how to successfully view exterior hard drive

Debby · 24 May 2022

Hi! I was told that to successfullly be able to view on an exterior hard drive from another laptop computer - I needed to buy some things for this purpose. I bought a Sata to pc cable, as was recommended. It plugs into a hard drive, and also has 2 separate usb wires that are attached to it, so that it can (1) plug into the laptop pc, and also (2) plug into a powered usb hub that can be plugged into the wall. What kind of powered usb hub would you recommend for my purpose, that will be powerful enough to allow me to be able to view the contents of the hard drive in this laptop pc? The hard drive I presently have plugged in, is about 3" by 3 1/2" in size. I'd like to have a powered usb hub that can handle a variety of sizes, in case I sometimes have other sizes of hard drives that I'd like to view. Thanks!

SIW2 · 24 May 2022

does it look like this.

LEAGY USB 3.0 to 2.5" SATA III Adapter Cable Bridge w/UASP High Speed Data Transfer Protocol Support SATA to USB 3.0 Converter for SSD HDD Solid Drive (USB to SATA w/Extra USB Power Port (9 Inch)): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

As far as I know if they are intended for 3.5 inch disks, they usually come with a power adapter like this

SATA to USB 3.0 Cable, SATA III Hard Drive Adapter Converter for 3.5/2.5 Inch HDD/SSD with With Uk Standard Plug, 17 Inch, (supports UASP): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

has 2 separate usb wires that are attached to it, so that it can (1) plug into the laptop pc, and also (2) plug into a powered usb hub that can be plugged into the wall.

I haven't come across one of those.

Debby · 24 May 2022

Hi!! The one I got didn't work - as it must not have been powerful enough by itself tor me to be able to view contents of the hard drive I wanted to see. Have you tried the type you recommended? Were you able to view contents of a hard drive with it? Thanks!

flavallee · 24 May 2022

Debby:

You should purchase and use a USB3-to-SATA storage drive adapter that comes with its own power cord that plugs into an electrical outlet.
The adapter you have obtains its power from a laptop or desktop USB port.
That is usually not enough power for a storage drive to function, especially the full-size 3.5" models.
This is an example of the one I use for 2.5" and 3.5" SATA storage drives.

Barman58 · 24 May 2022

I have several of these ...

UGREEN 3.5" Hard Drive Enclosure, USB 3.0 External SATA HDD Caddy for 2.5 3.5 HDD/SSD up to 16TB with 12V 2A Power Adapter, Support UASP and Trim for Windows Linux MacOS, PS4, Xbox, TV, Laptop : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

and have found them very reliable, the fact that they have an external Mains supply means that they work with new and older hardware - Those that rely on USB Power depend on being connected to a USB3 or later system (note the blue on the USB connector which signifies USB3 High Power interface), but even this can be borderline on older drives which tend to require slightly more power than newer drives

These cases are completely toolless in use so are simple to use, but give much better protection for the drives than the cable looms

In my desktop I actually have a caddy for 3.5" drives built into the front of the case ( replaces the Optical drive), I also have 2.5" to 3.5" adaptors to use the smaller drives

Debby · 25 May 2022

Hi! Thanks to all of you for giving me your recommendations on what I need to get! So I plan to be ordering soon!