SilverStone SST-DC01B Network Data Center Review

External Thoughts On The SilverStone SST-DC01B

At first blush, the SST-DC01B is a gorgeous looking unit, very slim and petite. At 4.84 wide, 4.84 long and 1.29 high, the SST-DC01B is ideal for placement in a home theatre cabinet where its small size makes it an asset among game consoles and large home theatre components.

The SST-DC01B is constructed almost entirely of aluminum, which gives this NAS tremendous structural strength and rigidity while remaining relatively lightweight. At just over one pound sans hard drive, the SST-DC01B weighs considerably less than nearly any other NAS unit on the market. While the 1.65mm thick aluminum unibody shows off a black powder coat, the top of the unit is black brushed aluminum. This gives the NAS an attractive, elegant exterior, an important consideration when showcasing this unit next to expensive A/V equipment.

Looking at the rear of the SST-DC01B, we can see that SilverStone has outfitted this NAS unit with the following, from left to right: An aluminum power button, the power receptacle, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port, a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet jack, a reset button and a Kensington lock slot. The Gigabit port contains two LEDs which display network link and activity. One thing that is curiously missing, and something I would have expected to see in the SST-DC01B, is support for USB 3.0.

A side profile of the SST-DC01B reveals a 2.28mm thick aluminum plate supported by four small pillars at each corner of the unit. These pillars allow cool air to circulate within the NAS via an array of small holes drilled into the housing of the unit. At this angle, the contrast of the black powder coated unibody and the brushed aluminum top plate look absolutely fantastic.

The front of the SST-DC01B is fairly uneventful, the only item of note being an LED set in the middle of the unit. This light will change colors based on the activity of the NAS. If the LED is flashing blue, the NAS system is starting up. If the LED is steady blue, the SST-DC01B is powered on and in system ready mode. An orange LED indicates that the NAS has a system error and is unable to start up.

Taking a peek at the bottom of the SST-DC01B, we can see the only part of the NAS unit that isnt made of aluminum. Made from 1.01mm thick SECC and powder coated black, the bottom offers more cooling in the way of holes drilled into the underside. The SST-DC01B relies on passive cooling, which is both a pro and a con. Its good because it cuts down on noise and prevents dust from entering the unit, bad because the internal hard drive is relying on these holes (and the aluminum construction) for heat dissipation.

The four screws at each corner of the SST-DC01B allow access into the NAS unit. SilverStone recommends the installation of the four rubber self-sticky feet over the top of each screw hole after installing the hard drive. Personally, I dont want to be hassled in removing the feet and reapplying them every time I need to get into the SST-DC01B. So, I just stuck my feet slightly further away from the corner edges, and all was fine.