Let’s take a quick look at the enclosure.  The black aluminum enclosure is simple and has clearly been designed to remain as small as possible.  The surface is tastefully decorated with Vantec markings but nothing really detracts from the overall unit.

     The front and back pieces are plastic but feel sturdy to the touch.  The front end also contains a clear window for the green activity light.

     The back of the enclosure contains the standard SATA data connection, a SATA power connection, a mini USB connector, and an external power connector.  The SATA connections are designed to be used while docked, but can be used with the correct connections externally as well.  Most of us will probably choose the convenience of the USB connection.

     Where the EZ Swap EX really stands out is in the inclusion of this docking unit.  Designed to be installed into any external 3.5” drive bay, the docking unit finally gives you a good use for those extra floppy bays.  The bay connects to your motherboard via a standard SATA connector and can be powered by a Floppy power run or by a 12V run using the included adaptor.

Don’t have an empty floppy bay?  No problem!  Vantec also includes a black plastic 5.25” bay adapter.

 Installation:

     For today’s testing I will be installing a hot new 160 GB Seagate Momentus 7200.2.  With the incredible deals on these high performance 2.5’ hard drives, don't let the hard drive be the performance bottle neck in your new high speed external storage plan.

The internal board is removed by removing two screws from the end.  The EX board slides easily out the end.

     The hard drive slides into place and the four included screws are used to firmly hold things in place.  This is the only step where the components are exposed to any danger from an over zealous installer with fat thumbs like mine, so be careful!

The finished enclosure is ready to go as a stand alone or inserted into the internal bay.