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    external SATA harddrives for older computers

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by mcaj007, Feb 1, 2008.

  1. mcaj007

    mcaj007 Notebook Consultant

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    The newest external hdd come with a SATA harddrive inside of them. Now, I'm thinking of buying one but I'll be connecting it to my 4yr old P4 computer whose motherboard doesn't support internal SATA hdd. So, my question is:

    * Will my 4yr old P4 motherboard support an external SATA hdd via USB although it doesn't support internal SATA hdd?

    * Will my motherboard handle any internal-external data exchanges irrespective of whether or not it supports the type of harddrive inside the enclosure (ie. SATA)
     
    mcaj007, Feb 1, 2008
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  2. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    Since your talking old and External why not USB? You can get 500GB USB externals for < $100. You can always add a SATA controller card if you must but the drives and enclosures tend to cost more.

    Your MB will handle any internal to External drive (IDE) data exchanges with no problems.

    Hope this helps
     
    hydra, Feb 1, 2008
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  3. Johnny T

    Johnny T Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yes if you bought a SATA drive, you can put it in a SATA enclosure no problems.
     
    Johnny T, Feb 1, 2008
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  4. mcaj007

    mcaj007 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks 'hydra' and 'Johnny T'
    Yeah, sorry I didn't mention "USB". I was considering to buy a SATA internal hdd and put it in an enclosure. I just wanted to confirm whether I can now transfer files from an IDE hdd in my old computer to this new SATA hdd via a USB
     
    mcaj007, Feb 1, 2008
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  5. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    Yep, Check newegg for drive case reviews/price for SATA/USB interface. Someone here might have some good drive/case reviews for you. Anyone?
     
    hydra, Feb 2, 2008
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  6. ScifiMike12

    ScifiMike12 Drinking the good stuff

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    ScifiMike12, Feb 2, 2008
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