SATA drive as an external drive (in an enclosure)

[Navid]

I have a 7200 SATA 160GB Seagate hard drive that I have just removed from my PC and replaced it with a 300GB.
I would like to have an external hard drive for backups.
Can I place the 160GB SATA drive in an enclosure and use it that way?

 

[GrammatonJP]

USB, firewire or eSATA ? take your pick

 

[GrammatonJP]

i.e. http://www.cooldrives.com/dusadrenrera.html

 

[AgentJean]

My Asus A8N Mobo came with a PCI slot connector(Doesn't actually use the PCI board slot just the slot to the outside of the case) where I could hook up a SATA hard drive extenally. No need for any special in closures.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Navid
Can I place the 160GB SATA drive in an enclosure and use it that way?

Yes, but....

You may need to get another SATA controller card that can handle hot swapping of drives. Not all controllers can.

If you use the drive externally, it's recommended you use "external" (shielded) SATA cables. They cost a bit more than the internal ones.

You can also get internal tray systems that work with SATA drives and SATA controllers. You can buy a couple of trays and have a couple of backup drives, so you can keep one offsite or someplace safe. That's how all my new Windows SBS Servers are set up. I use 320GB Seagate SATA drives and the backups have been flawless.

 

[Navid]

Thanks for the tips.

What do you think about these?
http://www.cooldrives.com/seatatousb20.html
http://insidecomputer.stores.yahoo.net/seatasatousb.html
http://www.pcmicrostore.com/PartDetail.aspx?q=p:10503894

I do not intend to use the drive continuously. I will only use it may be once a week for say an hour to backup. Then, I will remove and store it.

How do I know what the speed limitation is?
Are all converters the same (speed) like this?
http://www.cluboverclocker.com/reviews/usb_devices/Kingwin_NightHawk/Page2.htm