buildidng a external HD

[ctbook]

It seems cheaper to get one of those kits with a case and stuff to assemble a external HD using an internal HD. Is this a good move or am I missing something? I need firewire and it seems the kits can accomodate that.

Thanks for your replys!


c

 

[NatePo717]

There's not much to know. The external cases come with ata connection and power so all you do is plug the hd into the external case and your good to go.

 

[corkyg]

And you have a choice of Firewire, USB2 or SATA.

 

[BlueWeasel]

There's nothing to it, and the hardest part is choosing a kit with the the features you want. As long as you know how to use a screwdriver, you'll be fine.

 

[ctbook]

thanks alot!

 

[Zepper]

I'd get one with both FW and USB 2. connections for best flexibility. There may soon be cases with three possible connections, the ones I mentioned plus direct SATA. If you have time to wait, that might be worth it.

.bh.

 

[ctbook]

I got a WD 80 GB for free today from CC w/price match with Wallywurld. It seems my 1394 jack is a "mini". Can I still use this jack?

 

[Zepper]

Must be on a lappy... Check and see what cable comes with the ext. drive case - if it doesn't come with the correct plug for your applicaton, order an adapter/adapter cable at the same time.

.bh.

 

[ctbook]

ah okay. another kinda dumb question: Does the enclosure kit need AC power to run the drive or does the USB provide the power?

 

[Zepper]

Most external drives (even notebook, 2.5" size, ones) will need external power. Anything above a 2.5" notebook drive uses 12V as well as 5V. There is usually no access to +12V on any external ports. Some notebook drive size external drive kits have connectors to two external jacks to get up to twice the 5V current of a single port to run the drive, but often even that isn't enough. I recommend getting one with an external power supply.
. A kit made from a notebook drive could be powered by a battery pack made up of four 2000mAhr or higher AA batteries so it could still be truly portable. http://www.compgeeks.com has a USB battery pack (designed to power all that junk you can get to plug into a USB port: mini-fan, toothbrush, "personal massager", night light, etc. etc.) that could be modified for this purpose.

.bh.

 

[ctbook]

so I will be getting all the stuff for this(kit and HD). I'll set this drive as slave right?I am actually getting two...one for a friend's desktop for additional storage(she has no available bays) and for myself on a lappy(I'm out of space)

 

[BlueWeasel]

No, you'll need to set the drive to Single (or Master) if you are using it in an external enclosure.