2.5" sata drive in desktop pc?

What i really need to do is a drive copy of my original laptop drive to my new laptop drive. Since this is difficult to do with a laptop i thought i would use one of my desktop pcs.

Both of the drives I have are sata and they actually use the same size sata data and power cables that a desktop use, so I wouldn't need to buy any adapters. My biggest concern is the power. Would the power supply from the desktop be putting to much power into the laptop hard drives?

I just want to know if i can hook these up to my desktop so i can do the drive copy with out frying my drives. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

 

if its a sata power connector, i doubt it, you should double check the power ratings though... my impression was that the power supply feeds the connections whatever they need, not a standard amount, since all the components have different voltage requirements... cpu/ram/optical/case fans etc...

 

I would use the adapter. In the past (with IDE), interface and power was integrated into one connector. I'm not sure if this is true with SATA.

A desktop SATA connector provides a +3.3 v, +5 v, and a +12 v rail as well as two grounding connectors. While the voltages are probably the same, the desktop PSU would supply more Watts, so it would probably damage the spindle motor. The USB connection will supply the +5 volts the drive needs. Its a much better option.

 

You could use a bajillion watt PSU and you'd be fine. A power supply doesn't "force" the power to a component. Rather, a component draws the power as it is needed. The drive will be fine.

 

^^ exactly. The problems come when a component draws more power than the supply can provide, such as plugging a laptop with a 90W draw into a power brick that can only supply 50W.

 

Like has already been established, there will be no problem with power or data connections. But a word of warning, make sure the hard drive is fairly firmly in place. Letting it vibrate too much can cause damage to the spindle and actuators and really anything else inside the drive. If you're going to have it mounted it for long periods of time I'd suggest a 3.5" bay adapter, I think you can get them at Logic Supply. If it's just occasional or a one time thing, you could use something like heavy books to help stabilize it some. Just... don't use books with laminated or otherwise plasticized covers, and certainly don't let the hard drive just dangle there. Also don't go and put something on top, hard drives need air too!

Treat your platters with respect and they'll give to you in return.

 

I've liked using bungee cords to suspend them in my drive bays. Makes them very quiet, and they're dampened from shock.

 

A power supply does not 'push' it's powerto a component, it provides just as much as it needs. No probs there.

 

I stand corrected. You guys are right. I should have had my coffee...

 

Should be fine. I think the guys over at SilentPCReview.com do it all the time in their quest for quiet systems.. Laptop drives in desktop cases.

 

Also will work for xbox 360.