internal HDD vs. external HDD

[guynexdoor]

I'm looking to buy more storage, and I see that internal HDD are cheaper than the external ones.

Is it possible to install an additional internal HDD, and then use it as if it were an external one? Meaning, I would backup my stuff on the new HDD, then reformat my old HDD. Would I still be able to access the files from the NEW HDD after I have formatted?

THe way I see it, it should work with the only difference being that I cannot easily physically move the HDD with me like you would with an external USB drive.

Can someone explain to me if this will work?

 

[pinecone]

Yes you can do it. Files will remain readable off of the second drive.

For only 20 or 30 dollars more you can buy a great external enclosure for that second hd and make it portable. If security is any issue this might be the best route.

 

[guynexdoor]

I'm looking to get a 500gb Samsung spinpoint T166 series. Is that good?

And I think I might take your advice about the enclosure...I shall remove my old HDD, put it in an enclosure, then install the new samsung 500gb one. What do you think?

ALthough why wouldn't I just buy an external HDD flat out? How much money will be I be saving if I go the internal route?

 

[pinecone]

I've read good things about the Samsung Spinpoints but I really couldn't give you advice about it vs. other brands. Check the various forms and the reviews at Newegg.

I had a 160g ide hd and a 80g ide in my computer. I didn't need that much space so I bought an enclosure and mounted the 80g in the external drive as 2 partitions. I reformatted the drive in the computer and did a clean install of XP. I now keep sensitive data on the external hd offsite.

If you had to buy a dedicated hd and an enclosure you probably wouldn't save much but might get a longer warranty depending on brand. If you need to get a new 500g hd then you already have your old hd and just need to buy an enclosure. Not a big expenditure either way.

 

[corkyg]

For data storage, I use a pair of internal SATA drives in a RAID 1 array, and then back that array up periodically to an external drive of the same size. That provides me with optimal daily performance that incorporates storage redundancy along with a planned backup.

 

[Old Hippie]

ALthough why wouldn't I just buy an external HDD flat out?

Because if you roll your own you can get your favorite brand/size/warranty HDD that fits your needs. If ya roll your own, you can pick the interfaces/color/brand/quality of the case that suits your fancy. A plethora of options.

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: corkyg
For data storage, I use a pair of internal SATA drives in a RAID 1 array, and then back that array up periodically to an external drive of the same size. That provides me with optimal daily performance that incorporates storage redundancy along with a planned backup.

Nice job Corky. :thumbsup: The data recovery business would die if everybody did that.

 

[pinecone]

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/761455/

Here is a sweet deal on an external Seagate. Jump on it!

 

[0roo0roo]

sure its what lots of people do, its good to have atleast 2 drives. drive failure rates are pretty horrible. google up the google study on drive reliability and death. download microsoft synctoy or syncback free edition and u can have it scheduled to synchronise certain folders onto the second drive so you have automated backup.

also great for using drive images, keep backup of system os using norton ghost or acronis true image. makes restoring windows retarded easy. esp if u keep an image of a fresh windows install on that second drive.