External HD enclosures

[darweth]

Hello,

I need an external USB 2.0 drive. I was going to buy an external drive but then I thought it would probably be better to just get an enclosure + internal drive. How smooth do these devices run? As well as a "true" usb external? (i don't care about backup software and etc)... is it a simple process to put the drive in?

Any particular enclosure recommendations?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: darweth
How smooth do these devices run? As well as a "true" usb external? (i don't care about backup software and etc)... is it a simple process to put the drive in?

Any particular enclosure recommendations?

A "true" usb external unit is nothing more than a HD mounted in an external enclosure. WD, Maxtor, etc. perform no magic tricks, it's pretty straight forward. :laugh:

Personally, I like 5 1/4" units that get their power from a regular cord vs. an AC adapter.
I like the 5 1/4" size for two reasons...
1. It gives the HD more air space to run cooler.
2. I can mount an optical drive in it if needed (sometimes I test opticals this way).

The NexStar2 meets my specs as well as offering firewire 1394a as a connection option. :thumbsup:😉

 

[MichaelD]

To add to Blain's excellent reply:

I've had no issues with external enclosures that use wall warts (AC adapters). They just do outside the box what the transformer that is inside the box will do anyway; convert 120v AC to 12v DC. 🙂

Aside from coming in two different sizes (5.25" & 3.5") they come in FIVE combinations:

IDE drive
SATA drive
USB connectivity
Firewire connectivity
E-SATA connectivity (external SATA connector on the motherboard...only new MB's have this)

So, read carefully about the enclosure you're buying! I have a Venus DS3 (one of the most popular around) 3.5" IDE box w/USB connectivity and have had no problems with it at all. When I bought it a year ago, it was a lot cheaper than the same box that took a SATA drive. These days the prices are about the same and i'd get the SATA if buying another one.

Windows sees it as a USB device, just like anything else you plug into a USB port. (digicam, USB pen drive etc)

What size enclosure you get is really personal preference; the bigger box does have the advantage of being able to hold a DVD burner if need be (assuming it's got IDE connectivity.)

Not a plug for Newegg, but we all use them. 😛 Go there and read the user reviews on whatever enclosure you're considering. That's a good place to start. You can always ask here for people's thoughts on whatever you're considering.

 

[Boyo]

I would look into a Vantec NexStar enclosure. They work just as well as an internal HD.

 

[Auric]

What's the reason for external? Does it need to be portable or can you not be arsed to open the case or is there no room?

Check out this sucka to sassify removeability for expansion, backup, &c.

 

[Operandi]

The Vantec's are pretty decent but MApower is better in my opinion.