Noob needs help converting new internal HD to external

[jazmann]

I am a computer NewB that likes to tinker. I just bought a new WD 120GB SATA internal and would like to make it external. I've seen tons of cases listed on ebay and such. Would someone please help me out by linking a good "how to" or explaining what I need, where to get, and what to do?
My system specs:
Dell 8200
P4 2.0Ghz
WinXP w/latest SP
768 RDRAM 800 non-ecc

Also, what do I need to do to switch from RDRAM to other memory? I just upped my RDRAM by 512 and it cost me an arm and foot.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Just buy an enclosure that has an interface that your computer has (usb, firewire) and supports sata drives. You hook it up in the enclosure just like you do internally.

You need to replace the mb to change ram. And since it is a Dell, you will almost certainly need to replace the psu as well because they are jerks and use non-standard wiring on their psus and mbs.

 

[Bassyhead]

Originally posted by: jackschmittusa
Just buy an enclosure that has an interface that your computer has (usb, firewire) and supports sata drives. You hook it up in the enclosure just like you do internally.

You need to replace the mb to change ram. And since it is a Dell, you will almost certainly need to replace the psu as well because they are jerks and use non-standard wiring on their psus and mbs.

I believe there are adapters available for ATX/Dell PSU conversion. That aside, I think the 8200 is one model that does not require an adapter.

 

[jazmann]

Just found out that the 8200 that I have contains the 850 chipset. Apparently that chipset does not support SATA or usb 2.0, so i am forced to put a new motherboard. Anyone know alot about modifying dells? What is a good, inexpensive motherboard that supports SATA and usb 2.0 that will work inside my del P.O.S. case?

 

[Donutz]

I may be totally wrong and incorrect for saying this....but if you have to replace the mb and processor....maybe even ram...have you thought about building a new putor? You can build yourself an average grade gaming computer for around $800 - $1,000.0000 give or take several hundred with what you decide to go with....

 

[LTC8K6]

So buy a USB2.0 PCI card, put your SATA drive into a USB2.0 enclosure, plug it into one of your new USB2.0 ports, and drive on.

 

[jazmann]

This is the info i got from DELL(bassturds). Your 8200 does not support SATA nor usb 2.0. We would be happy to tranfer you to our sales department so that they may assist you in purchasing a new dell P.C.!
I'd like to fly over to india and beat the living crap out of every single dell employee.

So am I correct in saying that all I really need to do is buy a usb2.0/firewire card and a 2.0 enclosure for my new hd? And it will work on my POS Dell 8200 850 chipset? In spite of what dell says?

 

[stevty2889]

Yeah, just get a PCI usb 2.0 or firewire card, and get an enclosure for the SATA drive that uses the interface you chose, and you'll be good to go.