Hard Drive enclosure? usb 2.0 or firewire?

dejacky

Banned
Dec 17, 2000
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I'd like to get an external hard drive enclosure for a normal desktop sized 7200rpm hard drive. But, I'd also like it to be able to accept those small laptop hard drives. Does anything like this exist?
 

AristoV300

Golden Member
May 29, 2004
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I have never seen one that accepts both 2.5 and 3.5" hard drives. I would think you would need to different ones, because the pin layouts are different.
 

heartsurgeon

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2001
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agree..never seen a combo enclosure (i suppose it could exist, but it would probably be priced more than just getting one enclosure of each size)

go to newwegg.com and search for
"usb enclosure"

get a 2.5" enclosure (good for laptop drives), and a 3.5" enclosure for the internal drives

for anything more than occasional use of the drive for backup or moving files around (if you leave it on for a long time), i would recommend getting a enclosure with a built in fan to keep the drive from getting hot.
 

JimPhelpsMI

Golden Member
Oct 8, 2004
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Hi, 2.5" to 3.5" converter kits are available. They will contain the cable adaptor and adaptors to make the drive fit the 3.5" mounts in a computer case. They probably will not fit an external enclosure. You may have to "Hay Wire" that. Search on the internet and you should come up with them. Jim
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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I like enclosures that don't require an AC adapter. But that's just me.
Some people might like lugging around all that crap. :p
 

dejacky

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Dec 17, 2000
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It's come to my attention that some usb/firewire hard drive enclosures have better transfer speeds. Are there any websites that review these enclosures so I can find the fastest one? I'm still researching those 2.5'' to 3.5'' converters that will work with the enclosure...Thanks again for all the help, let's keep brainstorming :)!
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Shuld work if you get the 3.5" enclosure and then use an adapter - same adapter as when you use a 2.5" in your desktop HDD area. They cost about $6.50 or so.

But - I would recommend two separate enclosures - why be changing innards all the time?
 

dejacky

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Dec 17, 2000
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Where can I get those adapters? Also, I heard some firewire and usb to IDE converters perfrom better than others. Where can I read more about this and hopefully reviews? Thanks again.