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matobi77

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 27, 2017
7
5
I have been using the Airport Time Capsule as a router and backup for my iMac. Comcast has a new modem that runs faster wifi than the Time Capsule, so I have switched to it. With apple getting out of the Airport market, what do you suggest I use to backup my iMac? I use it purely for Music, Movies, Internet and occasional work documents - However, I have close to 2.5 TB's, so need something in the 3-4 TB realm.

Im a neat freak and have loved the wireless aspect, but realize I will probably need to connect via USB or Thunderbolt. So even though functionality and dependability are most important, I do want something that will be aesthetically pleasing. :)

Thank you!!!!!
 
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I have the previous model of the Time Capsule (Mac Mini shaped), and a couple of years ago, I replaced its internal drive with a 5 TB drive. Depending on your technical prowess, you might peek at iFixIt's guides to see if it's an option for your situation. I had previously also added an external USB drive to the TC, but now have enough space for backups and my files. The TC HDD controller is woefully slow, so I installed and configured the new drive in the TC, then removed it and put it in an external case for the initial large file copies, then reinstalled it. My new router handles all my wireless needs, while the TC is wired to the router and is relegated to backups and serving my shared files.
 
I have the previous model of the Time Capsule (Mac Mini shaped), and a couple of years ago, I replaced its internal drive with a 5 TB drive. Depending on your technical prowess, you might peek at iFixIt's guides to see if it's an option for your situation. I had previously also added an external USB drive to the TC, but now have enough space for backups and my files. The TC HDD controller is woefully slow, so I installed and configured the new drive in the TC, then removed it and put it in an external case for the initial large file copies, then reinstalled it. My new router handles all my wireless needs, while the TC is wired to the router and is relegated to backups and serving my shared files.

I greatly appreciate your innovative and technical spirit. I on the other hand, do not share that skill or even interest. lol. Honestly, I just want to buy something that will be very dependable, fast, aesthetically appealing, and work (back up my files in case anything happens to my iMac, so Im not SOL).

I think an out of the box purchase recommendation is what Im after.

Again, i truly appreciate your suggestion and technical abilities though!!

Signed.....Lazy Lay-Man! lol
 
I just want to buy something that will be very dependable, fast, aesthetically appealing, and work (back up my files in case anything happens to my iMac, so Im not SOL).

I think an out of the box purchase recommendation is what Im after.

As you already own a Time Capsule, it might be simplest to attach a fast external hard drive to it to increase storage capacity. With the TC wired to your new router and the TC's wireless functions disabled, the TC will serve shared files and store Time Machine backups in the same manner as when the TC was configured as your wireless router. I admit this configuration likely fails your aesthetics requirement, but should otherwise work well. You could even designate which files or backups get stored on which TC volume, such as certain machines' backups go to the internal drive while shared files go on the external, or some other combination.
 
As you already own a Time Capsule, it might be simplest to attach a fast external hard drive to it to increase storage capacity. With the TC wired to your new router and the TC's wireless functions disabled, the TC will serve shared files and store Time Machine backups in the same manner as when the TC was configured as your wireless router. I admit this configuration likely fails your aesthetics requirement, but should otherwise work well. You could even designate which files or backups get stored on which TC volume, such as certain machines' backups go to the internal drive while shared files go on the external, or some other combination.


Thanks for the suggestion!
 
OP asks:
"With apple getting out of the Airport market, what do you suggest I use to backup my iMac?"

Answer:
1 or 2 external USB3 drives.
CarbonCopyCloner.

That's all you need.
 
OP asks:
"With apple getting out of the Airport market, what do you suggest I use to backup my iMac?"

Answer:
1 or 2 external USB3 drives.
CarbonCopyCloner.

That's all you need.
[doublepost=1488389192][/doublepost]
Perfect! Simple and direct, I love it.

Which external drive do you think is the best? (Most dependable, safe, fast, simple)
 
Which drive is "the best"?
Can't rightly say.

I don't buy "pre-packaged" drives.
Instead, I'll buy a "bare drive" and an enclosure, and put it together myself.

That way, I know how it goes together, so if I ever have to take it apart, I know that, too.

As far as bare drives go, I'd probably choose an HGST (Hitachi), 2.5" form factor...
 
I'm not technically savvy, but appreciate the info nonetheless. Thank you!!
 
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