Turning my IDE hdd into USB 2.0 hdd
 

I found these "things" (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e&Order=PRICED) that let one "convert" and IDE hdd into a USB 2.0 hdd.

Can anyone tell me how well this works?

I will soon get a computer with internal SATA hdd. However, my old IDE hdd are still functioning well. If possible, then I would like to use my old IDE hdd as USB 2.0 hdds for data storage.

How easy is doing so? Could I still encrypt the old (IDE) hdd?

Any brand recommendations?

Thank you!

I think that the adapters built into an enclosure are a better option, because it provides a little bit of protection for the drive and connector. The standalone adapters are useful for test purposes, but are not so secure for permanent use.

The transfer rates are reasonable (over usb 2.0). You can treat it pretty much as a normal drive (eg using encryption). Sometimes the smartmon facilities are not available.

I've just used the no-name Chinese made ones, though the quality of the power supplies in one of them was not great (I had to repair a dry solder joint after it failed).

Not that box...

I think you need a external HDD box with an USB connection. If you want Newegg, they have many, some with more and different interfaces than USB 2. All you need is a Philips screwdriver and half a brain; it is dead easy.

Some have fan cooling, some do not, but are set on their side in a holder. I had one with a fan, lost the fan and lost the HDD; now I have one without. Look for a box with the ATA(IDE) interface as many now come with SATA.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...gory=92&page=1

What would I do with the IDE hdd jumper cables? I have 2 IDE internal hdd that I would like to convert into USB external hdd. They still have their master / slave jumpers on them. What should I do with those jumpers?

thorkelljarl,

I am confused. Why would I want an "external HDD box with an USB connection" instead of the option neonsignal described?

Jumpers should not be an issue. You could as well remove the jumpers use it. It is better to for a external HDD casing with IDE to USB 2 converter interface. You can plug one side of the IDE to the hard drive and the other side take the output via USB.

--
Prasanta

Jumpers...

If I recall, the HDD has the jumper set to Master. There are directions in the kit.

It isn't what you want?

The enclosures that I pointed to are those that convert any internal HDD to a standard external HDD. In your case, a 3½" IDE HDD to an external HDD with a USB connection and its own power supply, one like these.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...ory=414&page=1

As this is a standard way to gain extra HDD capacity for a laptop or to obtain space for files or a backup that can be removed and stored elsewhere, I thought it is what you asked about.

You can buy external HDDs assembled or put them together yourself from any HDD. The devices you linked to seem to be signal converters. A HDD still needs a power source and a housing for protection.

I gave an answer based on a speculative assessment of an open inquiry. More detail gets better replies.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/linux/...Ask_a_Question

I have something similar to this device.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-017-_-Product

It works well and I suppose it all depends on what you want. The converters are basically the electronic guts of a USB drive in a pretty package less the case. It appears that the first adapter on the page has the capability to connect multiple drives but has some limitations. If you do not want a pretty case or something a little more portable then get the converter.

thorkelljarl, michaelk,

Thank you for your input. I am sorry if my question is vague. If it vague, then it is because I don't really know what I need. However, I can tell you what I think I need.

I have 2 old internal hdds. I would like to convert them into external USB 2.0 hdds. Of course, I assume they would need some type of protective covering, power input, etc.

Would something like this work:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...se&Order=PRICE

There are so many choices, I don't know where to start.

Also, what is the difference between "EIDE" and "IDE"?

EIDE is basically ATA-2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ata

How do I know if my old hdds or IDE or EIDE? I think they are IDE, but they could be EIDE. I know it is one of the two choices.

I noticed some devices have an AC adapter and some do not. Is having an AC adapter essential?

Not important...

The designations EIDE and IDE are not of relevance here, all the IDE standards go through the same connector. The terminology can be confusing since there are different terms for the same thing, depending upon whether something is designated as a hardware connector or designated as the signal going through the connection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ATA

The link you included in your last post is for an enclosure for a 2½" HDD, the size that is found in a laptop. It is often used together with a laptop, and doesn't have a power supply, but takes its power from the USB port. I had the impression that you have a 3½" HDD, such as would be mounted in a PC cabinet. A 3½" HDD needs a power supply.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware

laptop hard drives only require 5 or 3.3 VDC so it can be powered entirely from the USB port (i.e. 5 VDC @ 500ma). However, 3.5" Desktop hard drives need both 12 and 5 VDC which requires an additional power adapter. As stated you will need a 3.5 drive enclosure.

I would need 3.5 style, since these IDE hdds came from a desktop.

Would these devices be linux compatible? I noticed some product descriptions, such as this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-Product#spec

specifically mention "linux"

While other product descriptions, such as that:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-154-_-Product

list only Windows and Mac