Why are External HDDs cheaper than Internal HDDs

[pauldun170]

External drives will not experience the workload of internal drives (OS installs, application installs, high I/O) and can get by with a lower spec on components.

It is the chicken salad of the deli counter. Take rotisserie chicken, wings, cutlets that were sitting out front that is now approaching its "chuck it" date, add mayo and toss it in a bucket. profit.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Meh. The same drive models are placed in enclosures to create external drives. Unless manufacturer's are binning them and taking marginal drives off the assembly line and earmarking them to be used in externals. Which I highly doubt.

 

[zephyrprime]

I still stick by my idea that the reason why externals are more expensive is because of price discrimination. People who buy internals are picky enthusiasts. The average person never even opens up their computer case to upgrade their hard drive. The average person buys an external. The average person is an undemanding buyer so they are less willing to bear a higher price.