Using bare drive for backup...

[inPicton]

First time user!

I want to backup my Mac Mini Server via the usb port using a bare internal / desktop 2TB drive. What I would like to know is what cable will I need to connect the drive to the mini?

Links would be preferred.

Thanks, much appreciated!

Paul.

 

[monokakata]

You need more than just a cable, but not much more. You could get something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-SATA...id=1456116722&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+drive+cable

If you want to make it more permanent, then shop for an enclosure, and put your bare drive in it. There are hundreds of them out there. But this kind of little USB connector kit is very handy.

 

[Fishrrman]

You need a USB3/SATA docking station.
There are MANY of these available, just go to amazon and enter "usb3 sata dock uasp" into the search box.
I suggest you get one that specifically states that it has support for UASP.
That stands for "USB Attached SCSI Protocol", and you need it to obtain the fastest speeds that USB3 is capable of...

Another option is a USB3/SATA adapter "dongle", like this:
http://www.amazon.com/UCtech-Converter-Drive-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00IYG89SW

I have one and it works fine.
Fast, too.

In fact, I use it (along with a "bare" SSD) to boot and run my "test copy" of El Capitan on a late 2012 Mac Mini.

 

[inPicton]

Thank you both for the info and links. Very much appreciated!
Regards, Paul.