Reliable External HDD

[JMoore64]

Does anybody have any suggestions for a reliable external HD that will be used only for backs ups in the 350 to 500GB range? The drive will probably be on all the time. I'm not really worried about bundled software. Just a reliable drive.

Thanks

James

 

[wahnula]

I'm not really worried about bundled software. Just a reliable drive.

Why not buy a nice separate case and drive and combine the two?

http://www.directron.com/st3500320as.html

http://www.directron.com/bjk35usbs.html

I also like the IcyDock case:

http://www.icydock.com/home.htm

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[tf1]

I agree with Tony. I have one of these purchased from eBay:

External enclosure caddy 3½” SATA, switchable between USB2 or eSATA - eBay item: 110236856898

Not the cheapest but it is finished in piano black gloss with polished steel ends, so it looks great and performs perfectly.

You can switch it between USB2 or eSATA interfaces. eSATA is virtually as fast as an internal drive and if your motherboard doesn't have an eSATA port, you can buy an eSATA riser for a couple of quid from eBay too.

Then just buy a good name SATA2 HDD to fit the case. You should be able to get a 500GB drive for around £50 + delivery.


Regards: tf1

 

[acewarlock]

I got a Brand New ROCK EXT Case with a 500Gb HD for $80, works great.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[wahnula]

This is what happens when you post in a forum full of builders!

The point is you get a good drive like the Seagate 7200.11, not some poor-selling castoff, and a case with a design that you LIKE, not one like everyone else has. You also remove the possibility of NAS-style proprietary file format, and are free to use any software that you like.

For software, I like SyncbackSE:

http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse.html

The paid version allows scheduled backups, and has never let me down. It is basically a file-copy program.

Remember to use the Safely Remove Hardware feature to stop the drive before shutting off or removing the drive.



Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[SimonDavies]

In all honesty I haven't had an issue with any of my Freecom USB drives, ranging from the 37gb up to the 160gb versions.. they also do much larger ones and I wouldn't have any qualms about using them.

However if you're going down the route of building your own then why not build one that has raid 1 on it instead?

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[acewarlock]

He never mentioned he was going to build it.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[SimonDavies]

No he didn't but I also wasn't the first person to suggest it. With the recommendations he has had he now has a few choices, go for something premade.. or go for something tailor made.. I offered suggestions for both because thats what's been suggested.

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[JMoore64]

Thanks for the reply's, i never thought of building one...(That Icy Dock case looks nice!!) Oh well, the customer i'm working with saw a external Seagate 500GB at costco and bought it. Even though i told them not to go out and buy the first one that looked cool and let me research the products first.. But i pretty sure you all know how that goes. But from checking reviews it wasn't a bad impulse buy..

Thanks for all the ideas and help

I give you all a techie stripe!!!!!