Drive Enclosures

I'm replacing my original C drive with a new one. Have another internal drive D.

Since I can't bear to throw anything out that still works, thinking about an external drive enclosure for the old C. Spotted this http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...6-602&ATT=External+Enclosure&CMP=OTC-d3alt1me This one appeals on esthetic grounds and seems cheap enough. Doesn't have to have especially fast access, will be using it as another backup device, hookup will be via USB 1.1.

What are the issues to look out for?

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Charles: Just wondering, why USB 1.1? I have an external hard drive enclosure by Ultra, USB 2.2. When I plug it in to a USB hub, Windows complains "not fast enough "

Plugged direct to MOBO, front port, it is as fast as internal. I did this, like you, couldn't just leave a 40GB drive on a shelf. So I use it for some data backups, unplug it between.

Make sure whatever enclosure you get has an "off" switch, mine does not, even with USB unplugged, L.E.D. on enclosure indicates HDD activity, also has a cooling fan included, runs all the time unless I unplug the power connection. It is on the back of the enclosure, what a pain.

Martin

 

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the reply - as you can tell, have no experience with this stuff at all.

why USB 1.1?
That's what I have. I based my thinking on using 1.1 on trying one of those little key drives. Worked ok with 1.1. So you're saying upgrade to 2.2

Make sure whatever enclosure you get has an "off" switch
Ah, good point, didn't think of that.

Regards - Charles

 

When creating / writng a system backup image file to an external drive, MOBO connected external would present less issues than a USB connection --- correct?

 

Charles, Yes, I would definately update to 2.2, runs at 480Mb/s, 100X 1.1, unless you have a firewire port, almost, but not quite as fast is my understanding.

Dennis: I don't know about less problems connected to MOBO, but speed is the issue here. And for whatever reason when I connect the external HDD to a 2.2 hub, Windows complains connection is not fast enough. Whether that is correct or not, I really don't know, when I connect dir to MOBO, no such complaint from Windows.

And, as far as read and write speeds, I cannot tell the difference between the USB 2.2 drive and internal IDEs. I don't know, but sometimes the USB drive seems faster. Maybe my imagination though. I'm going to try to run a write test program and see what the numbers are. Will post if successful test, don't know if can do on USB.

Martin

 

I meant a read test, which I just completed. Software available for free www.simplisoftware.com
Seems the USB drive is about 40% slower than internals, internals are reading average speed of 50MB/s and USB @ 30MB/s.

So, my imagination was in play when I thought sometimes the USB was faster.

As a practical matter, I can't really tell the difference when using the USB 2.2 drive.

Martin

 

This will save you enough money to buy that USB 2.0 add on card you'll need to go with it.

 

While you are looking for a case here is another place. http://www.softwareandstuff.com/index.html If you scroll down the page they have 2, one just for 3.5 and the other is for 3.5/5.25 drives. They also have a pci 2.0 USB 5 port card for a good price. http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_comp_usb5pci.html

 

Thanks for the references Rockster and Russ.

Another question: my drives are Cable Select. Do the pin settings stay the same in the enclosure, change, or is it irrelevant?

Regards - Charles

 

You know what, Charles? I have a USB drive in an enclosure and I don't remember, but I suspect it is set as master, which is probably what I did. Would be interesting if you could somehow slave a drive to it!

Never even gave it a thought

Martin

 

All the external cases I have the drive is set as master.

 

Excellent question - No, I'm not sure but would recommend setting a 3.5" drive to master in that you are using it as a single drive albeit USB or firewire.

I build small externals using 2.5 ", 9.5mm laptop drives in small USB cases that require no AC power adapter and have not had to confront this question.

 

Hey Rockster:

Where do you get them, also cost?

Martin

 

I bought a slug of these cases from Computer Geeks but I don't think they've got the same cases in stock right now - roughly $20. As to drives, keep your eyes open and look for something that is fairly fast. I've noted a place to look for laptop drives, but there are many others and here is a small case from the same website that will run without any additional (beyond your USB connection) power required.

I'll look to see if I can find my exact cases and PM you if successful.



edit: Note - Martin, if you are going to start playing with laptop drives, handle them from the sides only. I've seen drives ruined by inadvertant "squeezing" caused by improper handling. Also, pick up a 40 to 44 pin converter $3-5 so you have the option of hooking up bare drives in a desktop for initial fdisking, formatting or whatever.

 

Hey Rockster: You must have been reading the question on my mind when you said:

I have a new drive that I am about to put into an enclosure and USB it to my machine. An existing formatted USB drive can be re-formatted through Management Console/Disc Management. Can my new bare drive be formatted through USB?? I guess I'll find out when I connect it, but would be nice to know in advance.

Thanks for your response and links.

Martin

 

Hi Martin,

An existing formatted USB drive can be re-formatted through Management Console/Disc Management.

That was going to be my next question. This drive has an OS on it.

Regards - Charles

 

That poses another question. If your motherboard BIOS does not contain an option to boot from USB, is it possible to do so anyhow? If so How?

Martin

 

Hi Martin,

Maybe I'll find out - that would mean I'd be triple-booting Don't know if I would want to to that.

Regards - Charles

 

Maybe one of us should post that as a separate question?

Martin

 

If using XP (I know what Catastrophy has/had), most of the answers are yes. One can use Disk Management to delete any partions, build partitions and format. Regardless, I've found it helpful to have a 40 to 44 pin converter just in case and for whatever. Again, at $3-5 (chump change), its well worth having in your bag of tricks.



edit: re: booting from USB - never tried it myself.