Hard drive: internal or external use?

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BreaKer

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#147281 14-Jun-2014 15:31

Hi I have a spare 2tb hard drive, I am wondering if it is best to put it in the computer box, or is it ok to use an external enclosure. What way will last longer :)

Thanks.

Dynamic

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#1065603 14-Jun-2014 15:54

If you put it in an enclosure it means more wires and another power plug. If you want it to be able to be moved around or connected to different computers than an enclosure makes sense.

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timmmay

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#1065623 14-Jun-2014 16:35

Internal is subject to less vibration and is generally cooler because of fans, but I doubt there's much difference. I don't like externals, more cords, power supplies, etc.

richms

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#1065656 14-Jun-2014 17:52

Externals tend to suffer more falls IME.

Richard rich.ms

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#1065872 15-Jun-2014 09:04

The interface is (SATA/IDE -> USB) is usually what fails on me with external drives.... the drive itself is usually fine.

Depends what you want..... do you need more storage in your PC ? Install it.
Do you copy stuff from your mates PC's a lot ? Throw it in an enclosure.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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PhantomNVD

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#1065873 15-Jun-2014 09:10

As above, externals have wires and fall more often, but make a much better option for backups and file sharing with others. Make sure you get a modern usb3 enclosure or use eSATA and speeds shouldn't suffer much at all.

BreaKer

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#1065999 15-Jun-2014 14:19

I am thinking about getting one of these http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=18833 anyone used one before?

timmmay

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#1066095 15-Jun-2014 17:31

I've looked at other models by them, they look good. Make sure it can do stuff like RAID, JBOD, disk spanning, etc.