WT build external HD

[garnet]

ookay, here goes the analog novice venture into building something digital

i've been researching external HDs, and not really happy with the reliability problems most all seem to have

i'm now at the point of considering to build one, using a standard HD in a fan cooled case, which can sit on the desk, i'm looking at 500GB or 1TB size
1. because of better reliabilty
2. because of warranty of the HD being better

using as a systems backup (i dont want to do 2-3 other backup systems), and to store music and vids/pics (to free laptop HD space)

it's pluggin into my laptop, but will only be for home use (not making it portable per say)

looks like my particular laptop (less than 1 year old) doesnt have a esata plug in :( so is going to be usb2 plug in


is it really as easy as it seems to do this?

what am i missing, besides collecting the hard parts, what else am i going to need to look into?

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by garnet

i've been researching external HDs, and not really happy with the reliability problems most all seem to have

I'm just curious, could you post some links to issues? I bought a cheap Trekstor external HD from Futureshop (320gb) over 2 years ago, and have strictly used it for downloading and uploading racing torrents over that time (its completely full atm). I'd be hard pressed to say I've ever put an HD through as much stress as that one. Maybe I'll buy another internal HD if there is a problem!

[garnet]

just various sources online reviews, about various manufacturers

western digital seems to get the best reviews, but i was dismayed at reading about 1/2 saying that their life span was about a year!

i could be wrong, but seeing it said that many times, i'm looking to not be caught with one that doesn't last like it should due to HD mounting problems, or with communincation problems (between PC and extHD) or formatting issues?, those 2 seem to be the complaints

also a factor could be that the ones i'm reading up on are the 500GB, 1TB size?



Originally posted by HiTempguy1


I'm just curious, could you post some links to issues? I bought a cheap Trekstor external HD from Futureshop (320gb) over 2 years ago, and have strictly used it for downloading and uploading racing torrents over that time (its completely full atm). I'd be hard pressed to say I've ever put an HD through as much stress as that one. Maybe I'll buy another internal HD if there is a problem!

[old&slow]

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Products.aspx?C=1346

NCIX sometimes puts em on sale, get the esta version for best transfer speeds. It comes with USB2 as well.Once you own one you'll wish you always had one!

[garnet]

do you use one of these?

is there a local place to purchase? (not sure what ncix is?)




Originally posted by old&slow
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Products.aspx?C=1346

NCIX sometimes puts em on sale, get the esta version for best transfer speeds. It comes with USB2 as well.Once you own one you'll wish you always had one!

[HyperZell]

NCIX is a local store, like Memory Express.

[old&slow]

Originally posted by garnet
do you use one of these?

is there a local place to purchase? (not sure what ncix is?)





I have 2 of them and I also use a caddy (Antec) in a 5 1/4 drive bay. Simply the best IMO for storage!

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/antec_easy_sata/

[Ajay]

I've got this;

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX24678%28ME%29.aspx

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX21884%28ME%29.aspx

I bought my 1.5TB back in October when it was around $180 but I've had no problems with my set up.

I use it strictly for media (pictures/movies/TV shows). It's eSATA to USB.

[Bizzareo]

I have 3 seagate drives, and the run perfectly. They have very little software on them, so no bullshit stuff decides to run when I plug them in.

[SpoonEK9@STRD]

Originally posted by HyperZell
NCIX is a local store, like Memory Express.

Im pretty sure NCIX is a online only store as stated on their website.

[garnet]

thanks for the great feedback guys, i am looking into each

K yep looks like ncix is online store only, memoryexpres i've dealt with and are okay

ajay, seagate has a good rep, and i see you used the enclosure to build it, did you have to do anything else to make this work (special software loaded, formatting?)

thanks
mr. novice! :D

[Ajay]

I did format my drive as soon as I got it but that was as simple as just right clicking on the drive icon and selecting the format option.

As for software I didn't need any software at all. Just mounted the drive in the enclosure and plugged it into the USB port in my computer. My computer found it as an external drive and it was good to go. I've connected it to other computers in the same fashion and it's just a simple plug and play application.

For what you plan on using an external drive for it's the route I would go.

[Zero102]

Originally posted by SpoonEK9@STRD


Im pretty sure NCIX is a online only store as stated on their website.

NCIX is NOT online-only, but they are also NOT a local store. They have 4 (maybe more now) retail locations in the Vancouver area. I shopped with them all the time when I lived closer, but here in Calgary it is easier to just get Memex to price match NCIX whenever they are cheaper.


As for the OP, the case Ajay linked is pretty decent. You want to look for an enclosure which has a METAL housing, not a plastic one, so it can dissipate heat, and having eSATA is nice for future expandability (so you can plug it directly into a desktop which supports it for example). Personally I bought this enclosure:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX12567(ME).aspx

However I got Memex to PM it to $29.99 when it was on sale at NCIX. With current pricing I'd buy the one Ajay linked. For the hard drive I would propose something slightly different. Get the WD Green drive, it is $5 cheaper (on sale right now) and produces a lot less heat.

When mounting a hard drive in an external enclosure heat is the enemy, you want to keep the drive as cool as possible and since you are connecting over USB you will not see any speed difference going the WD green drive over the seagate.