Review on Icy Dock Tool-Less Drive Adapter Converter Bracket Mounting Frame Tray for 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD with SATA III Interface - EZConvert MB882SP-1S-1B by David Lesperance

Due to a possible shipping delay, I ordered a similar plastic version (Icy Dock MB882SP-1S-2B) of this product at the same time. In the end, both arrived on the same day, giving me the opportunity to carefully compare and choose which one to use for my SSD installation task. I went for this metal version and it works (after trying without SSD installed). recognized by the system, treated by withdrawing the caddy, fiddling with the adapter without really changing anything, then reinstalling). However, this did concern me a little, namely that the holes for the four mounting screws were correctly positioned, but tightening the screws required more force than expected. As if the holes weren't pre-drilled. Tightening these screws in a real 3.5" drive seems like a precision operation. By tightening them into this adapter I hoped I hadn't twisted the screws. There's an intelligent mechanical connection that automatically inserts your SSD into the connector bracket when you close the adapter's flip cover. Unfortunately, since the cover obscures the evidence, one does not know how well the SSD connector is plugged into the adapter connector. All the Way? Or maybe millimeter shy? We rely on precision sheet metal parts for a tight (but not damaging) fit. Ventilation holes are present, but not particularly extensive. My SSD temperature is around 85°F (at 70°F ambient) - this might be normal (I don't know what "normal" SSD temperature is). In comparison, the plastic version of this article's Icy Dock doesn't look all that bad. Plastic injection molding is probably more precise than other sheet metal work. It has nice threaded brass inserts for mounting screws. You snap your SSD into place, then put on the plastic cover so the critical installation step is visible. I'll probably go with the plastic version next time.