External HDD Enclosure Question

[legend86]

I'm interested in building my own external hdd very soon. My only question though is can anyone recommend a good enclosure?

I need a case with firewire ports AND a cooling fan as this HDD will not only be used for backup, but for long session usage. I found this one on ebay for like $25.99 + shipping:

3.5" SATA Hard Drive Enclosure Case USB + Firewire 1394 | eBay

http://www.amazon.com/Firewire-Combo-Enclosure-3-5-inch-Drive/dp/B0027IFZWG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I want to do this for as cheap as possible, but I also don't want something so cheap that it may ruin my HDD. Would you guys go with this one or are there any alternatives you could suggest?

Thanks!

 

[JaidynM]

Here's one for a buck if you want it. I recommend against it though.
3.5 inch SATA IDE HDD Anti-Static Storage tank Box Case | eBay

Anyway, did you sort results by 'Price+Shipping lowest first'? I find that gives me better, cheaper results in a more convenient way. And that case you're looking at now doesn't look too bad. It looks a bit ugly and outdated but performance-wise.... it should do the job.

Also check out this Amazon.com search as well as a cheap case I found on it.
Amazon.com: sata 3.5 firewire

There is also a site I was recently shown called PriceGrabber. It prices for certain products. I'll include a search links for 3.5" HDD enclosures as well as a couple of results.
Enclosures | Latest Enclosures Reviews and Prices | PriceGrabber.com
macally G-S350SUA Hard Drive Enclosure Listings and Reviews | [PriceGrabber.com
macally PHR-S100SUA Hard Drive Enclosure Listings and Reviews | [PriceGrabber.com

Hope that helps.

 

[legend86]

Thanks so much!

Yeah, I saw the Macally's and they look great, plus they have firewire, but they don't come with fans. I know the metal body is supposed to provide extra cooling but I don't want to build this and chance burning up my HDD.

 

[JaidynM]

Yeah, I see what you mean. Just look through PriceGrabber and see what you find.

 

[GeneO]

I never heard of that company but it looks like the Rosewill eSATA case with a different interface.

The pickings are slim for firewire, there are plenty eSATA. OWC has some good external enclosures and most have firewire since they cater to Macs but they cost more than you are probably willing to pay.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I've used a number of enclosures for people in the past, and if I wasn't going with an OEM brand, like Western Digital, I'd use an enclosure from Vantec. Check Newegg for the best selection/prices.

 

[DocBrown]

You might want to check my Thread here:

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...your-own-external-hard-drive.html#post1177933