Looking to get two HDD enclosures

thecoolnessrune

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2005
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Hey guys, I know almost nothing about enclosures so I thought I'd ask here. I'm pretty sure Aluminum and fan-cooled is preffered to plastic. I'm looking for these specs:

3.5"

IDE + SATA connectivity (have several different drive types I'd be putting in there)

USB + eSATA interface (Having i394 (Firewire) as well would definitely be preferred).

Aluminum case and fan cooled (Have at least one hot running 7200.10 going in there and it needs to be able to handle the heat load)


2.5"

IDE connectivity (would like IDE + SATA but I dont think those exist in 2.5" form factors)

USB connectivity (its just used as a pocket drive so don't need anything other than USB)

Able to fit in a jeans pocket.


Any good suggestions guys? Looking to purchase ASAP.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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All except IDE+SATA. Not sure what that means. SATA drives are IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics.) Do you mean PATA + SATA? If so, I've never seen one. You will need one of each in either size.

Fitting in a jeans pocket? Depends on how tight the jeans are. Shirt pocket is better and safer. :)
 

Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
6,361
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I knew I'd seen at least one super 3.5" external unit. This Coolmax unit is it.

Your spec. for PATA and SATA internal interfaces takes most out of the running.

I'd forgo that issue and go with an Antec MX-1 or something like this for uber connectivity.

For 2.5" enclosures, you'll probably never find one for PATA and eSATA. No sense in putting a slower drive (IDE), into a fast case (eSATA).

'Bout the only difference in 2.5" enclosures is the chipset. You can check-out the reviews here. The page is @ 1 yr. old, but you'll get the idea. ;)

All 2.5" enclosures are @ the same size. You'll have no problem fitting them into your pocket...jeans or shirt.

The only other thing I would suggest is buy a case with optional external power.

Ya just never know.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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Antec MX-1 link: http://www.directron.com/antecmx1.html If you can find one like the Antec that doesn't use the notebook-style, slide-in SATA connector that the Antec does (IOW, uses cable SATA connections like the CoolMax), you might be able to use a PATA to SATA adapter to use your PATA drive(s) in the enclosure as well. Or one that works like a mobile rack with interchangeable drive trays. Only thing is that the P to S adapters usually require an additional floppy type power connection to work, so you'd have to get a power Y with floppy power on one arm and regular drive power on the other so both the drive and adapter can be powered.

.bh.


BTW, did anyone else notice the two errors in the CoolGear video clip? 1- Installing drive requires no screws, 2- four extra screws left over in case of loss... IDJIT! And that's a mfr. supplied vid. Yikes!

.bh.
 

Imyourzero

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2002
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I'd go with an Antec MX-1 or IcyDock (more $$$) for the 3.5" enclosure. DON'T skimp on quality whatever you do -- I've read more than a few accounts of the cheapie enclosures either dying an early death or killing the drive inside them (supposedly b/c of the enclosure's circuitry, not necessarily heat).

There are several good options for 2.5" enclosures as well. I have a Koutech (IDE) and Vantec NexStar3 (SATA) and have been very pleased with both, but I've also had good experience with an AMS enclosure (TINY!) and Apricorn supposedly makes a good one as well.
 

Pabster

Lifer
Apr 15, 2001
16,986
1
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MX-1 for the 3.5". Best enclosure out there, IMHO. They're not the cheapest (though they've been down to around $20 or $25 recently) but worth every penny.
 

BassBomb

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2005
8,390
1
81
I use a thermaltake river? or something like that and it does

3.5" SATA or IDE drives on e-Sata or USB

it is externally powered its ALU and not fan cooled, I've got a 500g 7200.10 in it and it survives, warm to the touch