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    2.5" vs 3.5" external HDD reliablity?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Kyle, Oct 30, 2011.

  1. Kyle

    Kyle JVC SZ2000 Dual-Driver Headphones

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    I need some thoughts on this:

    I currently need external HDD space. I will move in a year or so, and then I will have to carry my external HDDs with me.

    My options are:
    Toshiba store alu 2.5 HDD 1TB 90 euros
    Toshiba store alu 3.5 HDD 2TB 90 euros

    I backup data, so, if I get the 2.5 HDD, it effectively means I will have 500GB for now (I can rearrange data from my other drives for backup purposes).
    With the 3.5 drive, I get 1TB (using similar rearrangement).

    I will eventually need 2TB of external space, so if I get the 2.5 drive, I will have to eventually get another one, hopefully at a lower price, within the next 6-8 months.

    How is the reliability of the 3.5 drives?
    The moving also has me worried.

    If I get the 3.5 drive, I will use it exclusively for backup. But it is also bigger and heavier for when I move and take it with me on carryon.
     
    Kyle, Oct 30, 2011
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Do you need to use the hard drive anywhere where there isn't a power point/wall socket available?

    Not having to plug in external power is generally one of the benefits of using 2.5" drives.
     
    namaiki, Oct 30, 2011
    #2
  3. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    get the 3.5"
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 30, 2011
    #3
  4. Kyle

    Kyle JVC SZ2000 Dual-Driver Headphones

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    Yes and no: If I get the 3.5 drive, it will be only used at home, for backign up the data on the other 2.5 externals I have.
     
    Kyle, Oct 30, 2011
    #4
  5. thetoast

    thetoast Notebook Evangelist

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    I only buy 2.5", but then again I am well served with even 1TB total capacity. If I had larger storage needs, I would probably keep a 3.5" for infrequently read/written items, and a 2.5" for frequently read/written items. I assume we're talking about a big collection of videos? How often do you really need to access them?
     
    thetoast, Oct 30, 2011
    #5
  6. Kyle

    Kyle JVC SZ2000 Dual-Driver Headphones

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    Not often, as I mentioned, the 3.5 would only be used for backing up from the 2.5 drives.

    I am leaning towards the 3.5; but I am a bit concerned about reliability.
     
    Kyle, Oct 30, 2011
    #6
  7. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    Which is to say, portability.
    Unless you have a need otherwise.
     
    Krane, Oct 30, 2011
    #7
  8. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    The only reasons not to get a 3.5" drive are if you need the compactness or portability.
     
    Qing Dao, Oct 31, 2011
    #8
  9. gull_s_777

    gull_s_777 Notebook Consultant

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    i guess reliability shouldn't be big problem for 2TB drives now.... they have been in market for quite long now......
    i have wd green 2TB for external back up..... working fine.........
     
    gull_s_777, Oct 31, 2011
    #9
  10. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    My vote goes for the 3.5" 2Tb one.
    1Tb fills up pretty fast and you can never have enough storage :D not to mention the €/Gb.
     
    katalin_2003, Oct 31, 2011
    #10