recommend an enclosure for a HDD

graysky · 2nd Jun 2009, 03:45 PM

I have a SATA-II drive that I'd like to put in an external enclosure. I've never even seen such a product before and have no idea what features to look for in one. Can someone recommend a good one that is too expensive for me? I see myself using this with a laptop that has both USB2.0 and eSATA connections (I'm assuming the eSATA is faster).

I located this SunBeam Tech "HDD Docking Station" on newegg that claims to be SATAII for example. Your suggestions are welcomed

Adrian Wong · 3rd Jun 2009, 12:34 AM

Frankly speaking, HDD enclosures are more or less the same. The most important thing is to determine the capabilities you need and your budget :

1. Size of the enclosure : 3.5" or 2.5"
2. Does it support your HDD? - IDE/SATA/SATA II
3. What connectors do you need : USB 2.0 only or with eSATA
4. Do you want one that comes with an integrated fan?
5. Can it spin down by itself after some idle time?

In your case, the best option would be to get a HDD enclosure that supports SATA II and offers both USB 2.0 and eSATA output. You may need to buy a separate eSATA cable but it will offer much better thoroughput than USB 2.0.

The SunBeam Tech docking station isn't an enclosure but a docking station that allows you to plug HDDs in and out. It's a good option if you have multiple HDDs and you want to be able to swap them in and out at will.

graysky · 3rd Jun 2009, 03:38 AM

@AW - thanks for the reply! Guess I'll just go with one of the $40 ones at newegg.

Adrian Wong · 3rd Jun 2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graysky

@AW - thanks for the reply! Guess I'll just go with one of the $40 ones at newegg.

No problem!

2nd Jun 2009, 03:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
graysky Getting there Join Date: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 249 Rep Power: 5	recommend an enclosure for a HDD I have a SATA-II drive that I'd like to put in an external enclosure. I've never even seen such a product before and have no idea what features to look for in one. Can someone recommend a good one that is too expensive for me? I see myself using this with a laptop that has both USB2.0 and eSATA connections (I'm assuming the eSATA is faster). I located this SunBeam Tech "HDD Docking Station" on newegg that claims to be SATAII for example. Your suggestions are welcomed __________________

3rd Jun 2009, 12:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Adrian Wong Da Boss Join Date: 10 Oct 2002 Location: In front of my ASUS F8V notebook! Posts: 32,208 Reputation: 3531 Rep Power: 75	Frankly speaking, HDD enclosures are more or less the same. The most important thing is to determine the capabilities you need and your budget : 1. Size of the enclosure : 3.5" or 2.5" 2. Does it support your HDD? - IDE/SATA/SATA II 3. What connectors do you need : USB 2.0 only or with eSATA 4. Do you want one that comes with an integrated fan? 5. Can it spin down by itself after some idle time? In your case, the best option would be to get a HDD enclosure that supports SATA II and offers both USB 2.0 and eSATA output. You may need to buy a separate eSATA cable but it will offer much better thoroughput than USB 2.0. The SunBeam Tech docking station isn't an enclosure but a docking station that allows you to plug HDDs in and out. It's a good option if you have multiple HDDs and you want to be able to swap them in and out at will. __________________ Dr. Adrian Wong Tech ARP \| Blog @ Tech ARP \| The Free Trade Zone DYKT : The only offshore account I have is at the sand bank? We need PROGRAMMERS and TECHNICAL WRITERS! Contact us if you are a hot shot programmer or technical writer! My items for sale : 50x SD Card \| Memory Stick PRO \| Cyclone Energy Saver \| Seiko SS watch \| Tiger/Carlsberg beer jugs \| Travel Speakers \| Motorola V600 \| Nokia N90 SOLD! \| New Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Other items for sale @ the FTZ : Zalman CNPS9500 LED @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7700 Cu @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7000 Cu @ $20 \| Swarovski bracelet watches \| Dell 17" LCD \| Hi-Fi speakers \| English DIVX movies \| HP LaserJet toners! \| Office chairs

3rd Jun 2009, 03:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
graysky Getting there Join Date: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 175 Reputation: 249 Rep Power: 5	@AW - thanks for the reply! Guess I'll just go with one of the $40 ones at newegg. __________________

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