I want to use an internal IDE hard drive as an external hard drive

[HelloWorl]

Is there a way to use an internal IDE hard drive as an external hard drive that connects via a USB connection?

Thanks!!!!

 

[M0RPH]

You can use an adapter like this.

I have one of these but I've had a lot of trouble with it not working on my main computer which has an Intel chipset. On my other computer with Nforce chipset is works fine.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Originally posted by: HelloWorl
Is there a way to use an internal IDE hard drive as an external hard drive that connects via a USB connection?

Thanks!!!!

Just buy an ide 3.5" enclosure. They were common a few years ago, but with sata they are probably getting hard to find.

 

[0roo0roo]

how big?
sometimes its not worth paying for an enclosure for an old drive. many times new drives in enclosures barely cost more than a bare drive alone

 

[HelloWorl]

normal size internal drive. are those 3.5"?

 

[Billb2]

PC = 3.5"
Laptop = 2.5"
ipod = 1.8"

 

[bendixG15]

Originally posted by: Billb2
PC = 3.5"
Laptop = 2.5"
ipod = 1.8"

MFM = 5.25"

 

[JackMDS]

How Big on GB?

If you have an 100GB Drive that worth less than $20 you do not want to buy an enclosure for $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817145374

 

[HelloWorl]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
How Big on GB?

If you have an 100GB Drive that worth less than $20 you do not want to buy an enclosure for $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817145374

How else would I get an external drive then?

 

[somethingsketchy]

Originally posted by: HelloWorl
How else would I get an external drive then?

Not exactly sure what you are asking here, but pretty much an external enclosure would be your only option to use that IDE drive as an external one.

Short of taking a brand name external hdd's enclosure (Western Digital, Seagate, etc.) apart and replacing the drive with your current IDE drive (which would be impractical unless the hdd is dead), you would be better off just buying an enclosure like some of those that have been recommend already.

Personally I've only used a Sata-based enclosure, so I don't know if there are excellent IDE enclosures out there. Do your research and you'll have the information you want to continue.

 

[Fox5]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ctiveSearchResult=True

Here's a whole list of external enclosures that can hold IDE drives.

But if the IDE drive is not very large (in GB), it might be more cost effective just to buy a new external drive.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Fox5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ctiveSearchResult=True

Here's a whole list of external enclosures that can hold IDE drives.

But if the IDE drive is not very large (in GB), it might be more cost effective just to buy a new external drive.

Unless all the OP has is a laptop and needs to get the data off the drive of course, in which case buying an enclosure is the more cost effective solution.

 

[coolVariable]

External enclosure.
Newegg/Amazon/Frys all have them.
Or check craigslist. You nowadays can get some really nice enclosures for cheap on there.