The Icy Dock EZ-Fit Lite Dual 2.5″ SSD/HDD mounting kit easily combines two 2.5″ drives in to a 3.5″ bay, allowing users to maximize storage space in reduced form factors or in use cases where more drive density is needed. The bracket can accommodate all 2.5″ drives between 7 and 9.5mm and features tool-less installation (unless the optional reinforcing screws are desired). The EZ-Fit Lite features an open-air design that provides passive cooling for the drives through side vents and slightly elevated ridges to keep the drives raised within the housing. It also has 60 screw holes strategically placed over its casing to accommodate most chassis designs.
The Icy Dock EZ-Fit Lite Dual 2.5″ SSD/HDD mounting kit easily combines two 2.5″ drives in to a 3.5″ bay, allowing users to maximize storage space in reduced form factors or in use cases where more drive density is needed. The bracket can accommodate all 2.5″ drives between 7 and 9.5mm and features tool-less installation (unless the optional reinforcing screws are desired). The EZ-Fit Lite features an open-air design that provides passive cooling for the drives through side vents and slightly elevated ridges to keep the drives raised within the housing. It also has 60 screw holes strategically placed over its casing to accommodate most chassis designs.
Icy Dock seems to be focusing on two aspects pertaining to its mounting kit: simplicity and efficiency. Its durable build, as well as its one piece construction, increases its longevity due to the lack of moving parts. Additionally, the EZ-Lite is made of robust ABS plastic build (the Pro version is made of metal and has a matte black finish), which allows it to be lightweight and easy to install. Its one-piece design allows Icy Dock to manufacture the unit in a very cost efficient manner giving it a very competitive price-point for customers and the unique skeletal design allows for airflow in all the most important areas of the drive, improving overall drive performance.
The EZ-Fit Lite carries a street price of only $8.99 and is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Specs
- Drive Fit: 2 x 2.5″ IDE/SATA SSD/HDD
- Support Drive Height: 7 – 9.5 mm
- Device Fit: 1 x 3.5 Hard Drive Bay
- Structure: Plastic
- Dimension (L x W x H) 5.30″ x 4.17″ x 1.00″
- Weight: 0.13lbs
- Package Contents
- Device x 1
- User Manual x 1
- Screw x 4
- Warranty: 3 years
Design and Use
The EZ-Fit Lite supports up to 2 x 2.5” SSD/HDD drives from 7mm to 9.5mm in drive height. Icy Dock also built the kit with a completely new flex design system in order to simplify the drive installation process
The device itself is composed of lightweight black plastic, with a symmetrical design and branding on the surface of each drive bay. The mounting dock feels very stury when gripped. It has eight sets of vents through the interior of the bays as well as the 60 screw holes designed to provide compatibility in securing the device should the user choose.
Drives are deposited into the EZ-Fit Lite’s bays and slid forward until the rear stabilizer clicks and the eject button locks over the drives. The rear stabilizers provide constant tension on the drives so that they remain immobile. There are also self-adjusting tabs located lateral of the drives that compensate for 7 mm form factors, keeping them snug against the bay.
Drives can removed or switched by depressing the eject button, even after the device has been installed into a chassis. When we tested it, drives snapped in place and ejected smoothly and without any issues whatsoever. It was a very easy and seamless process.
Conclusion
With its many compatibility considerations as well as the ability to combine two drives into a 3.5″ form factor, the EZ-Fit Lite is a great option for anyone looking to optimize storage space in their desktop PC, gaming PC, home theater PC, and home server system. Overall, we were pretty impressed with its functionality, as the Icy Dock mounting kit securely holds two 2.5″ hard drives in a single 3.5″ bay; this is ideal for users looking to gain a density advantage. Additionally, Icy Dock was mindful of the potential temperature issues associated with loading two drives so close to each other and designed an open-air system with vents, providing optimal passive cooling. The installation process is straightforward and simple as well. With such a long warranty and low price point (users are basically getting two drive bays for the price of one), those interested in converting between 2.5″ and 3.5″ should definitely consider this product.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Can support a plethora of configurations
- Low cost
- Easy installation
Cons
- None
Bottom Line
Easy to use and versatile, this little device from Icy Dock is an ideal solution for users looking to optimize storage space as well as those looking to upgrade down the road.
Icy Dock EZ-Fit Lite Dual 2.5″ to 3.5″ Bracket at Amazon
