re-use WD external USB drive?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bucky
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Bucky

I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive. I
think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?
 
Previously Bucky said:
I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive. I
think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?
Click to expand...

No. The issue is whether the firmware in the interface allows you to
use a different drive.

Arno
 
Bucky said:
I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive.
Click to expand...
I think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?
Click to expand...

Where would the savings be.
Personally I would be rather more concerned with a Vendor lock.
(that's not to say that it has one)
 
avoid buying another enclosure.
Click to expand...

Either you already have - or plan to buy - another drive, to put in the
new enclosure; so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?

If it works, then you are fine. If not, go buy a new encosure.

/Rolf
 
Either you already have - or plan to buy - another drive, to put in the
new enclosure; so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?
Click to expand...
If it works, then you are fine. If not, go buy a new encosure.
Click to expand...

Wpuld be my advice also. Make sure the drive not only
works, but stays reasonably cool (still comfotable to
touch after a few hours of operation).

Arno
 
Bucky said:
avoid buying another enclosure.
Click to expand...

Better write to the manufacturers then that they are doing it
all wrong: that they should solder their drives in permanently.

(Next time, leave enough context so it's clear to anyone that
you completely misunderstood the (rethorical) question).

(Like the original message was more than a screen full and needed snipping).
 
What new enclosure?
That's what you get with answering to a snippet of quoting, completely out of context.
so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?
Click to expand...

What new drive?
Buying a new drive depends on what answer he gets concerning the possibility
of re-using the existing enclosure. If not, there may not be one. Chicken-egg.
If not, go buy a new encosure.
Click to expand...

Did you even consider that he might not want to do that?
That he might want a ready made solution if the cheaper option doesn't work?
Wpuld be my advice also.
Click to expand...

Another brainfarct, babblebot?
Make sure the drive not only works,
Click to expand...

Whoa, that one is steep.
I have to think that over a few hours, to have that sink in.
 
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