3. Hardware Requirements and Precautions
1. The ST4 Series allows you to install up to 4 hard drives of different models and capacities. They are
not required to simultaneously have all 4 hard drives installed in order for the system unit to operate.
You may use one first and add more drives later accordingly to your preference.
2. Although ST4-U5 allows you to install either SAS or SATA drives, it is recommended to check whether
the mini-SAS host adapter you're using is downward compatible with SATA drives. Also note that the
throughput performance may vary if SAS and SATA drive are installed.
3. Please make sure that the hard drives are free from bad blocks or defects prior to installation in order
to avoid system crashes or data loss.
4. Whenever turning off or unplugging the ST4 Series from your computer system becomes necessary,
always remember to safely remove it from your operating system first.
5. The eSATA interface connections on the ST4 model require to be connected to eSATA ports with port
multiplication functionality in order for all 4 drives to be recognized by your computer system. If you
require the hot swap functionality, it is important to know whether the host adapter you'll be using
supports the hot swap functionality.
6. When the ST4 is connected to the computer system, it's prohibited to remove, insert or swap the hard
drive while data transfer is being performed.
7. If you will be incorporating either software or hardware RAID functionality to operate with the ST4
Series, it is important to understand the RAID level and its component that will be incorporated and
the precautions to take as each RAID level and component may function differently and contains
various limitations.
8. It is highly recommended for users to back up important data contained within the drives of the ST4
Series on a regular basis or whenever the user feels necessary to a remote or a separate storage
device. STARDOM will not be responsible for any lost of data caused during the use of the ST4
Series or the recovery of the data lost.
4. Hardware Installation
Please follow the instructions below to complete the hardware installation.
Step 1 Open the package and take out the product making sure that all the enclosed contents are not
damaged or missing. Should you find damages or missing contents, please contact your supplier
immediately.
Step 2 Place the enclosure on a stable surface, ensure that it is well ventilated without blockage to the
vent and kept away from locations near water or where the product may become vulnerable
resulting in damages.
Step 3 Use the provided key in the accessories kit and inserted into the key access opening to eject the
removable drive tray latch and extract the removable drive tray.
Step 4 Mount your hard drives onto the removable drive tray and secure it with the screws included in the
accessory kit to avoid any damage to the hard drive due to accidental movements.
SOHOTANK ST4 User Manual
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