Antec Unveils Hot-Swap Drive Bay for Gaming PCs

Antec, Inc., in computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, showcased two new Sonata IV and DF-35 at Computex 2011, built to accommodate Seagate Technology‘s GoFlex portable external hard drive technology.

    Sonata IV

As a partner in Seagate’s Certified GoFlex Storage System ecosystem, Antec has incorporated a hot-swap drive bay using the new USM (Universal Storage Module) in two of its mid-tower enclosure models (Sonata IV and DF-35), helping to make Seagate’s ultra-portable 2.5-inch external hard drive technology accessible to the gaming, business and enthusiast audience.

The GoFlex module is built into the chassis, but will also be available as a standalone retail kit. The pre-installed adapter plate fits within one external 5.25-inch drive bay and accepts Seagate’s new 2.5-inch ultra-portable, multi-platform external hard drive. The module also features a tool-less internal mount for users to install a second 2.5-inch Solid State Drive. With this integrated support, users can take advantage of the removable GoFlex external hard drives’ flexibility and performance capabilities, as well as maintaining compatibility with bare 2.5-inch hard drives and SSDs.

The GoFlex 2.5-inch external drive enables users to enjoy access to their music, movies, photos and data, seamlessly transfer content between devices, as well as store, automatically and continuously backup, encrypt and access files – anywhere and at any time.

"The Sonata IV and DF-35 already come packed with useful solutions, a wide variety of features and convenient access to components," said Tak Niwa, director of Antec enclosures and accessories. "Computex 2011 is the ideal event to demonstrate how these enclosures enabled for GoFlex modules will bring convenience, accessibility to data and portability to help meet the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s enthusiasts and creative professionals."

The Certified GoFlex Storage System initiative is a certification process whereby Seagate will qualify products from participating companies to incorporate slots that meet the specifications of accepting ultra-portable drives that meet the Certified GoFlex Storage System standard. The Certified GoFlex Storage System will establish placement of both slot-based consumer electronics devices as well as certification of third-party external storage modules. Seagate’s certification also endorses the soon to be established USM (Universal Storage Module) SATA interface specification.

The USM specification is a standard specification to accept a powered external storage device into consumer electronic devices. Modules designed according to the USM specification will enable consumers to instantly access their music, movies, photos and other content from a variety of consumer electronics products, and to transfer content between devices.

"Seagate is pleased to be working with Antec in providing additional storage options for their customers," said Patrick Connolly, vice president of development and general manager for Seagate retail. "The system builder and gamer audience that Antec has a close relationship with readily understand the value of numerous storage options because they consume so much capacity with their games and media files."