External Laptop Hard Drive


  1. kersey
    Posts : 44
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       New #1

    External Laptop Hard Drive


    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 .

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  3. essenbe
    Posts : 26,869
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #2

    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.
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  4. pparks1
    Posts : 7,878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #3

    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.
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  6. kersey
    Posts : 44
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    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.

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  7. DeaconFrost
    Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       New #5

    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.
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  8. essenbe
    Posts : 26,869
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #6

    With the Seagate GoFlex you can buy cables for USB 3.0 or eSATA. If you have those ports, it is worth the investment.
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  10. kersey
    Posts : 44
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    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.

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  11. essenbe
    Posts : 26,869
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #8

    Check Amazon.com In the US they were about $22 which I believe is about 13 GBP.
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  12. kersey
    Posts : 44
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #9

    Thanks mate, will check Amazon out

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  13. essenbe
    Posts : 26,869
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #10

    Try this one Seagate GoFlex USB 3.0 Cable 9.99GBP
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