External HDD, To Buy, Or Not To Buy?

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 11:59

Hey guys,

Ive been thinking of getting an external HDD for backup purposes, especially when I format and re install Windows, because using my iPod + DVD Media for backup just doesnt do it for me. I have had my eye on this: http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s...html?WD-MBE250 or wondered if I could get a larger capacity drive without paying over the odds. What do you think?

Scrubbs · 28-01-2009, 12:06

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/30475

another 33% bigger?

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubbs

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/30475

another 33% bigger?

That is good, What are micro direct like for reliability, delivery etc?

Dai · 28-01-2009, 14:20

Lol.. Ask Zingle about USB disks..

I prefer a caddy or NAS system myself. I've heard too many horror stories about USB failures.

damien c · 28-01-2009, 14:28

micro direct are not to bad imo i have used them before but only if aria or overclockers were either sold out or closed.

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Lol.. Ask Zingle about USB disks..

I prefer a caddy or NAS system myself. I've heard too many horror stories about USB failures.

The one that Scrubbs linked to had a separate Power Supply.

MovedGoalPosts · 28-01-2009, 15:07

Problem I've had with USB drives is sometimes windows can have problems with continued transfer, delayed cache type errors, even though such caching can be turned off. Seems that USB can't always handle many gigs of data transfer, which ruined automated backup type systems.

I'd be more inclinde to use a NAS type drive, or simply add an extra HD to your existing PC and copy (not mirror) stuff to from that.

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 15:51

Its not going to be massive backups, things like documents that have been typed, Installers, photo's etc, Which are at max 10-15GB when all added together. However thse will be transferred one or two at a time.

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubbs

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/30475

another 33% bigger?

Went for the one Scrubbs linked to

GazCBG · 28-01-2009, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadGamer

Went for the one Scrubbs linked to

When you get it, can you let me know what you think to it etc... as I am getting an external drive for my Birthday at the beginning of Feb
The thing that attract me to the 750gb is the 5 year warranty

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarryP

When you get it, can you let me know what you think to it etc... as I am getting an external drive for my Birthday at the beginning of Feb

I will do no problem, what capacity are you getting?

GazCBG · 28-01-2009, 19:28

I was going to go for the WD 500gb till I saw the 750gb seagate what Scrubbs link to

MadGamer · 28-01-2009, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarryP

I was going to go for the WD 500gb till I saw the 750gb seagate what Scrubbs link to

I was originally going for the WD 500GB, but like you I went for the 750GB Model that scrubbs linked to

Aragorn · 28-01-2009, 20:45

Bit of a 'horse bolted' reply, but I have an USB/eSATA enclosure from Novatech which you can add your own Sata drive to. I stuck an old 160Gb drive in, but no reason you couldn't get a WD 750Gb Caviar to use with it - slightly more (~Ã‚Â£80) , but if the hdd mech dies you can replace it and it has the option to connect via eSata.

GazCBG · 28-01-2009, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Bit of a 'horse bolted' reply, but I have an USB/eSATA enclosure from Novatech which you can add your own Sata drive to. I stuck an old 160Gb drive in, but no reason you couldn't get a WD 750Gb Caviar to use with it - slightly more (~Ã‚Â£80) , but if the hdd mech dies you can replace it and it has the option to connect via eSata.

That should interesting to me.
Does the enclosure have a fan in it ?