Windows 7: Can I use spare HDD 250 Gig as storage?

lister · 02 Apr 2011

Hi I have a HDD 250 gig 2.5 internal disk drive just lying around. I need an external drive and was about to go and buy one then it suddently occured to me that I can just use that as storage right?

All I need is a cradle and I am good to go right? No issues at all?

THanks! Also, just wondering if anyone knows of a portable version that I can buy, i.e. a cable that can attach to the old drive via USB?

Thanks

DocBrown · 02 Apr 2011

Is it a SATA or IDE 2.5 HD ? Inexpensive ext enclosures are available & I use a Tri-Head USB adapter to test extra HDs

kicsrules · 02 Apr 2011

buy an external 2.5 enclosure.... the downside is that those enclosures have to be connected via 2 usb ports to work...

Bill2 · 02 Apr 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by kicsrules

buy an external 2.5 enclosure.... the downside is that those enclosures have to be connected via 2 usb ports to work...

Not necessarily, depends on how many devices are connected and their power consumption. A single port can provide max 5 units power for USB 2.0 and 6 for USB 3.0. With two cables, device may use at least two units, so it will have enough power to work.

DocBrown · 02 Apr 2011

Some Tri-head adapters come with an ext power supply, also as also certain 2.5 ext enclosures.

lister · 02 Apr 2011

Hi thanks for replies. The drive is 250 Seagate SATA Drive 7200 RPM

So is it not possible just one USB port cable that connects to the drive? Will that act 100% like as if I bought an external drive?

Also - I guess pretty easy to find right?

Thanks

DocBrown · 02 Apr 2011

Also there are docking stations that have an ext power so as not to draw from your USB port.

3.5"/2.5"SATA HDD Dock Docking Station-SD/CF-HUB E-SATA - eBay (item 250795326300 end time Apr-02-11 14:22:20 PDT)

lister · 02 Apr 2011

thats helpful thanks

I am after a more portable version so Ill have a look around. thanks

ignatzatsonic · 02 Apr 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by lister

Hi thanks for replies. The drive is 250 Seagate SATA Drive 7200 RPM

So is it not possible just one USB port cable that connects to the drive? Will that act 100% like as if I bought an external drive?

Also - I guess pretty easy to find right?

Thanks

Yes it is possible.

Here is a $20 simple cable setup. I've seen them for as low as $10.

Amazon.com: Sabrent USB-DSC5 Serial ATA or IDE 2.5-/3.5-Inch to USB 2.0 Cable Converter Adapter with Power Supply: Electronics

You just set the bare drive on a table and connect it. Works like an external but has no enclosure. You'd probably want to disconnect it when not in use and put it in the closet and then break it out periodically when needed--rather than leaving it permanently connected like an external.

essenbe · 02 Apr 2011

Here are a few options that may interest you.