External Enclosure for Internal Drive?

#1

I have 2 WD5000AAKS internal drives from a computer that I no longer use.  I would like to put those drives in external enclosures to use as backup drives for a Windows 7-64 computer.  Is it OK (possible?) to do this?   If so, any recommendations/suggesstions as to enclosures would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Sheila

#2

External enclosures can be hotboxes. Choose a 3.5" SATA enclosure, preferably with heatsink and fan, and with as many interfaces as possible, including USB, Firewire, and eSATA. USB is the most universal interface, but eSATA is the fastest.

#3

Thanks very much for the specifics!!  Do you have any recommendations as to Brand?  I’ve looked at some and heat does seem to be a problem.

Thanks,

Sheila

#4

If a heat is a concern, I would suggest getting an enclosure with active cooling, something like Antec MX-1.

#5

I bought a Cooler Master XCraft 350 enclosure for my wife’s sister and it has been trouble free, for several years.

These have a grill mesh on one side, the back I guess you would call it,  and on the main side, a heat-conducting pad is designed to press against the drive to help extract heat out that side too. It is pretty hot where I live (Brisbane) but no problems in that regard.

Just make sure to get the right 3.5" versus 2.5" enclosure.  As a general rule, 3.5" require an AC adapter while 2.5" draw power from the USB bus.

#6

I will check out both the Antec and the Cooler Master.  Sounds like both are good choices. 

Thanks very much for the recommendations!!

Sheila