Need To Buy HDD Enclosure

[olds]

I have a WD120JB that I want to put into an enclosure and use to back up mine and my wife's computer.
What size do I need and any tips on specific things to look for?
TIA

 

[Roguestar]

As long as you get an enclosure that connects via the standard your hard drive connects (IDE or SATA) and is for the right size (usually 3.5inch) then you should be fine. Check it's USB 2.0, some have fans inside to keep it cool, etc etc. Long story short from experience I would recommend an Icy Cool drive enclosure.

 

[corkyg]

And, make sure it has its own power source.

 

[olds]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[TMoney468]

I own 2 Bytecc external enclosures and they have been great for me. They're pretty cheap (money-wise, not quality-wise) and work great. The enclosure is made of aluminum I think, so it dissipates the heat without the need for a fan. I'd recommend Bytecc

 

[ShawnD1]

Originally posted by: TMoney468
I own 2 Bytecc external enclosures and they have been great for me. They're pretty cheap (money-wise, not quality-wise) and work great. The enclosure is made of aluminum I think, so it dissipates the heat without the need for a fan. I'd recommend Bytecc

Aluminum is probably a good idea. The cheap enclosures, like the one I have, are made of plastic. Plastic somewhat acts as an insulator.

The heat issue may depend on where the OP lives. I'm in a part of Canada where heat waves don't usually happen, so it's not really an issue. If the OP lives in Texas, heat might be a real problem.

 

[TD77077]

I second the Bytecc recommendation. We have 5 or 6 of them here at my office and everybody loves them. All have their own power source and can be used with HDs or CD/DVDs.

 

[MichaelD]

Definitely go for the aluminum enclosure. Make sure the one you buy fits a 3.5" drive. They make them for 2.5" drives too. You also have the choice of getting a bigger enclosure that will also fit a CD-rom drive. It will come with the spacers to make a regular 3.5" drive fit. Personally, I don't like the big 5.25" enclosures (for a CDR) but you may.

I have this one and really like it a lot. It's got an 80mm fan on the bottom; much quieter than the typical 20mm little buzzsaw you see on a lot of these enclosures. You don't need one w/a fan if all you do is back up the data and shut the enclosure down. But if you leave yours on for extended periods of time, it's advisable to have a ventilated enclosure as opposed to sealing the HD up in a box.

I've had my DS3 for just over a year and it's running great. Highly recommended.

ps
Be sure you buy one with the INTERNAL INTERFACE you need. I.E. IDE or SATA. And make sure the EXTERNAL INTERFACE is USB2.0 or FW if you have that capability and prefer FW.

 

[Pens1566]

I have an aluminum Bytecc as well. No complaints. Its a 3.5" enclosure with no fans, but it does just fine. I think it was ~$18 at 'egg.