USB, PATA SATA adapter, power from? USB?

mikeford

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2001
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I've got a bunch of old drives I'd like to test, remove/back anything good, and I also want a USB adapter to use with a 500GB to 1TB SATA drive to make backup of the various systems around the house.

Are the cheap ones any good?

Is USB power enough, or should I always get an external PS? (AC cord and PS greatly reduce the convenience factor).

Is a dock better than a basic adapter on a cable?