looking for external 2.5 HD enclosure

[QueBert]

I do pc work for people for a living and I'm getting tired of lugging around a full sized external with the power brick. I have seen a couple 2.5 ones that run off USB power, I was wondering which is a decent one. I know not all PC's provide enough power on the USB ports to power a HD. I remember seeing one that used a USB cable that has 2 connectors on each end so it could draw enough power on the systems with unpowered bus'es.

Suggestions for what to get tho? If possible I'd like it to be metal and able to take a few bumps during travel.

 

[Old Hippie]

I remember seeing one that used a USB cable that has 2 connectors on each end so it could draw enough power on the systems with unpowered bus'es

Called a Y cable. You can add that to any case.

AFAIK, all desktops can power these with one port. Some lappies have a problem using just one port.

I've had Vantec, Bytecc, HotDrive, HiSpeed and Apricorn. They're about all the same.

If your 2.5" drive is SATA, I'd get one with USB and SATA ports.

Just take a trip thru the NewEgg 2.5" external case catalog.

Good Luck!

 

[corkyg]

All good advice. I would add these points. Laptop HDDs require 5 vdc. This is standard in USB ports on lappies, but sometimes a single port is not enough power, and two ports are required. other options are available. A powered USB hub works best, but that may not be good on the road.

I always carry some of these cable options which work. A PS2 port is also a viable 5 vdc source.

USB Power

Newer drives are SATA. A good, speedy alternative is an external case with an eSATA and USB 2 option. That requires a PCMCIA or PC Express eSATA card, but is way faster than USB. Another option is a Firewire data port combined with a USB power tip cable.

The "Y" cable generally will not work because it takes two USB ports to tango most externals.

I have about 6 external 2.5 cases with combo Firewire and USB 2 ports. All have the small power pin input.

 

[QueBert]

thanks for the replies, I didn't even think about a Y USB cable being usable without a power cord on any 2.5 external but it makes sense. I think I'm going with the Coolermaster X Craft 250 it looks pretty sweet for the price.

Cooler Master X Craft 250

 

[corkyg]

That's a decent choice. I had to download the User Manual to see the connections available. It has the 5 vdc power pin port in addition to the others. That'll work. I believe it comes with a 'Y' cable as well. Good luck with it.

When you get it, give us an after action post.

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: QueBert
thanks for the replies, I didn't even think about a Y USB cable being usable without a power cord on any 2.5 external but it makes sense. I think I'm going with the Coolermaster X Craft 250 it looks pretty sweet for the price.

Cooler Master X Craft 250

Looks fine to me. :thumbsup:

 

[Old Hippie]

USB Power

Pretty Slick Corky! :thumbsup:

Did you make those?

 

[corkyg]

Yep!