Are all external hard drive enclosures pretty much the same?

puffpio

Golden Member
Dec 21, 1999
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1) What makes one better than another? Assuming they all have the same features (ie USB and Firewire outputs)..are some faster than others or is there no performance differences..if there are, what does the AT community recommend?

2) Are there any enclosures that support SATA drives? Or PATA AND SATA together?
 

esun

Platinum Member
Nov 12, 2001
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I'd say get a reasonably cheap one, but don't get one that is too cheap. I had one with terrible build quality that eventually burned out (the crappy transformer they had in the back just died--smoke, burning smell, the works). I replaced it with a much nicer Vantec NexStar 2--much more expensive, but this thing will last forever. Personally, I feel one-time purchases like these are worth spending extra money on.
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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I prefer...
1. Enclosures that use a standard power cord rather than an AC adapter (less to drag around).
2. 5 1/4" models over 3 1/2" (more air circulation space for HDs and can run optical drives).
3. PATA versions over SATA (more used PATA HDs floating around than SATA).
4. Enclosures that support USB & Firewire (just for the added flexibility).

Something Like This or This
 

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
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Originally posted by: Blain
I prefer...
1. Enclosures that use a standard power cord rather than an AC adapter (less to drag around).
2. 5 1/4" models over 3 1/2" (more air circulation space for HDs and can run optical drives).
3. PATA versions over SATA (more used PATA HDs floating around than SATA).
4. Enclosures that support USB & Firewire (just for the added flexibility).

Something Like This or This

I agree on those point, and will also add.

1.) It must come apart and go to gether easily and quickly.
2.) It needs to be reasonably sturdy so it doesn't come apart in my backpack.
3.) The IDE cable needs to be more than paper thin.

 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Have had several, both 3.5" and 2.5". The best one I have found to date is the Vantec NexStar 3, eSATA/USB 2 combo. I use it both ways - eSATA on my laptop and USB 2 on my desktop.

It is nice looking, and can be vertical or horizontal. It has its own power source.

Vantec