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    2.5" dual bay enclosure with raid

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Sir Punk, Oct 23, 2011.

  1. Sir Punk

    Sir Punk Notebook Deity

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    I have found a few but they get mixed reviews. Can you guys suggest a few under $80?

    I will be using it in raid 1 as a backup drive with two 500GB 2.5"

    I would really prefer if it
    - has USB 3.0
    - light/compact and portable
    - can be powered via USB so i dont have to deal with the AC adapter

    in a few word I need mobility, i might take this on trips and airplanes.

    this http://www.amazon.com/Cavalry-CAHDD-...9416505&sr=1-3 got

    decent reviews but I am afraid of having the HDD exposed like that. It also has AC adapter and looks bulky.
    also should I pay attention if it takes 7mm or 9mm?

    thanks
     
    Sir Punk, Oct 23, 2011
    #1
  2. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    First, your link doesn't work for me.

    No RAID will be powered by USB (only). AC required.

    It should take at least 9.5mm drives if you want the greatest choice in which drives you put in there. 26mm drives are the 3.5" standards.

    I would recommend only Vantec enclosures. Unfortunately, I don't think they make RAID (2 Drive) enclosures for 2.5" drives - only 3.5" drives.

    See:
    Welcome to Vantec ? Leading Brand of Storage, Thermal, and Mobile Accessories! -


    Hope this helped.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Oct 24, 2011
    #2
  3. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    Like tiller said, I doubt that what you are looking for really exists. Maybe get a RAID 1 enclosure with 3.5" drives that you can leave at home, and then a small 2.5" external drive for you to travel with?

    2.5" drives can be as thick as 15mm, but the thinnest 3.5" drives are still thicker than that.
     
    Qing Dao, Oct 24, 2011
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  4. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Qing Dao,

    Thanks for the additional info and the correction (I'll also edit my original post).

    3.5" drives are 26mm thick, not 12.5mm.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Oct 24, 2011
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  5. Sir Punk

    Sir Punk Notebook Deity

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    thanks guys.
    well this http://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Enclosure-Portable-External-PCXL25SR/dp/B002FZJ1K8 seems to be powered only via USB. But I am sure it will need 2 USB ports. Patriot's website really stinks so I can't seem to find more specific info.

    I already had a RAID with two 3.5 but it was too big and bulky. The other option could be two separate external 2.5 enclosures. But then I would have to do two different backups every time. I mainly use it for pics, music, and some school work. It would be a cheaper alternative and I would avoid the AC adapter and could take one when I travel.

    I am not sure what to do.
     
    Sir Punk, Oct 24, 2011
    #5
  6. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    You can power one 2.5" drive off one USB fairly easily so it stands to reason that two ports should be able to power two drives (plus a little for the controller).
     
    Meaker@Sager, Oct 24, 2011
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  7. jedisolo

    jedisolo Notebook Deity

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    jedisolo, Oct 24, 2011
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  8. Sir Punk

    Sir Punk Notebook Deity

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    ok I just picked up two WD 320gb pata from staples, thy were so cheap I couldn't pass. now can you guys suggest a reliable single enclosure for 2.5 pata and one for sata with usb 3.0?
     
    Sir Punk, Oct 25, 2011
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  9. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    PATA? That went out of fashion over 7 years ago. Just buy whatever you want. They are pretty much all the same.
     
    Qing Dao, Oct 25, 2011
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  10. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    kent1146, Oct 26, 2011
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  11. Marecki_clf

    Marecki_clf Homo laptopicus

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    Search for Welland ME-280J. It's a 2-bay 2,5inch enclosure, which supports RAID 0 & 1 and it has eSata port.
     
    Marecki_clf, Oct 26, 2011
    #11