I need to buy an external HD. Which one, please?

Stevekir · 22 Jul 2015

My LaCie 2 TB USB ext. HD has failed (after only 3 years!). It was my backup of my 1 TB internal using Second Copy. A conventional replacement would be another USB drive.

My system:

--C: drive is a 256 GB SSD containing Windows 7 and some programs. (I use Windows 7's Backup and Restore for this drive);

--1 TB Internal conventional HD to hold Documents, Movies, Pictures, Music. (I used "Second Copy" and an external USB to make backups of this, until the drive failed).

I have checked Click Free. While very simple to use, its method of operation is complex (proprietary storage system, setting up for my system). I have rejected it. What could be more simple than what I have been using: Windows 7's regular Backup and Restore for the C: drive and a regular "Second Copy" backup of the Internal 1 TB drive to an external USB drive?).

Therefore:

1. What reliable make of USB ext. HD?

2. If not USB, what connection type and make?

Thanks for any advice.

ignatzatsonic · 22 Jul 2015

I'd probably go with WD for the drive, but I wouldn't be particularly excited about it. You can still have issues related to the drive or the enclosure. I avoid external drives because I don't want to deal with enclosures.

Some motherboards have eSATA ports, but I don't know if external drives can be purchased with an eSATA connection. I use eSATA with an internal drive mounted in an external dock.

I used to use Second Copy--for 10 years. Great program.

Some would say Macrium Reflect or Aomei Backupper are simpler than Windows Backup and Restore, but it you are comfortable with Windows B and R, no problem.

Boozad · 22 Jul 2015

I've been using an Hitachi Touro Mobile 1TB USB 3.0 external drive for the last two or three years and it's been brilliant. Great transfer speeds and very reliable so it seems. Just another option for you.

Layback Bear · 22 Jul 2015

Another option.
Hot Swap 5 1/4 bay device.
You can get them for hard drives and ssd's or a combination of both.
I use hot swaps and have also tried eSata. I prefer Hot Swap.

Boozad · 22 Jul 2015

Love me some hot swap bays Jack.