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Tripp Lite

Tripp Lite U438-CF-SATA-5G drive enclosure

SKU CH-9WRR-RBP9W MPN U438-CF-SATA-5G

A CFast 2.0 card reader and 2.5-inch SATA drive adapter with USB 3.1 Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity

  • ColorBlack
  • Thunderbolt 3Yes
  • External InterfaceUSB 3.1 Type C
  • DimensionsHeight:2.5" x Width:1.5" x Depth:0.6"
  • Weight1.12 oz
  • Package ContentsU438-CF-SATA-5G Drive Dock Owner's manual
  • Fast CFast 2.0 card transfers via USB 3.1 Type C
  • Connects 2.5 in. SATA drive for backup and data retrieval
  • Built-in cable plugs directly into Thunderbolt 3 port
  • Compact 2.5 x 1.5 x .6 in. design weighs 1.12 oz
  • Blue LED shows when card is ready for read or write

CFast 2.0 card reader and SATA drive dock

The Tripp Lite U438-CF-SATA-5G combines a CFast 1.0 and 2.0 card slot with a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay in a single external enclosure. It connects to a host device through a built-in USB 3.1 Type C cable compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Photographers and videographers can offload high-resolution media from CFast cards, while general users can access bare SATA drives for backup or data recovery without internal installation.

Thermals noise and power draw

The compact ABS housing measures 2.5 by 1.5 by .6 inches and weighs 1.12 ounces, relying on passive convection for cooling. No fan is present, so operation is silent during transfers. Power is drawn entirely from the host USB 3.1 Type C connection, eliminating the need for an external adapter and keeping cable clutter minimal for mobile workflows.

Bundled accessories and software

The package includes the U438-CF-SATA-5G dock and an owner's manual. A blue LED on the unit signals when an inserted CFast card is ready for reading or writing, providing immediate visual confirmation without software utilities. The dock supports hot-swapping, so cards or drives can be exchanged on the fly while the host remains powered. RoHS certification confirms compliance with restricted-substance standards.

Highlights

  • Fast CFast 2.0 card transfers via USB 3.1 Type C
  • Connects 2.5 in. SATA drive for backup and data retrieval
  • Built-in cable plugs directly into Thunderbolt 3 port
  • Compact 2.5 x 1.5 x .6 in. design weighs 1.12 oz
  • Blue LED shows when card is ready for read or write

Specifications

BrandTripp Lite
ColorBlack
Thunderbolt 3Yes
External InterfaceUSB 3.1 Type C
DimensionsHeight:2.5" x Width:1.5" x Depth:0.6"
Weight1.12 oz
Package ContentsU438-CF-SATA-5G Drive Dock
Owner's manual
Shipping weight0.60 kg
Package size270 × 130 × 100 mm

Questions about this item

How do I connect the U438-CF-SATA-5G and which step is often missed?

Plug the built-in USB-C cable into a USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 port, then insert the CFast card or SATA drive; the step people miss is waiting for the blue LED to confirm the card is ready before transferring data.

What part will need replacement first with regular use?

The CFast card slot and SATA connector are the only moving interfaces; repeated insertions can wear the spring contacts, so the slot mechanism is the first component likely to need service.

What speed limit appears first during a long transfer?

The USB 3.1 Type C host interface caps sustained throughput at 5 Gbps, so that bus ceiling is reached before the internal SATA link or CFast 2.0 media can become the bottleneck.

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