Overview

The GR5640-BA32 is a 4-bay hardware RAID 5 DAS enclosure designed for users who need flexible direct-attached storage across both USB-C and USB-A host systems. With both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables included, it supports modern USB-C workstations as well as existing USB-A desktops and professional systems.

Built with an aluminum chassis, lockable full-metal trays, active cooling, and a dedicated hardware RAID controller, the GR5640-BA32 supports RAID 5, RAID 0, JBOD, and BIG for backup, archive, media, engineering, surveillance, and project storage.

With the included USB-C to USB-C cable, it supports up to 20Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C hosts. With the included USB-C to USB-A cable, it supports up to 10Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A hosts.

Key Benefits

● Connect to both USB-C and USB-A systems with included cables.

● Use hardware RAID 5 for single-drive fault tolerance.

● Build high-capacity backup, archive, and project storage with four SATA HDDs or SSDs.

● Use lockable full-metal trays for safer drive handling and easier maintenance.

● Monitor drive status, failure alerts, and rebuild progress from the front panel.

● Support USB-C, USB-A, and Thunderbolt™ USB-mode workflows.

RAID 5 Capacity Examples

RAID 5 usable capacity = 3 × the smallest installed drive capacity

Features

1. Dual-Cable Host Flexibility

The GR5640-BA32 includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, making it suitable for mixed host environments.

● USB-C to USB-C cable included

● USB-C to USB-A cable included

● Up to 20Gbps with compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C hosts

● Up to 10Gbps with compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A hosts

● Supports Thunderbolt™ 3/4/5 USB-C ports operating in USB mode

2. Dedicated Hardware RAID 5

The built-in RAID controller manages RAID independently of the host computer. RAID 5 helps maintain volume access after one drive failure and rebuilds redundancy after a compatible replacement drive is installed.

3. Lockable Hot-Swappable Full-Metal Trays

Front-access full-metal trays with key locks help prevent accidental drive removal while simplifying drive replacement, archive rotation, and maintenance.

4. Status and Rebuild Monitoring

Front LEDs show power, drive activity, drive failure, and rebuild progress at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. A buzzer with mute control provides immediate system alerts.

5. Active Cooling and Internal Power

An 80mm fan with High/Low speed control, aluminum chassis, and internal 150W power supply support stable four-drive operation during backup, archive, and data-transfer workloads.

6. Windows Monitoring Utility

Windows users can monitor RAID status, rebuild progress, and system alerts through the supported GUI utility. RAID mode configuration remains controlled by the enclosure hardware.

7. Cross-Platform and Mobile Support

The GR5640-BA32 supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. With the included USB-C to USB-C cable, it can also support Easy Data Vault backup and restore workflows on compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad models.

Why Choose the GR5640-BA32?

Applications

● Hybrid USB-C and USB-A Workflows: Move one RAID system between modern USB-C workstations and existing USB-A computers.

● Creative Project Storage: Store photos, videos, editing projects, and media files in a protected external RAID enclosure.

● Engineering and Research Data: Manage CAD files, simulation data, test results, and lab records with local RAID protection.

● Business Backup Destination: Use as direct-attached backup storage for Windows, macOS, or Linux systems.

● Archive and Drive Rotation: Use lockable trays for organized archive storage and scheduled drive rotation.

● Video and Surveillance Archive: Store surveillance footage, video files, and long-term records.

● Mobile Backup Option: Use the included USB-C to USB-C cable for Easy Data Vault workflows on compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad models.

Comparison: GR5640-B32A vs. GR5640-BA32 vs. GR5640-B32

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who is the GR5640-BA32 designed for?

A: It is designed for users who need one hardware RAID 5 DAS system that can connect to both USB-C and USB-A computers.

Q2. What cables are included?

A: The GR5640-BA32 includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A cable.

Q3. What speed does it support through USB-C?

A: With the included USB-C to USB-C cable, it supports up to 20Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C hosts.

Q4. What speed does it support through USB-A?

A: With the included USB-C to USB-A cable, it supports up to 10Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports.

Q5. Is it a Thunderbolt™ device?

A: No. It is a USB storage device. It can connect to Thunderbolt™ 3/4/5 USB-C ports operating in USB mode with the included USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q6. What happens if one drive fails in RAID 5?

A: The RAID volume can remain accessible in degraded mode. After a compatible replacement drive is installed, the system rebuilds the array to restore redundancy.

Q7. Is RAID 5 the same as backup?

A: No. RAID 5 protects against one drive failure, but important data still needs an independent backup.

Performance test result for reference. The test result will vary depend on the test environment.

Actual performance depends on the host port, cable, installed drives, RAID mode, filesystem, and workload. RAID is not a substitute for an independent backup.

Note: The test was using a separate USB-C to USB-C cable with USB 20Gbps host.

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