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Which External hard drive

Roy03

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Posted December 25, 2012 at 12:19PM

I will be buying an external hard drive in the new year and I need some advice. I rather like the idea of a usb powered unit, but are they as efficient as a mains powered unit. Also any thoughts on which brand. It will be used just to store my photos and music,so it wont be in permanent use Many thanks and Merry Xmas Roy

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mole1944

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Posted December 27, 2012 at 1:21PM

If like mr you have a spare hard drive just get a caddy,if you have to get the compkete unit make sure it's mains powered as the power draw from a USB is limited so mains powered units are a better bet.As to which brand i have no idea others are more qualified than i to answer that question.

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Diemmess

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Posted December 27, 2012 at 4:04PM

I can only endorse mole1944's post.

Have had a pile of HDs over the years and apart from different labels would not have been able at any stage to tell t'other from which when in use.

Western Digital If you want my favourite, but that's based on no particular reason than in earlier days they looked more solid, shiny and sturdy.

None has failed me over the years, but my first experience was a mere 40Mb!

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wee eddie

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Posted December 27, 2012 at 10:45PM

I can only give you one suggestion.

Go for USB3.

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TopCat®

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Posted December 28, 2012 at 12:42PM

I agree with wee eddie provided your motherboard has USB3 ports. I would also recommend the GoFlex Free Agent portable drive of varying high capacities and can be purchased with USB2 or 3 support. Have one myself and am very satisfied with its performance. TC.

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iscanut2

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Posted December 28, 2012 at 1:10PM

Have used USB powered external drives ( two of them ) for years without any problems. WD and Maxtor. One of then needs two USB sockets but run fine from a 6 connection USB hub.

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wee eddie

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Posted December 28, 2012 at 1:34PM

The only problem with USB2 is that if you have any volume to transfer between drives, it can take hours.

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woodchip

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Posted December 28, 2012 at 2:56PM

If you use a Old drive, Do buy a Caddy with a Fan in it as Heat kills External Drives

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