Packaging & Contents

The AluBoxTFX comes in a colorful cardboard package complete with a carrying handle. The specifications are listed on the outside of the box, as well as the features.


Inside the AluBoxTFX is protected by a formed-cardboard insert, which divides the box into several compartments. The enclosure goes in one section, cables in another and the power adaptor in the third. This keeps things nice and neat inside, as well as holds everything in its place during shipment.


On top of everything in the box, the first this you should find is the installation manual and the CD. The CD does not have any kind of programs on it, just drivers and electronic copies of the manual.


To power the AluBoxTFX A.C. Ryan has included a power supply (or power “brick”) like the type included with most printers and such today. It connects to the enclosure with a 4-pin DIN-style connector that is keyed and can be inserted in only one way.


On the other end of the power supply the user will need to attach the plug to go to the wall outlet. Since A.C. Ryan is located in the Netherlands, the unit I received had the European plug inside the package, but A.C. Ryan sent a standard US plug with the unit. Retail units should ship with the appropriate plug for your region.


The data cables (USB on the left, eSATA on the right) are solid black in color, which matches the unit and the power wires. All of the cables use a quality rubber insulation, and not a cheaper plastic kind.


To make the internal power connection there is a 4-pin Molex connector installed in the enclosure by default, but a SATA power connector is included for drives that do not have legacy power support. Also included with the package were a set of HDD mounting screws, but I think it was a mistake. After all, this is a “tool free experience,” and installation later on will show these were not needed.


Finally, there is a plastic stand included to set the drive up on its side. It is made of clear plastic, and uses some silicon rubber feet to keep the enclosure from sliding and to help reduce vibration noise.

A Closer Look

The AluBoxTFX comes wrapped in clear plastic, no doubt as to help protect its glossy appearance. After removing the plastic the mirror finish can be seen. The spots you see in the picture are not on the enclosure, but merely a reflection of the clouds in the sky.


The front end of the enclosure has a chrome-colored plastic cap with black mesh. There isn’t a fan inside this enclosure, so the mesh provides the only ventilation. One thing to point out is that there are two indentations on the top side of each end-cap, and two bumps on the bottom side. The bumps are actually in place for laying the enclosure flat on the desktop, and the indentations are there to accept the bumps from another enclosure that may be stacked on top of this one.


The other end of the AluBoxTFX has all of the connections, the mode selector switch and the power switch. Everything is neatly laid out and clearly labeled. The only complaint I have about the appearance of the AluBoxTFX is that the end-caps are made of plastic. Certainly, it does reduce the cost of production, but it would have been nicer to see matching caps made of polished aluminum.