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Author Topic: Hard Drive enclosures  (Read 3014 times)

Offline iGuy

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Hard Drive enclosures
« on: July 21, 2006, 12:32:11 PM »
I need to remove my internal HD from my old Quicksilver and convert it to a external HD so I can connect it to my new iMac.  kelly, suggested a firewire enclosure.  I need advice on this.  All three of the USB 2.0 plugs on the back of my iMac are in use.  Keyboard, printer and Apple usb external modem.  So I guess I should go with a firewire enclosure instead of a usb 2.0 enclosure?

Can someone also describe how an enclosure works and what it exactly is?

Thanks,
Ryan

The internal hard drive I am needing the enclosure for is an 80GB Maxtor Ultra Series. 7200RPM Ultra ATA/133.
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Offline Mrious_be

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Hard Drive enclosures
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2006, 12:51:03 PM »
I have a firewire enclosure and as far as my experience goes, they are pretty easy to install yourself.
Installing a drive inside it is about the same as installing the drive inside a computer, so if you done that before than don't worry about it smile.gif
It has an flat cable connection, and a power supply just like the inside of a desktop computer, simply attach those as you would do with the computer (you can't go wrong actually as the flatcable (IDE i guess) and the power connector can only be attach in one way).
Close the encloser up, connect to power and firewire and it's all ready to go.

Not sure if you are interested, but a good thing might be to search for ones that hold either a harddrive OR a CD-R (CD-RW, DVD-Rom, DVD-R... etc) in their enclosere.
I can build either one i like in mine (for the moment it holds my old DVD-R that came out my fried Quicksilver).

The good thing about firewire is, that most enclosers (i think) come with double ports, so when your firewire drive is in use, and you are in need of another firewire device you can just link it on the drive and create a chain.

smile.gif
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Hard Drive enclosures
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2006, 01:16:36 PM »
As MB says, there's no indication that you are doing anything different if your enclosure is Firewire/USB1 or 2/Dual interface ( both FW and USB ). There is usually only one cable to attach to the drive, maybe another to power a 'activity' light. It really is 'plug-and-play'.

Most enclosures are available as both firewire and USB now. I'd suggest buying that kind, USB 2 if your computer can handle it ( QuickSilvers came only with FW 400/USB 1.0, I think ). Firewire has not been accepted by most other computer makers, but is still a little faster that USB 2. But in the future, you may need the USB 2 as your computer may not even have Firewire ( even if it's an Mac ). Last choice would be a USB 1.0 only enclosure, although it might be the cheapest, it would be dog slow!

With an external ( FW/USB, anyway ), you basically get the controller in the enclosure. You don't need any software nor dip switch settings. Only tool needed is a small Phillips head screwdriver and a couple of fingers and an opposable thumb.
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Offline Paddy

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« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2006, 02:23:11 PM »
I'd recommend the Rosewill enclosure that I have, but it would appear that they no longer make the FW model. Here's a review and assembly pics: http://www.siliconpopculture.com/review/135_0_2_0_M/ - which gives you a general idea of the ease of installing a HD in an external enclosure. None of these babies on eBay, unfortunately (think they're too cool - their owners don't sell them!) wink.gif

Or, you might try this Macally one: FW/USB enclosure
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Offline gmann

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« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2006, 02:24:45 PM »
Be sure what your drive is (ide or sata) and I would suggest an enclosure that has both USB2 and FW.  That would be covering all of your future bases.
I bought a 2.5" enclosure for my laptop that was ide and it turned out my hd is sata, so off to ebay I guess.  doh.gif
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Offline bil207

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« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2006, 03:49:55 PM »
Other World Computing should have the FireWire Enclosure case that you're looking for.


If you not sure which case to get, give them a call. smile.gif
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Offline krissel

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« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2006, 09:44:30 PM »
Definitely go for a combo case as it is cheap insurance. But keep in mind for the future that when you have all your USB or FW ports used on your Mac, the next step would be to get a powered hub for either or both and that would open up many more possibilities. My ancient 9600 is running a 7 port USB and 4 port FW powered hubs.

Oh crud, darn storms approaching again. Was without power most of aft/eve and just got it back.... bye... sad.gif
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Offline iGuy

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« Reply #7 on: July 22, 2006, 11:49:33 AM »
Thanks for the advice.  Your links will be helpful bil.

krissel, I can definitely relate to how annoying storms can be.  We have had them bad this spring and summer.  

Ryan
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Offline Randy B. Singer

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Hard Drive enclosures
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2006, 09:03:12 PM »
I recommend this case kit:

ARGOSY EXTERNAL 3.5" USB 2.0 / FIREWIRE VERTICAL STAND ALUMINUM HARD DISK DRIVE COMBO ENCLOSURE
$38
http://www.pcmicrostore.com/PartDetail.asp...6232;p:10500933

It uses an external inline power supply, so the case runs cooler and there isn't a wall wort to take up multiple outlets on your surge strip.  It runs really quiet because the case uses its thick aluminum body as a heat sink, and this allows them to do away with a noisy internal fan.  The case is oriented vertically, so it takes up next to no desktop space.  The kit even comes complete with USB and FireWire cables.

I've recommended this case to literally thousands of users and I've only received glowing positive feedback about it.  It is a very well-designed case at a great price.  I have one myself.
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Offline iGuy

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« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2006, 09:25:20 PM »
Thanks for the reply Randy but I have already purchased an enclosure.  I bought a Mecury Elite Pro from OWC.  So far so good.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20Wor...ing/MEFW911UPL/

Although, I payed much more far it than your suggestion.

Ryan
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