![Yottamaster 4 Bay External Hard Drive Enclosure, Aluminum USB C 3.5" HDD Enclosure for 3.5 & 2.5 Inch SATA HDD/SSD, Support 72TB(4x18TB) Direct Attached Storage DAS, Non-RAID [PS400C3]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VPHdmJa7L._AC_SL1200_.jpg)
Choosing a 4-Bay DAS Enclosure: What the Yottamaster PS400C3 Reveals
The Yottamaster PS400C3 is a non-RAID, direct-attached storage (DAS) enclosure designed for users needing high-capacity, flexible storage without network complexity. Its aluminum construction and USB-C interface are key physical characteristics that directly impact cooling and transfer speeds. Buyers should understand this device acts as a simple bridge, presenting each installed drive independently to your computer.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Non-RAID vs. RAID: The PS400C3's non-RAID design means you manage drives individually; this offers flexibility but requires manual file organization and lacks redundancy.
- Power and Cooling: Supporting four 3.5" HDDs demands robust power delivery and heat dissipation—the aluminum chassis here is a critical component for passive cooling.
- Interface and Compatibility: Its USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 interface (5 Gbps) is sufficient for HDDs but may bottleneck multiple high-speed SSDs simultaneously.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For DAS enclosures, scrutinize the power supply's wattage and amperage ratings to ensure stable operation under full load with power-hungry 3.5" drives. Quality indicators include tool-less drive trays with secure locking mechanisms and internal SATA connectors that feel sturdy, not flimsy, during insertion.
Enclosures Market Context
Market Overview
The multi-bay DAS enclosure market caters to prosumers and professionals seeking a middle ground between single external drives and full NAS systems. Products like the Yottamaster compete on build quality, cooling efficiency, and value, as core chipset functionality is often similar.
Common Issues
Common pitfalls include underpowered or noisy external power bricks, poor ventilation leading to drive overheating, and compatibility issues with specific drive models or operating systems that require persistent drive letter assignments.
Quality Indicators
Look for enclosures with dedicated cooling fans or substantial aluminum heatsinking, high-quality SATA backplanes that prevent drive communication errors, and clear activity indicators for each bay. A well-implemented sleep function is also a sign of thoughtful firmware.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with an 18% estimated fake review rate suggests the review pool is mostly reliable but requires careful reading. The adjusted rating of 3.6/5, down from the displayed 4.0/5, indicates that authentic critical feedback is more prevalent than the average suggests.
Trust Recommendation
Prioritize reviews that mention specific drive models used, transfer speed tests with tools like CrystalDiskMark, or detailed notes on long-term stability over several months. Be skeptical of overly vague positive reviews that lack technical detail.
Tips for Reading Reviews
For technical hardware like this, focus on reviews discussing real-world use cases—such as video editing workflows, data backup routines, or compatibility with specific OS like macOS or Linux. Reviews noting drive hibernation behavior or fan noise levels are typically more authentic.
Expert Perspective
The Yottamaster PS400C3 presents a competent value proposition for bulk storage expansion. Its 3.6 adjusted rating reflects genuine user experiences where the product works well for straightforward JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks) use but may reveal limitations in sustained performance or firmware polish. The multi-language reviews indicate a broad user base, adding credibility to the feedback on general reliability. The specific complaint about 'performance disc' in a 1-star review likely points to a real-world bottleneck or compatibility hiccup worth investigating.
Purchase Considerations
This enclosure is best suited for users who need to access a large pool of existing SATA drives conveniently and understand the responsibilities of managing independent drives. It is less ideal for those seeking automated data protection (RAID) or maximum sequential transfer speeds from multiple SSDs.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the PS400C3's feature set and price against enclosures from brands like Orico, Sabrent, or Mediasonic, particularly regarding RAID options and interface speeds.
