External HDD

Gasjatt · 24th Dec 2006, 12:27 AM

I was wondering if a standard SATA or IDE HDD can be used as an external HDD through one of those external hard disk enclosure? My brother is using a notebook HDD with the enclosure as an USB external drive, but is it possible with a desktop's SATA or IDE drive?

Papercut · 24th Dec 2006, 12:35 AM

Depends on the enclosure. The smaller (2.5" ones) are meant only for notebook drives, the 3.5" ones are mostly meant for desktop IDE drives, but there are also SATA ones.

Gasjatt · 24th Dec 2006, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papercut

Depends on the enclosure. The smaller (2.5" ones) are meant only for notebook drives, the 3.5" ones are mostly meant for desktop IDE drives, but there are also SATA ones.

and the power is fed to the drive through USB? together with the data?

sbrehm72255 · 24th Dec 2006, 12:51 AM

Most external enclosures have their own power supply. There are a few (2.5 enclosures) that are powered through the USB port. You just have to look around to find one that meets your requirements.

Adrian Wong · 24th Dec 2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gasjatt

and the power is fed to the drive through USB? together with the data?

The smaller 2.5" enclosures are powered via the USB port. You can even buy them with a built-in Li-Ion battery and card reader.

The larger 3.5" enclosures have their own power supply (via an AC/DC converter).

SAMSAMHA · 24th Dec 2006, 04:34 AM

some actually has build in power supply. As long as the format of the drive matches the enclosure, you can get it to work.

lklatmy · 24th Dec 2006, 03:03 PM

Is it possible to remove the internal HDD,Load everything onto the external HDD,and run the rig with the external HDD only?

SAMSAMHA · 24th Dec 2006, 03:30 PM

that's possible in theory but in practice sometimes it won't work. I think if your mobo has eSATA then it should work without any trouble but for usb it maybe slightly harder as not all system can boot from usb.

ChampionLLY · 24th Dec 2006, 08:58 PM

yea, not all mobo supports booting from external usb devices..

Adrian Wong · 24th Dec 2006, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lklatmy

Is it possible to remove the internal HDD,Load everything onto the external HDD,and run the rig with the external HDD only?

Even if it's possible, it's not advisable. USB or even eSATA isn't as fast as a proper SATA connection.

24th Dec 2006, 12:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gasjatt Warming up Join Date: 10 Nov 2004 Location: Penang, M'sia Posts: 134 Reputation: 104 Rep Power: 6	External HDD I was wondering if a standard SATA or IDE HDD can be used as an external HDD through one of those external hard disk enclosure? My brother is using a notebook HDD with the enclosure as an USB external drive, but is it possible with a desktop's SATA or IDE drive?

24th Dec 2006, 12:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Papercut Hyperactive Join Date: 14 Jul 2004 Location: Singapore! Posts: 4,983 Reputation: 2428 Rep Power: 33	Depends on the enclosure. The smaller (2.5" ones) are meant only for notebook drives, the 3.5" ones are mostly meant for desktop IDE drives, but there are also SATA ones. __________________ PC Specs "Use in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of n00bs. Overclock within 24 hours of opening. Do not read instructions before proceeding, do not use only as directed. May cause frustration, late nights and empty wallets. If symptoms persist please consult your hardware professional."

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24th Dec 2006, 12:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
sbrehm72255 Warming up Join Date: 6 Dec 2006 Posts: 90 Reputation: 99 Rep Power: 0	Most external enclosures have their own power supply. There are a few (2.5 enclosures) that are powered through the USB port. You just have to look around to find one that meets your requirements.

24th Dec 2006, 04:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
SAMSAMHA Super Active Join Date: 13 Oct 2004 Posts: 2,356 Reputation: 197 Rep Power: 8	some actually has build in power supply. As long as the format of the drive matches the enclosure, you can get it to work.

24th Dec 2006, 03:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
lklatmy Warming up Join Date: 6 Apr 2005 Location: Jia Toong,52100,KUL,MY Posts: 108 Reputation: 6 Rep Power: 4	Is it possible to remove the internal HDD,Load everything onto the external HDD,and run the rig with the external HDD only?

24th Dec 2006, 03:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
SAMSAMHA Super Active Join Date: 13 Oct 2004 Posts: 2,356 Reputation: 197 Rep Power: 8	that's possible in theory but in practice sometimes it won't work. I think if your mobo has eSATA then it should work without any trouble but for usb it maybe slightly harder as not all system can boot from usb.

24th Dec 2006, 08:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
ChampionLLY News Writer Join Date: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 1,159 Reputation: 716 Rep Power: 11	yea, not all mobo supports booting from external usb devices..