Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

using internal HD as external

N

nhood01

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 26, 2009
98
0
Hi, im interested in using some 3.5" SATA internal HDD's as external backup drives for my macbook pro.

I'd like to do it without an enclosure. I like the look of the bare HDD. From what i understand, all that i require is a SATA USB adapter. Is this correct? I'd like to make sure i know what i'm doing before investing in hardware.

Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Thanks, Nick
 
Yeah I like that industrial look too. Yeah, all you need to do it is an adapter. You can either get a cord-like one, or one like THIS. That one's handy because it keeps wiring down to a minimum.
 
One additional note. Since you're talking 3.5" drives, any method you choose will 99% likely require a wall outlet. Some enclosures can handle 2.5" on USB power, but I've never seen one that can handle a 3.5" without external power.
 
Yeah, I'm not sure that you'll be able to do that without an enclosure with a 3.5" drive. It will require external power, however there aren't really adapters for that without using an enclosure. there may be a clear enclosure you could get though.
 
nhood01 said:
Thanks for the response guys. The Thermaltake BlacX docking station is a possible solution. Im looking for a very minimal looking connection. That universal drive adaptor might be what im looking for.

What are your thoughts on this ?:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ata_usb_bridge_adapter-_-12-240-017-_-Product
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that component is meant to plug internally into your computer. It's powered by a connector from your computer's power supply. You can tell because in the system requirements it's calling for a Mac Pro. The laptop won't power it unless you cut a few holes. ;)

I have the universal drive adapter mentioned in the most above. I use it for data restoration for failed client drives. Might be a good solution for what you're looking for. Plus if you come across laptop drives or old IDE drives it is compatible with those too.
 
"I'd like to do it without an enclosure. I like the look of the bare HDD. From what i understand, all that i require is a SATA USB adapter. Is this correct? I'd like to make sure i know what i'm doing before investing in hardware."

Take a look at these:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=usb+sata+dock&x=0&y=0
(various items shown -- pick the one you like)

Might be exactly what you're looking for. SATA "docking stations" make drive-swapping quick and easy. You can boot from them, too.

If you want more speed and connection options than just USB2, Other World Computing sells this:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/FWU2ESHDK/
(a bit more expensive, tho)
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I see. Its meant for a desktop. I like the docking stations, but im not sure i wanna spend the extra cash for one. I think the universal drive adaptor is what i need.

For the specs on the

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/U3NVSPATA/

it says it includes a SATA 2.5″ Power Adapter Cable. Can i be sure that it will provide power for a 3.5"?

but it does say "USB 3.0 to IDE and SATA interfaces adapter: access your 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" drive as a removable storage on any computer"

Does anyone know what the deal is with that?
 
Oh - the 2.5" uses a slightly smaller connector that requires the adapter it mentions. The way my particular one works is the Sata-to-Sata connector it mentions is from adapter-to-3.5" drive and if I want to connect a 2.5" drive, I pop the adapter to the end of the connector.

Power isn't a problem :)
 
blevins321 said:
Oh - the 2.5" uses a slightly smaller connector that requires the adapter it mentions. The way my particular one works is the Sata-to-Sata connector it mentions is from adapter-to-3.5" drive and if I want to connect a 2.5" drive, I pop the adapter to the end of the connector.

Power isn't a problem :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing that up, Belvins. Appreciate it.
 
One more thing...

Id like to hook up another identical drive and set up the two as a raid 1. Is there anything else i'm gonna need to accomplish this. I've never set up a raid before. I'd like to make sure this is gonna work.

Thanks!

edit: I'm looking to buy a pair of 1TB internal drives. Do you guys have any recommendations?

This looks pretty good:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697&cm_re=seagate-_-22-148-697-_-Product

I know Seagate bought Maxtor some time ago, but im pretty sure the barracudas aren't maxtor parts.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back