which backup harddrive

  • Thread starter Thread starter sdlomi2
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sdlomi2

Trying to choose a backup device for an XP Pro-run system, I am
undecided after reading reviews on different makes and models of external
hard drives. I like the idea of using a hd and esp. the idea of an external
one, for obvious purposes. Please help on selecting a dependable brand and
model. Also, if, say a 250-gig might be more reliable than a 500-gig? And
if a 5400-rpm might be better than a 7200-rpm? s
 
Depending on how old your system is SATA over IDE, 7200 over 5400
and size
based on your system's usage ( Video Editing ) 500G, just normal usage
250G should
be fine and model, I personally have WD's which are quiet and reliable as
any.
 
sdlomi2 said:
Trying to choose a backup device for an XP Pro-run system, I am
undecided after reading reviews on different makes and models of
external hard drives. I like the idea of using a hd and esp. the
idea of an external one, for obvious purposes. Please help on
selecting a dependable brand and model. Also, if, say a 250-gig
might be more reliable than a 500-gig? And if a 5400-rpm might be
better than a 7200-rpm? s
Click to expand...

My own personal and entirely biased recommendation is for Seagates - have
had great luck with the 500GB models lately. 7200RPM. SATA drives may be an
even better option.
I suggest you look at independent product revews (PC magazine, etc).
 
sdlomi2 said:
Trying to choose a backup device for an XP Pro-run system, I am
undecided after reading reviews on different makes and models of external
hard drives. I like the idea of using a hd and esp. the idea of an external
one, for obvious purposes. Please help on selecting a dependable brand and
model. Also, if, say a 250-gig might be more reliable than a 500-gig? And
if a 5400-rpm might be better than a 7200-rpm? s
Click to expand...

The issue is enclosures, and whether or how they contribute to product
unreliability. I have read a few reports, of certain external products
that come with their own enclosures, which fail soon after purchase.

Your choices are, to buy an enclosure yourself, and fit a drive to it.
Or buy a pre-built external. Reading the reviews on Newegg can provide
some feedback on the pre-built ones.

Things I want to see in an enclosure:

1) On/Off switch. The drive should run continuously, with no power save
mode while I'm using it. I should be able to switch it off when I'm
finished.
2) Ideally, the power supply should be inside the enclosure. But that is
not the way the industry is leaning. Many drives put the power outside,
which means it is easier to lose the adapter or cabling.
3) Cooling. I like an enclosure with a fan. And there is more to it than that.
Some have fans, but no intake vents! How stupid is that.

The fan in the bottom of this one, is one of those thin ones, and probably
won't last forever, but at least it is a fan. Many enclosures have no
cooling features, and those I'd stay away from. Especially when using very
large drives. This one uses external power, which I don't like. But since
it has a fan, I'd probably buy it.

AMS VENUS DS-2316B2BK Aluminum 3.5" USB 2.0 Black External Enclosure - Retail $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145656
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-145-656-02.jpg

Enclosures come in IDE and SATA models, so select the right type for the job.

Paul
 
Paul said:
The issue is enclosures, and whether or how they contribute to product
unreliability. I have read a few reports, of certain external products
that come with their own enclosures, which fail soon after purchase.

Your choices are, to buy an enclosure yourself, and fit a drive to it.
Or buy a pre-built external. Reading the reviews on Newegg can provide
some feedback on the pre-built ones.

Things I want to see in an enclosure:

1) On/Off switch. The drive should run continuously, with no power save
mode while I'm using it. I should be able to switch it off when I'm
finished.
2) Ideally, the power supply should be inside the enclosure. But that is
not the way the industry is leaning. Many drives put the power outside,
which means it is easier to lose the adapter or cabling.
3) Cooling. I like an enclosure with a fan. And there is more to it than
that.
Some have fans, but no intake vents! How stupid is that.

The fan in the bottom of this one, is one of those thin ones, and probably
won't last forever, but at least it is a fan. Many enclosures have no
cooling features, and those I'd stay away from. Especially when using very
large drives. This one uses external power, which I don't like. But since
it has a fan, I'd probably buy it.

