Review RocketFish RF-HD 2.5-inch SATA Adapter/Enclosure

This article is a review of the RocketFish RF-HD 2.5-inch hard drive external adapter. Since this review began, RocketFish has introduced a newer model with some minor variations. We’ll be covering the changes for the new RF-HD-25 in this review as well, but the major change was in the packaging. The product is now provided in a blister package instead of a box.

Components included the two-piece enclosure with two covers (one silver and one black), the carrying case, USB and eSATA cables, driver and backup program CDs (neither of which I used or needed), an AC “wall-wart” power adapter, eight cross-point screws, and a Phillips screwdriver. Also shown in the image below is the 100 GB hard drive I plan to install in the enclosure.

There are some differences between the reviewed product and the new model. For one thing, it now comes with a USB y-cable for powering the device without the wall adapter, which is no longer included. The style of the case has changed. It now looks more industrial and less sleek, and the corner attachments are small allen-headed screws instead of phillips style screws. An allen wrench is now included.

Internally the products appear to be identical.

This exposes the circuit board, which can be gently lifted out of the lower casing.

Once the circuit board is removed, gently place it upside-down on a smooth surface. Softly place your hard drive on the circuit board, align it with the onboard connectors, and push it in until it seats. Then place it back in the lower half of the case.

There are two types of screws. The ones with pan heads go from the circuit board to the case. The flat-head screws secure the hard drive to the circuit board. Use only about two-fingers worth of torque when installing these.

Then place the cover - silver or black, your choice - on the bottom half. The RocketFish logo goes on the opposite end from the connectors. It takes a bit of a push, but the rear corners will snap into place and pick up the latch. Slide the latch to the left, and you're done.

The only remaining task is to select the USB or eSATA cable, plug it in, and attach it to your laptop.

Well, that's it. There's the Bright Hub review of RocketFish's RF-HD25 external SATA hard drive adapter and enclosure. Yes, I would recommend this device if you're in need of a drive enclosure for the hard drive from your laptop. It's attractive, well made, and easy to install and use.

I would certainly shop around some before purchasing, though, and I'd look for the all-aluminum model rather than the aluminum and plastic model reviewed here.