CONCLUSION

   Internal drive cages are supposed to transfer the signal from your SATA/SAS cable to the drive inside so performance doesn't differ much something which is quite obvious just by checking our results (the results of previous similar reviews will do too). However there's one thing that changes quite a bit when using such devices and that's the temperatures of the drives inside. Now the BPN-2535DE-SA may not have an active cooling solution for the drives inside due to its small size but even so thanks to the aluminum enclosure it did reduce the temperatures of the drive by 3 full degrees Celsius. Strangely enough this had no effect on the performance of the drive (3.5" HDDs usually run better when cooler) but still a lower temperature will prolong its life so paired with the hot-swap feature, the extra protection (compared to external docking stations) and the ease of use the BPN-2535DE-SA will make a fine addition to any system.

   The BPN-2535DE-SA 3.5" to 2x2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Hot-Swap Cage by iStarUSA currently retails for just USD30.10 inside the USA (Amazon.com) but unfortunately much like most products by iStarUSA we were unable to locate it inside the EU (at least not on any of the known stores). With such a low price tag I’m really having a very hard time thinking of any good reason why people wouldn't want one in their towers and i just can't find any. Bottom line not only does the BPN-2535DE-SA offer more protection for the drives inside (compared to an external docking station) but it also keeps them safer (locks) and cooler which is why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Single 3.5" To Dual 2.5”
- Locks
- Activity LEDs
- Hot-Swap Bays
- Secondary Drive Power On/Off Switch
- Temperatures
- Price (For Some) 

CONS

- EU Availability