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    USB 3.0 external HDD

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by drummerboy, Aug 29, 2012.

  1. drummerboy

    drummerboy Newbie

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    Would using a SSD (120 or 256GB) internally for OS, Programs, and Games and then a portable external HDD with USB 3.0 for data and other such things be a good idea? I don't really think I would want to remove the Optical drive to put in another larger internal HDD, but I wasn't sure if I'd get the same performance if I used the External with USB 3.0.
     
    drummerboy, Aug 29, 2012
    #1
  2. maverick1989

    maverick1989 Notebook Deity

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    Your external USB HDD performance is limited by the drive's speed, not by the USB itself so no matter how good a drive you got, it wouldn't make full use of the full bandwidth available. That being said, an internal drive on SATA wouldn't be that much faster. So if you have a problem replacing your ODD, I'd suggest you get an external USB 3.0 drive. What laptop do you have btw?
     
    maverick1989, Aug 29, 2012
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  3. drummerboy

    drummerboy Newbie

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    As of right now I'm using an old MacBook since my old HP recently died on me. I am looking into getting a Sager NP9150 and was debating going with the 500GB Seagate Momentus Hybrid HDD since it's included in the deal or upgrading to a SSD but using my WD passport external that has USB 3.0 for a larger drive.
     
    drummerboy, Aug 29, 2012
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  4. maverick1989

    maverick1989 Notebook Deity

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    That should work. There can be issues when using an external as an internal substitute. Those drives aren't built to have games run off of them. Most work fine for years though. So you shouldn't have any problems.
     
    maverick1989, Aug 30, 2012
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  5. drummerboy

    drummerboy Newbie

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    Arighty, I appreciate the input. I wouldn't be running games off the external, that would be the internal SSDs job and the external would be just for data (Videos, word docs, pictures, music, etc.). Cheers.
     
    drummerboy, Aug 30, 2012
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  6. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

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    Alternatively, you can always keep the promotional Seagate and put in an mSATA SSD.
     
    SoundOf1HandClapping, Sep 1, 2012
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  7. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    Where do you come up with this? An external drive is in no way less reliable or up to the task than an internal drive.
     
    Qing Dao, Sep 6, 2012
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