Enclosure to convert old internal HDD to an external USB HDD

Forums › Desktop computing › Enclosure to convert old internal HDD to an external USB HDD

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#106504 25-Jul-2012 10:17

Hi,

i have an old computer with an 80GB HDD in it, we no longer need the computer but I dont see the need to waste 80GB of HDD storage, i would like to make this a portable USB connectable external HDD, does anyone know where i can purchase for a good price an enclosure or housing to allow me to do so. I have browsed DSE and JayCar on the web to no avail.

Jason

nutbugs

269 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#661522 25-Jul-2012 10:29

Depends on your definition of cheap :) Check Ascent - they have a bunch of options.

JamesBalloch

16 posts

Geek

#661537 25-Jul-2012 10:37

I am personally a fan of Dragon PC - http://www.dragonpc.co.nz/c.aspx?r=&c=Hardware&s=Hard+Drive+%2f+FDD&ss=HDD+Enclosures+-+3.5%22&ssid=

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#661546 25-Jul-2012 10:49

Thanks, tell me, once i have created my portable external HDD using one of these enclosures, what is the deal with the powers supply, do i need power as well as USB connection or will it run solely off a USB connection?

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#661550 25-Jul-2012 10:51

Also, is there no physical store that sells them?

riahon

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

#661564 25-Jul-2012 10:53

Assuming this 80GB is a 3.5" HDD then the enclosure you buy, from any computer specialist store like PB Tech, will come with a power supply.

JamesBalloch

16 posts

Geek

#661567 25-Jul-2012 10:57

riahon: Assuming this 80GB is a 3.5" HDD then the enclosure you buy, from any computer specialist store like PB Tech, will come with a power supply.

Quite right, and in regards to physical stores all depends on where you live. Dragon have stores in CHCH, PB Tech, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington Etc. But I'm sure as long as your in a main city there will be someone :)

jasonwaiheke

277 posts

Ultimate Geek

#661575 25-Jul-2012 11:00

I live on the Kapiti Coast, we have a DSE and JayCar here, otherwise would need to go to Wellington or Porirua or something. with respect to power supplies, I see they come with them, the question was do i need both the power supply and USB plugged in for it to work or can it run just off the USB. I see Dragon PC is based in Riccarton now.

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JamesBalloch

16 posts

Geek

#661585 25-Jul-2012 11:13

You could check Jaycar and see if they can get http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=XC4669&keywords=external&form=KEYWORD in?

Otherwise yea looks like a day into Wellington or paying for postage

In regards to the power you will need to have AC power into it as standard HD's mostly are designed to need more power than a usb can supply.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79250 posts

Uber Geek

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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#661609 25-Jul-2012 11:34

What about using the Geekzone Price comparison site (link at the top of all pages)?

Drive enclosure price comparison on Geekzone Price Comparison...

(and moved to correct forum)

nutbugs

269 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#661779 25-Jul-2012 15:03

The guys who are the Jaycar agents on the coast do computer servicing/sales/repairs as well - have you asked them? Good to support local business when you can :)