External HDD Options

[Rockinacoustic]

I'm looking to get a back-up drive, in which I'd only be putting > 100GB of files thus far, although I'd like to get the most storage for my $. I was was considering just buying a 320GB Barracuda and an Antec MX-1 until I came across This 500GB Freeagent Pro for a little over $100 on newegg. My only concern is the inability to access the internal disk if I ever wanted to add it to a desktop, and the cooling quality.

Should I go for the pre-built external or assemble my own? Thanks in advanced

 

[Soundmanred]

I buy the external WD MyBook 1TB drives. They have Green Power drives inside so they stay cool, and they can be removed and used as normal SATA drives if need be.

 

[Rubycon]

Get one of these.

You can use ANY SATA drive 2.5" ones will fit too! No need to go inside the PC or turn the power off. The only downside is you have to handle bare hard drives. Is that even a downside for a pc person?! :laugh:

 

[imported_Irse]

Or you can get this if you want eSATA. Its a little more expensive.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

I'm looking to spend as little as I can. Maybe $110-120 at most. eSata is not preferred, Firewire would be great though, as well as a dedicated power button.

And Ruby, thanks for the idea but I'm looking for a full enclosure, not an cartridge reader

 

[imported_Woody]

I just ordered a Samsung SATA2 750GB drive for $110 and a very pretty aluminum enclosure for about $30 (approx $140 total). This enclosure works with eSATA or USB 2.0. With the external drive plugged into an eSATA port it's just as fast as an internal drive! There are many enclosures you could choose in that price range that have Firewire also.

For some reason it seems always more expensive when you purchase a pre built setup and the drives are usually not as good.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

I'll probably go with my own HDD and Enclosure then. Any objections to the Antec MX-1? I like the fact that it's actively cooled, has a dedicated power button, and ever eSATA is nice. For $40 on amazon can I do better?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Rubycon
Get one of these.

Wow. Those have dropped in price a lot. Last time I looked, they were something like $70 apiece.

 

[Old Hippie]

For $40 on amazon can I do better?

Nope. Great deal for 40.00!