Is this a SATA connector?

Need to get some data off my drive, is this a SATA connector (far right)? So if I want to use it as an external HDD and get data off it with another computer, I just need a SATA-USB or SATA-eSATA connector, right?

 

Yes, that's a SATA laptop drive

 

google-ing the drive model will more often than not, take you directly to the mfgrs web page for the definitive word.

 

Yes definitely SATA.

Yes you just need an USB/eSATA enclosure or you can plug it straight into a desktop.

 

Do I need any form of power, or will the eSATA-SATA cord provide the required power? The drive is a 500 GB 7200 RPM.

 

Yes, SATA or e-SATA only passes data. You need a power cable or power supply for the drive to spin up.

 

Actually you wouldn't necessarily need any ext. power supply of the sort.

....And depending on the computer you plan to use to connect the drive to, you may not want to get an eSata to USB ext. enclosure or vice versa....I say that because maybe 30% if so much of computers today has eSata whereas 95% of them has USB ports. I just don't want you to waste your time and/or money in getting an eSata to USB enclosure if you don't have access to an eSata port on your computer.

Anyhow, I have this ext. Sata to USB enclosure and it works fine and so I recommend it. And it doesn't need any ext. power supply; just the USB cord connected to the computer.

PS: Obviously the SATA connection and HDD would be on the inside of the enclosure and it works well with SSDs too...I know you've shown some interest in SSDs recently.

 

Lol. I'll be getting a Dell SXPS 1645 and it has an eSATA port. I plan to use an SSD inside my laptop, and then get the data off this drive (my old internal HDD) and then return it with my old 1640 to Dell. For some reason I can't boot into Windows from this drive (tried putting it in another laptop and it BSODs on the Windows 7 flying colours screen, can't fix it with Startup Repair, System Restore, or Last Known Good).

How would I power my drive, do you know? Does the eSATA provide enough power to spin a 7200 RPM HDD?

 

Some eSATA implementations have power via USB but that's current up to the discretion of the laptop manufacturer. Official powered eSATA will be finalized with SATA/600. I don't think Dell offers power through USB, so you'll need the cable from here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5106978

(eSATA/USB to SATA data/power)

 

Dang, just bought an eSATA-SATA cable. fml

However, it seems that that post uses the USB combo port to provide power. Does a USB port even provide enough power for a 7200 RPM drive? I thought they only provide power enough for a 5400 RPM drive, which is why most pocket eHDDs are 5400 RPM.

Anyways, is there any other way to power the drive?

 

the failsafe way to power this drive is to buy a proper enclosure that includes a power adapter. These thingies cost all of U$25- (sometimes less).

 

I currently have a Lacie that looks like http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/laciebig1.jpg . Do you know if it's easy to take apart, and possibly I can put my current 2.5" HDD into this enclosure to get the data off?

 

A single USB port should be able to power a 7200RPM drive, but some need 2 USB ports. It depends on the drive.