Cheaper 5.25 to 4 x U.2 adaptor options that allow direct wiring to each drive?

Hi,

I’ve been thinking about smaller form factor case options which can accommodate U.2 drives, so was looking at cases with 5.25" bays as an option.

I figure one reason besides the markup that Icydocks are so pricy is the electronics to send the signals and power from the backplane to each U.2 NVMe drive.

Are there non-backplane versions of this that would allow mounting 15mm U.2 SSDs such that I could directly connect each U.2 drive from the motherboard? For example, if the motherboard has MCIO, I could get an MCIO to U.2 connector which would be much cheaper than Icydocks + the cables needed to connect it to the motherboard. The ability to put a fan next to the drives would be great as well.

I see some options which are close to what I’m looking for, but they only support sata SSDs.

Alternatively if there are options that are more reasonably priced than Icydocks then I’d take a look at them as well.

You’re looking for an enclosure with a list of very specific specs, which are currently rare and therefore offered at a premium.

Consider relaxing your requirements until you find a compromise that works for your use case and your budget.

e.g. I personally used the following extremely general and low cost option of mounting U.2 drives into basically any chassis.

This allows mounting U.2 drives into basically any 3.5 chassis bay for about $1.50/drive (when bought in bulk). In my experience U.2 drives get rather hot, so I don’t want them mounted as densely as 4 drives in a 5 1/4" bay anyway.

Not saying this is what you should use, but try widening any single one of your requirements as you’re looking for options.

That makes sense. I’m just surprised something like this doesn’t exist yet though since in theory a frame with holes for the drives should be easy to manufacture. Perhaps there isn’t enough physical space for a 5.25" for this.