The length of the MB454SPF-B with and without the fan module attached is 180mm and 220mm respectively. On the unit PCSTATS is testing today, little data access LEDs are found along the left hand side adjacent to each of the four SATA drives. The lights indicate disk status and activity. The Icydock MB454SPF-B fits four 3.5" SATA drives into the space of three 5.25" optical drives. This model fits three HDDs into slightly less space.

The MB454SPF-B unit is the same length as an optical drive without the fan hooked up, but slightly longer with it attached. Full size desktop computer cases are most likely to accommodate the IcyDock MB454SPF-B with its cooling system, but compact desktop, mid-tower and small form factor cases may not. Measure first to ensure it fits.

Now there are about as many ways of installing a 5.25" device into a PC chassis as there are computer cases in the world, but with all this variety there is a grain of standardization at the hart of each method. After all, each case must accommodate an equally sized 5.25" x 1.75" metal box right?

Rail systems, quick clips, locking tabs, post and screw.... the varieties are endless. The critical aspect that may affect the IcyDock MB454SPF-B's usefulness in your computer chassis are the supports which hold the 5.25" devices in place, in the bay area. So long as the little metal tabs protrude no more than 5mm (3/16") the IcyDock unit will slide in smoothly.

A groove runs along the center-line of the aluminum box to accommodate this very component of chassis designs. If the optical drive bays are individually split up, or have metal support tabs which stick out further than that, the IcyDock box won't have the space it requires.

PCSTATS would generally recommend installing the IcyDock MB454SPF-B at the top of the stack of 5.25" drive bays, so the cumulative heat generated by four spinning hard drives will have the shortest path to the power supply where it can be exhausted from the case.

Reassuringly, the four SATA drive caddy's are keyed so there is no way you can install them incorrectly. The hard drives are held in place with special countersunk #6-32 screws, so try to resist loosing them.