Introduction

I would like to thank A.C. Ryan for supplying the review sample.

Today techPowerUp! has the pleasure of looking at a new product from A.C. Ryan called the AluBoxTFX. The AluBoxTFX is an external hard drive enclosure that allows the user to implement an IDE or SATA hard drive, utilizing the new eSATA connection for SATA drives, as well as USB 2.0 for SATA or IDE drives. And the TFX? That means “Tool Free Experience,” which is A.C. Ryan’s way of saying that the enclosure is completely tool-less in design.

From the A.C. Ryan website:

Specifications:

TFX ToolFree Xperience

• No screwdrivers / tools needed to install harddisk
• Simple and fast
• Harddisk is firmly and securely mounted
• Patented ToolFree design

XSHOCK

• Advanced Shock absorbers
• Extra protection for your harddisk
• Patented shock absorption design

Advanced passive cooling

• Full surface contact between harddisk and AluBoxTFX's solid aluminum top
• Entire AluBoxTFX's massive aluminum acts as a large heatsink cooler
• Absorbs heat from harddisk and keeps harddisk cools without need for fan

connect to PC via USB2.0 or eSATA

• USB2.0 480mbps / compatible with USB1.1
• eSATA interface (enables a longer max. cable length of 2m) up to 3Gbps with SATA2 harddisk

for both IDE or SATA / SATA2 harddisk

• use SATA harddisk on eSATA or USB
• use IDE harddisk on USB
• enjoy the blazing speed of SATA as fast as an internal harddisk!!
• supports all 3.5" harddisk up to 10000RPM
• supports all 3.5" harddisk max capacity 1024GB

True HotSwap Plug-n-Play

• Simply Plug n Play even while your system is on

1.8mm solid aluminum

• keeps harddisk cool
• Ultra lightweight solid construction
• shock resistance up to 90cm freefall
• high quality mirror polish
• sleek & slim 30mm height

Horizontal Stackable or Vertical

• designed for horizontal or vertical placement
• vertical placement with vertical stand
• multiple box can be stacked on each other
• Front BlueLED light indicates HDD activity

Dimensions : 205 x 125 x 30mm
Weight : 545g

Package Contents:

• AluBoxTFX
• Vertical Stand
• AC Power Adaptor
• AC Power Adaptor Power Cord*
• USB2.0 cable 1m
• eSATA to eSATA cable 1m
• User Manual
• Driver CD for Windows 98SE*

* no drivers needed for Windows Me/2000/XP
* no drivers needed for Mac OS 9.0 or above

About A.C. Ryan

About AC Ryan ProData
AC Ryan ProData empowers AC Ryan's Data Generation. A generation of users who expect to see, use, hear, feel, experience digital content / data anywhere and everywhere. AC Ryan ProData develops products and accessories for these generation pro-data users. The AC Ryan ProData currently comprises AluBox (data storage on the move), ProData accessories (ExpressCards, eSATA, USB Hubs), MobiliT (power on the move) Universal Notebook Chargers & External Batteries. Upcoming products include a new range of Digital Video (HDMI) cabling & accessories. AC Ryan ProData is quality you can feel at prices you can afford.

About AC Ryan ProModding
AC Ryan ProModding is the leading modding products & supplies specialist, producing more than 600 items for your modding pleasure. Pioneering the revolutionary CableFREE concept, introducing Connectx connector modding system, advancing the FlexSleeving craze, infecting half the modworld with UVactive Fever... there's no doubt AC Ryan leads the way. With the recently launched "Re-Invent", AC Ryan takes familiar products and give them a simple, clever and unique AC Ryan Re-Invent twist. Check out our creations and enjoy them! AC Ryan makes mods more modded.

About AC Ryan
AC Ryan has been one of the leading producer of quality cabling & accessories for international companies since 1992. The establishment of the modding productline in 2002 led to the international brand awareness of AC Ryan. Known for innovation and quality, and never afraid to break new grounds, AC Ryan instantly became a favorite with promodders and advanced users. The new campaign AC Ryan ProModding & ProData unifies the inventiveness of the promodding spirit and the superior production knowhow established through the years in prodata.

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.