HDD: Internal v. External

[imported_blip]

I'm about to buy a second HDD, and I'm wondering what the best way of connecting is. I have 2 IDE ports on my mobo, and they're filled with 1 HDD and 1 DVDRW (also, there's a port labeled FDD, i think, what's this?). Is it better to a) get an external exclosure and run the new HDD through USB, or b) get one of the IDE cables that allows you to have 2 HDD's in one port (which I think you then assign master/slave).
Any input is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[bamacre]

External is great for portability, Internal is great for speed. If you are not running applications from the drive, I vote USB.

 

[ribbon13]

internal is always better if speed or reliability (I've experienced the little kid + enclosure near edge of desk tragedy, it's not fun) is any concern.

 

[Zepper]

Internal is cheaper and faster, external is more flexible. If you go internal, consider buying a cheap SiliconImage based controller so you can put each drive on its own channel for optimum performance.

.bh.