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    Which Hard Drive To Use As External?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Blackjab24, Mar 23, 2009.

  1. Blackjab24

    Blackjab24 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, I have two spare hard drives at my house...a 2.5 160GB 7200 SATA hard drive and a 3.5 5400 160GB IDE hard drive. Which one would be better to put in an enclosure and use as an external?? They would be connected via USB either way too..
     
    Blackjab24, Mar 23, 2009
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  2. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    Depends upon what you are using them for. The 2.5" drive would be a great portable companion that has the potential to be powered solely by USB. the 3.5" will have a larger cache and possible more features / better transfer speed if it is a variable speed drive. However, it will require an external power supply. If you have the budget, utilize both. One as a mobile companion and the other as a dedicated back up. GL
     
    gengerald, Mar 23, 2009
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  3. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Wouldn't those performance benefits be limited by a rather slow USB interface?
     
    garetjax, Mar 23, 2009
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  4. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    Depends upon the drive, external case, USB port, drivers, etc. The USB interface is slow, but the 3.5" should see higher average transfer speeds, based upon the testing I have done with my drives. The interface would be universal and is still the standard. Until eSata comes out on EVERY laptop, I do not consider it a consumer adopted standard. For power users I suggest it, but for the average user that needs a carry all or backup solution, USB is still the better idea.
     
    gengerald, Mar 23, 2009
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  5. Blackjab24

    Blackjab24 Notebook Consultant

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    Is there a good 3.5 external hard drive with IDE connection that you can recommend?
     
    Blackjab24, Mar 23, 2009
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