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    Ext. USB Harddrive question.

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Mr. Miller, May 8, 2008.

  1. Mr. Miller

    Mr. Miller Notebook Enthusiast

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    Could I run programs on an external USB harddrive?

    Thanks
     
    Mr. Miller, May 8, 2008
    #1
  2. chipmoney

    chipmoney Notebook Evangelist

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    Yah, I have most of my games installed on an external drive and they run fine :)
     
    chipmoney, May 8, 2008
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  3. The_Observer

    The_Observer 9262 is the best:)

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    Is it slower in loading or something?
     
    The_Observer, May 8, 2008
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  4. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    it depends on what interface you are using. eSATA should not experience much slowdown compared to internal hard drives, while firewire and USB would due to their bandwidth restriction.
     
    sgogeta4, May 8, 2008
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  5. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    What are you wanting to run? Yes you can use it but as said with the common interfaces USB/firewire it is substantially slower. For file storage it is fine. Remember it is still faster than your optical drive and those can play blu ray video.
     
    powerpack, May 8, 2008
    #5
  6. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Was there a particular external hard drive you were looking at purchasing? I have a particular hard on for the Silverstone Treasure TS01B external 2.5" HDD enclosure.
     
    garetjax, May 8, 2008
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  7. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    You could definitely run programs off of it, but just ensure that the drive letter does not change as some programs make static entries in the registry and include the drive letter as part of the info.
     
    goofball, May 9, 2008
    #7