Testing a Hard Drive... Is this correct?

FerchogtX · 20 Aug 2012

Hi everyone!!!!

I decided to buy an IDE/SATA to USB adapter... I found a generic one that looks a lot like this one:
Amazon.com: SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Converter Cable for 2.5/3.5 Inch Hard Drive / Optical Drive with External AC Power Adapter: Computers & Accessories
It's the first time I buy this so I can test HDD's that may be either faulty or just to recover data from them. I have seen many videos from youtube using this devices and already read the lil' instructions it includes. But as always, I ask for reccomendations to know how to use this safely and properly so I don't burn a HDD or something.

I want to use it by now with a laptop HDD that some friend lent to me (SATA, 5400 RPM 120 GB and I guess is around 600 Ma max current) and an old desktop IDE 4 GB HDD I have (Seagate)...

Any advices? THis device doesn't include a off or on button or something and I'm not sure it will swith from 12v to 5v when connecting a laptop HDD.

Thanks In advance.

See ya!!!

FerchogtX · 22 Aug 2012

Well... I tested with my old Seagate 4 GB desktop HDD and worked properly, slow (because of ata66 speed) but fine.... I'll see how it works with a laptop HDD.

Great tool I decided to buy

See ya!!

F5ing · 23 Aug 2012

I've got a couple of those. Used them with many different SATA/PATA drives. Never an issue. They work great. Plug and play, more or less!

DeaconFrost · 23 Aug 2012

I would have suggested buying one with an on/off switch, as they simplify the process. I have a Thermaltake one for SATA drives, and I use it often for recovery and testing.

F5ing · 23 Aug 2012

DeaconFrost said:

I would have suggested buying one with an on/off switch, as they simplify the process. I have a Thermaltake one for SATA drives, and I use it often for recovery and testing.

The two I've got are equipped with power switches as well, and yes, it does make it a little simpler. In regard to the OP, whether equipped with a power switch or not, there is nothing to worry about as far as the 5V/12V issue is concerned as that's handled automatically by the wiring/connectors being used. It can't really be connected incorrectly.

I usually use a Thermaltake dual bay SATA dock via an eSATA connection that makes it quick and easy to do testing as well as backup/imaging and the occasional cloning.

Even so, those little adapter contraptions get pulled back into service quite often. Necessarily so when I run across the occasional PATA drive that needs some work (still happens from time to time).