Overview

The GR5640-B32A is a 4-bay hardware RAID 5 DAS enclosure designed for users who need reliable direct-attached storage on USB-A desktops, workstations, and professional systems. With the included USB-C to USB-A cable, it adds protected RAID storage to existing computers without requiring a host upgrade.

Built with an aluminum chassis, lockable full-metal trays, active cooling, and a dedicated hardware RAID controller, the GR5640-B32A supports RAID 5, RAID 0, JBOD, and BIG for backup, archive, media, engineering, surveillance, and project storage.

With compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A hosts, it supports up to 10Gbps link speed. With a separate USB-C to USB-C cable, it can also support up to 20Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C hosts.

Key Features
 

1. USB-A Ready for Existing Systems

Add high-capacity RAID storage to desktops, workstations, industrial PCs, and professional systems with standard USB-A ports.

● USB-C to USB-A cable included

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

● No need to replace the current host computer

● Optional USB-C to USB-C connection supports up to 20Gbps on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 hosts

2. Dedicated Hardware RAID 5

The built-in RAID controller manages RAID processing independently of the host computer, reducing reliance on software RAID, operating-system setup, or CPU resources.

● Supports RAID 5, RAID 0, JBOD, and BIG

● RAID 5 provides single-drive fault tolerance

● RAID volume can remain accessible after one drive failure

● Rebuild starts after a compatible replacement drive is installed

3. Lockable Hot-Swappable Full-Metal Trays

Front-access trays make drive installation, replacement, and rotation easier while helping prevent accidental drive removal.

● Full-metal tray design

● Individual key locks

● Hot-swappable front access

● Suitable for backup, archive, and shared work environments

4. Status and Rebuild Monitoring

Clear hardware indicators help users monitor the RAID enclosure without relying only on software.

● Power and drive activity LEDs

● Drive failure alerts

● Rebuild progress: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%

● Buzzer alert with physical mute control

● Overheat and fan-failure alerts

5. Active Cooling and Internal Power

Designed for stable four-drive operation during backup, archive, and data-transfer workloads.

● 80mm cooling fan

● High/Low fan-speed control

● Aluminum chassis with active cooling

● Internal 150W power supply

● AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz support

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 for simple and reliable setup.

7. Cross-Platform and Mobile Workflow Support

The GR5640-B32A supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. With a separate 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.

Compatibility depends on the host device, operating system, cable, filesystem, and application support.

Why Choose the GR5640-B32A?

Built for Practical Storage Workflows

The GR5640-B32A is designed for users who need more than basic external storage. It provides hardware RAID protection, front-access serviceability, visible system alerts, and high-capacity expansion in one USB RAID 5 enclosure.

● Create a large RAID 5 backup or archive volume with four SATA HDDs.

● Use SATA SSDs for faster media access, project storage, or data-transfer workflows.

● Use lockable trays for safer drive rotation, shared work areas, and archive management.

● Use front LEDs and buzzer alerts to monitor drive failure, rebuild progress, and system events.

RAID 5 Capacity Examples

RAID 5 usable capacity is calculated as:

3 × the smallest installed drive capacity

Applications

● USB-A Workstation Storage Upgrade: Add RAID 5 DAS storage to existing desktops and workstations without replacing the host system.

● Creative Project Storage and Backup: Store photos, videos, editing projects, and completed 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, drive replacement, and scheduled rotation.

● Video and Surveillance Archive: Store surveillance footage, video files, and long-term records in a high-capacity RAID storage enclosure.

● USB-C Expansion Option: Connect to compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt™ 3/4/5 hosts operating in USB mode with a separate USB-C to USB-C cable.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How is the GR5640-B32A different from the GR5640-BA32 and GR5640-B32?

The GR5640-B32A is designed for USB-A host systems and includes a USB-C to USB-A cable.

The GR5640-BA32 is designed for mixed USB-C and USB-A workflows and includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.

The GR5640-B32 is designed for USB-C workflows and includes a USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q2. What computers is the GR5640-B32A designed for?

It is designed for desktops, workstations, and professional systems with standard USB-A ports. It is ideal for users who want RAID 5 storage without replacing or upgrading their existing computer.

Q3. What speed can I expect through USB-A?

With the included USB-C to USB-A cable, the GR5640-B32A supports up to 10Gbps host link speed on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports. Actual performance depends on the host, cable, drives, RAID mode, filesystem, and workload.

Q4. Can the GR5640-B32A support 20Gbps?

Yes. The enclosure can support up to 20Gbps when connected to a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C host using a separate USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q5. Does the GR5640-B32A support RAID 5?

Yes. It supports RAID 5, RAID 0, JBOD, and BIG. RAID 5 provides a balance of capacity, performance, and protection by maintaining volume access after one drive failure.

Q6. What happens if a drive fails in RAID 5 mode?

The array enters a degraded state, but the RAID volume can remain accessible. After a compatible replacement drive is installed, the system rebuilds the array to restore redundancy.

Q7. Does the GR5640-B32A work with USB-C or Thunderbolt™ 3/4/5 hosts?

Yes. It can connect to compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt™ 3/4/5 hosts operating in USB mode when using a separate USB-C to USB-C cable. It is not a native Thunderbolt storage device.

Q8. Does the GR5640-B32A support mobile backup?

Yes. It supports Easy Data Vault backup and restore workflows on compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad models when using a separate USB-C to USB-C cable. Compatibility depends on the device, operating system, application, cable, and storage format.

Q9. Is RAID 5 the same as backup?

No. RAID 5 protects against one drive failure, but it does not replace a separate backup. Important data should also be stored on another device or in another location.

Q10. Can users mix different drive capacities?

Compatible SATA HDDs or SSDs may be used, but drives of the same model, capacity, and performance class are recommended. In RAID 5, usable capacity is based on the smallest installed drive.

GR5640-B32A — RAID 5 protection for USB-A workstations, with the flexibility to support USB-C 20Gbps workflows when needed.

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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