AMS VENUS DS-2316B2BK Aluminum 3.5" USB 2.0 Black External Enclosure -
Retail $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145656
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-145-656-02.jpg

Enclosures come in IDE and SATA models, so select the right type for the
job.

Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks to all. To Paul, esp., iirc you advocate 5400-rpm ext. h/ds due
to cooler operation. However, I just bought a Seagate 500-gig ext. h/d,
this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148235)
at a sale price, like $95. Would I be safer to buy the N82E16817145656 and
swap the S/G h/d over to it? My original idea was to do such, with one in
my stockpile, with fan(s) and ducts--bo't it ~a year ago and it's been in my
attic. The one you pointed out looks better built, tho'. sdlomi2
 
Trying to choose a backup device for an XP Pro-run system, I am
undecided after reading reviews on different makes and models of external
hard drives. I like the idea of using a hd and esp. the idea of an external
one, for obvious purposes. Please help on selecting a dependable brand and
model. Also, if, say a 250-gig might be more reliable than a 500-gig? And
if a 5400-rpm might be better than a 7200-rpm? s
Click to expand...
What external HD you choose has absolutely nothing to do with the OS.

Ask elsewhere
 
sdlomi2 said:
Thanks to all. To Paul, esp., iirc you advocate 5400-rpm ext. h/ds due
to cooler operation. However, I just bought a Seagate 500-gig ext. h/d,
this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148235)
at a sale price, like $95. Would I be safer to buy the N82E16817145656 and
swap the S/G h/d over to it? My original idea was to do such, with one in
my stockpile, with fan(s) and ducts--bo't it ~a year ago and it's been in my
attic. The one you pointed out looks better built, tho'. sdlomi2
Click to expand...

The first review for the FreeAgent, mentions heat as an issue.

What the right option is, really depends on how the warranty works
for the product. If opening the product, voids the warranty on the
disk, then you'd be at the mercy of the quality of the disk. Yes,
it might not die from heat then, by fitting it to another
enclosure, but if you have problems, you might not have warranty
coverage.

If the FreeAgent is easy to get open, then swapping won't have
as many downsides. If getting it open will mark up the casing,
then a future attempt to get warranty service may be rejected
based on a claim of "abuse". So it really depends on warranty
issues, as to what to do.

If it was mine, it wouldn't stay in that FreeAgent case for more
than 5 minutes :-)

Paul
 
Paul said:
The issue is enclosures, and whether or how they contribute to product
unreliability. I have read a few reports, of certain external products
that come with their own enclosures, which fail soon after purchase.

Your choices are, to buy an enclosure yourself, and fit a drive to it.
Or buy a pre-built external. Reading the reviews on Newegg can provide
some feedback on the pre-built ones.

Things I want to see in an enclosure:

1) On/Off switch. The drive should run continuously, with no power save
mode while I'm using it. I should be able to switch it off when I'm
finished.
Click to expand...

Power save is determined by the operating system. It instructs the drive to
stop or not after a certain idle time.
2) Ideally, the power supply should be inside the enclosure. But that is
not the way the industry is leaning. Many drives put the power outside,
which means it is easier to lose the adapter or cabling.
Click to expand...

Internal supplies are unknown these days.
3) Cooling. I like an enclosure with a fan. And there is more to it than
that.
Some have fans, but no intake vents! How stupid is that.
Click to expand...

There are enclosures these days that are made of aluminium and are
constructed such that the drive is in contact with the enclosure.
These don't require a fn at all. Freecom make a range, but only with drives
already fitted.

One requirement worth looking at is is to try and get an enclosure with a
Firewire interface. This can speed up drive access time significantly,
particularly the newer Firewire 800 interface.
 
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
Ignore all posts by the troll who aptly calls himself NoConsequence.
Click to expand...

Better still put him in your kill file now - it saves time later.
 
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