hard drive caddies

hendo wrote on 8/2/2002, 10:17 AM

Hi
A few weeks ago there was a discussion about removable storage. I have been thinking of using a hard drive caddie, and was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for me. I hate buying anything that I havent researched before, and there seems to be very little on the web about them.

Thanks in advance

Andrew

PS How good is that ripple editing 8-)

Comments

BillyBoy wrote on 8/2/2002, 6:48 PM

They are called by various names, caddies being just one. I use them and find them vastly superior to so-called external drives. A "caddy" or removable drive drawer which is probably a better description, comes in two sections. The outer part slips into any open slot in the front of your computer like a CD drive. It has two connectors. The typical power connector and a data cable that goes to your motherboard IDE controller like any other internal drive would. The inner drawer hold the hard drive and you just push it into a special connector that mates with a connector on the outer drawer. Most models come with a key. The inner drawer slides in and out very easily allowing you to take the drive and insert it into another computer. These devices also work off the internal power of your computer so no messy cords or external power supply. Best of all they are very cheap, and you can use the hard drives you already have.

For illustrative purposes only.
http://www.startech.com/parts/removablestorage.htm

There are many makes/models. If you decide to get one be sure your order one that works with the type drive you have. There are different model for SCSI and different IDE versions like the older and newer Ultra 33/66/100/133 types.

Kalvos wrote on 8/3/2002, 6:55 AM

I have the black Startech units with internal fans. For me, they have one real advantage -- you have to use the key, so you can't pull them out accidentally, or turn them on without locking them down.

They're easy to install (just like a regular hard drive), and the fans are quiet.

However, the bays are three-sided -- no top to provide a structural advantage. On computers with slide-in drive mounts, the bays aren't fixed to the computer case. Since I just happen to have this sort of case for my main machine right now, I have to be careful not to pull too hard when removing the drive to keep the whole assemblies from coming out.

They are available at good discounts.

Dennis

hendo wrote on 8/3/2002, 8:11 AM

Hi BillyBoy and Kalvos

Thanks for the prompt and descriptive answers. Startech seem like a good choice, I will have to see if I can get them in the uk. It does seem strange though that you cant fix the bays to the case.

Many thanks

Andrew

Kalvos wrote on 8/3/2002, 11:30 AM

You can fix the bays to the case, if the case permits it. It's not an issue with the bays!

I happen to use a case that has slide-in, snap-locking drive mounts for quick assembly and updating. Instead of taking the whole case apart to replace a hard drive, CD-ROM, etc., I just pop the front plate by lifting on the bottom, squeeze the drive mount locks, and pull forward.

I do a lot of system upgrading. :)

Dennis

BillyBoy wrote on 8/3/2002, 1:26 PM

The type I mentioned can easily be fastened with screws that line up the holes designed for mounting regular drives, CD drives, etc. inside your computer case.

On thing I forgot to mention is because of the special connector and little fan built into the back end of many of the drive drawers they tend to be a little deep. So check your clearance beforehand. I had to move mine to the top position switching out my CD drive, otherwise I hit components on the motherboard and couldn't slide the drawer all the way in. More of a problem with smaller cases like the mini-tower type. When the inner cage isn't installed the outer cage has a little swinging door, something like a doggie door. :-)