK ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB for its exceptional build quality and reliability, noting the robust all-metal construction is ideal for demanding environments. A key highlight is the seamless hot swap functionality, which greatly simplifies drive management without interrupting system operation. This unit efficiently packs six 2.5-inch drives into one 5.25-inch bay, maximizing storage in compact systems. The integrated cooling fan operates quietly while effectively managing drive temperatures. Although it carries a premium cost, customers agree the professional grade performance and peace of mind justify the investment. This device is considered an indispensable, high-quality storage solution.
Know before you buy
The ToughArmor MB996SP-6SB is specifically designed for SATA HDDs and SSDs. It does not support SAS drives.
Each of the six bays accommodates 2.5-inch drives with a maximum height of 9.5mm. This covers most standard SSDs and slim laptop-style hard drives.
The unit features a 40mm rear fan that pulls air through the enclosure to keep drives cool. You can manually adjust the fan speed between High, Low, or Off settings depending on your thermal requirements.
Yes, the enclosure supports hot-swap functionality. This allows you to remove or replace drives without needing to power down your system, provided your motherboard and OS support AHCI mode.
The device requires two 4-pin Molex power connectors to operate. Ensure your power supply has these available or that you have the necessary adapters on hand.
Yes, each tray is equipped with an eagle-hook lock. This mechanism keeps the drive tray securely latched in place during operation to prevent accidental removal.
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