Windows 7 - External Laptop Hard Drive

kersey · 06-29-2011

I need to get an external hard drive but can't decide whether to go for something like the Seagate GoFlex models or to buy a 2.5" drive and fit it into an external caddy.

I've discovered via Google that there is no benefit in getting a 7200rpm drive over a 5400rpm one as i'll be using usb 2.0 to transfer data but would a 16mb cache benefit me more than a 8mb one.

e.g Would a 7200rpm 16mb cache drive be a better choice than a 5400rpm 8mb cache drive via usb?

Any help is appreciated .

essenbe · 06-29-2011

Take a look at this thread it may give you some ideas. I have 2 Seagate Goflex drives and 3 hard drive enclosures. I prefer the enclosures because I get to pick my transfer method and what type and size of hard drive(s) I use. If you have extra drives a dock works great and you can change drives in less than a minute.

pparks1 · 06-29-2011

As far as cache goes, on an external over USB 2.0 I wouldn't worry about it. The USB 2.0 interface is going to be slowest link, no doubt about that. I use a 2TB Samsung EcoGreen 5400 RPM unit and it's fabulous. Got multiple of them.

kersey · 06-30-2011

Thanks for you help guys, have seen a 500gb Go Flex drive for £49.99 delivered which is cheaper than an equivalent bare bones drive so think i'll go for that.

DeaconFrost · 06-30-2011

Does your laptop have an eSATA port? If so, then drive choice will make a difference. If not, then the USB 2.0 will be the weakest (slowest) link in the chain.

essenbe · 06-30-2011

With the Seagate GoFlex you can buy cables for USB 3.0 or eSATA. If you have those ports, it is worth the investment.

kersey · 06-30-2011

My laptop does have usb 3.0 so i can upgrade to that cable although i'm sure they are quite pricey, around £27 which i don't think would justify the speed increase imho.

essenbe · 06-30-2011

Check Amazon.com In the US they were about $22 which I believe is about 13 GBP.

kersey · 06-30-2011

Thanks mate, will check Amazon out

essenbe · 06-30-2011

Try this one Seagate GoFlex USB 3.0 Cable 9.99GBP

Windows 7 - External Laptop Hard Drive

External Laptop Hard Drive problems?