question for computer guys

[Grandpa23]

I have an older 80 gig IDE hard drive that I would like to use as an external drive connected through usb with my desktop computer. The problem is is that it's 4" wide and all I can find are external cases for 3.5". Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!
Patrick (Grandpa23)

 

[Bearco]

4" wide? You could use a IDE to USB adapter cable, but it would not be in a case.

 

[Grandpa23]

4" wide? You could use a IDE to USB adapter cable, but it would not be in a case.

Yeah. I'm sure its "old" as far as computer electronics is concerned. lol Its a Western Digital WD800.
I would still need to supply it with power, correct?

 

[dhoppe1]

Cable

You can run that drive with a simple cable and no enclosure. They sell cables to convert IDE, SCSI, SATA etc to USB. Here is a link to one that newegg sells. This is just a example, read the reviews on this type device and order what would work for you. I bought one of this type, it comes in handy when you want to use drives that have no home or if a pc has died to get the data off. They are cheap too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...97009&cm_re=usb_to_ide-_-12-197-009-_-Product

 

[Grandpa23]

You can run that drive with a simple cable and no enclosure. They sell cables to convert IDE, SCSI, SATA etc to USB. Here is a link to one that newegg sells. This is just a example, read the reviews on this type device and order what would work for you. I bought one of this type, it comes in handy when you want to use drives that have no home or if a pc has died to get the data off. They are cheap too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...97009&cm_re=usb_to_ide-_-12-197-009-_-Product

I think that may be exactly what I need. Thanks!!!

 

[42]

put it in some tupperware!! NO, really......I've already put two of these together for a project I was working on a few years ago.

 

[Grandpa23]

put it in some tupperware!! NO, really......I've already put two of these together for a project I was working on a few years ago.

LOL!! It may not be pretty, but if it works................

 

[42]

LOL!! It may not be pretty, but if it works................

Heck yeah it works!!

$70 in total for a headless Powermac G3 B/W dedicated home server!!

One mans trash............

 

[Grandpa23]

Heck yeah it works!!

$70 in total for a headless Powermac G3 B/W dedicated home server!!

One mans trash............

 

[Grandpa23]

You can run that drive with a simple cable and no enclosure. They sell cables to convert IDE, SCSI, SATA etc to USB. Here is a link to one that newegg sells. This is just a example, read the reviews on this type device and order what would work for you. I bought one of this type, it comes in handy when you want to use drives that have no home or if a pc has died to get the data off. They are cheap too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...97009&cm_re=usb_to_ide-_-12-197-009-_-Product

Just ordered one VERY similar from ebay for $14.50 with free shipping!

 

[herohog]

I have an adapter similar to that that I use by Rosewill that works using USB 2.0 and will work with IDE, SATA, and mini IDE (laptop drives) and it is fantastic! Comes with 2 rubber "drive condoms", one for a standard 3.5 IDE/SATA and one for a laptop drive. I got mine from Egghead for < $20 and it allows me to hot-swap drives with my laptop. So far the biggest drive I have tested it with was a 1tb drive and it worked great with no issues!

 

[Grandpa23]

Cool! Thanks for your input!