The ARC-4038ML 8-Bay SAS Enclosure from Areca provides eight storage bays and two SFF-8644 host interfaces to offer extra storage capabilities for a system outfitted with a RAID controller card. The two host interfaces utilize SAS technology that transfers data at rates of up to 12 Gb/s. The enclosure's eight bays are compatible with 2.5" and 3.5" storage drives, which feature a SAS or SATA interface. With an optional RAID adapter, you can configure the user-supplied drives for performance or redundancy. For powering and cooling the drives, one 220W power supply and two variable-speeds fans are on board. Moreover, the ARC-4038ML comes with a re-driver chip on its backplane to help ensure a reliable connection between your drives and host interface.
- 8 x 2.5"/3.5" SAS/SATA Drive Bays
- 2 x SFF-8644
- 2 x 2700 rpm Fans
- Windows and Mac Compatible
Areca ARC-4038ML External HDD/SSD Overview
Areca ARC-4038ML External HDD/SSD Specs
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Areca ARC-4038ML External HDD/SSD Reviews
Looks nice, but disks quickly overheat
I wanted a moderately-quiet, SAS-compatible enclosure for a bunch of 3.5" disks, to replace similar gear which is getting too old. Areca has had good products in other respects so it seemed like a good bet. I cannot recommend the ARC-4038ML. Don't buy it. It looks good, seems sturdily built, has useful status LEDs, connects properly to the disk drives. However, though the cooling fans are both spinning and don't seem obstructed, they are not close to adequately cooling the drives. The SAS drives report 48C - 50C when idle. Their rated max temp is 60C. 50C is much too hot. The fans could easily spin faster while remaining very quiet. But there is no external way to adjust the fan speed. (Comparable SATA drives in an old MAXX Digital 8-bay enclosure are running 32-35C, which seems fine. But that enclosure is no longer made.) I've complained to B&H, asking for either an exchange or a return - was promised an RMA but haven't received one so far. And I've written to the manufacturer, who suggested the SAS drives might not be reporting the temperature correctly. So tested the ARC-4038ML with other (SATA) drives, which also reach the high 40's C.