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    External HDD vs. Internal HDD in an Ex. Case

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Dlema7, Sep 20, 2008.

  1. Dlema7

    Dlema7 Notebook Enthusiast

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    What are the advantages and Disa. of using an Internal HDD in an external case, connected by USB instead of just using an external HDD
     
    Dlema7, Sep 20, 2008
    #1
  2. temagic

    temagic Notebook Consultant

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    they are the same...
     
    temagic, Sep 20, 2008
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  3. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    An external HD is simply an internal HD (2.5 or 3.5 inches) hooked up to an SATA to USB adapter. Like the poster above said, they're the same.
     
    Bog, Sep 20, 2008
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  4. Nikolas

    Nikolas Notebook Guru

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    NO, they are not the same.

    You should definitely prefer an internal HDD combined with a good enclosure (even if that may cost you a bit more)

    Usually you get only 2 years' guarantee with the external HDDs, whereas an internal HDD has 3 to 5 years' guarantee.
    Most imporant though, is that in case the enclosure dies, you simply take out your internal HDD and connect it inside your PC to backup your data.
    If on the other hand you cannibalize your external drive to get out the disk, you will most definitely lose your guarantee .

    The enclosure you will buy will most likely be of much better quality and materials that the cheap cases they usually put on external cases.
    Your internal HDD will be better ventilated if the seperately bought enclosure is made of aluminium and there is a fan in it.
     
    Nikolas, Sep 20, 2008
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  5. temagic

    temagic Notebook Consultant

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    Of course you are right. I was merely thinking of performance differences, plus the fact that the harddrive itself is the same... So, for operation, there's no differences. However, price, warranty, endurance of the case, connection options, features, etc. differs between models and makes. But, the differences between an internal harddrive in an external case and an "external harddrive" is still, none...
     
    temagic, Sep 20, 2008
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  6. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    I prefer in most cases buying the enclosure separately for many reasons stated.

    Only thing I would point out is 2.5" vs 3.5" you likely need external power with 3.5" some 2.5" can run off USB power.
     
    powerpack, Sep 21, 2008
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