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General discussion

External hard drive

Jan 21, 2007 10:44PM PST

Hi,

I have a Western Digital 120GB 7200RPM Hard Drive 8MB Cache and I am looking to purchase a case for it. I have absolutely no idea which sort I need or which size. My hard drive measures 6" by 4".

Could someone please advise me.

Thank you, Helen

Discussion is locked

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more info please
Jan 22, 2007 2:23AM PST

6" x 4" sounds like a standard 3.5" form factor internal hard drive for a desktop. To confirm this and other details, please tell us the model number of the hard drive.

Will this be used for a Mac or Windows computer?

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Thank you for your reply
Jan 22, 2007 8:05PM PST

Thank you so much.
The hard drive is for a PC and the model number is: WD1200JB-00REA0

Thanks. Helen

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3.5" external enclosure
Jan 23, 2007 12:07AM PST

The WD1200JB is an ATA/100 (Ultra ATA) hard drive. It is a standard 3.5" form factor desktop drive.

What you need is an external enclosure with the following:
- a 3.5" external enclosure (not the 2.5" or 1.8" enclosures for notebook drives)
- IDE (may be listed as Ultra ATA or ATA/100/133 or UDMA5 or UDMA6) internal interface. (Not SATA.)
- USB 2.0 external interface (Firewire would be better if using a Mac)
- external power supply

Alternative:
- a 5.25" external enclosure that can fit a 3.5" hard drive

Optional, but recommended:
- metal case material to dissipate heat better than plastic
- external enclosure with fan to better dissipate heat

3.5" external enclosures with internal IDE and external USB 2.0

5.25" external enclosures with internal IDE, external USB 2.0, and fan
(For these, make sure the specifications say that it will take a 3.5" drive)

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Thanks
Jan 23, 2007 5:22PM PST

This information is perfect.
Thank you so much.

Best wishes.

Helen

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(NT) You're welcome. Happy computing!
Jan 23, 2007 7:15PM PST
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More information
Jan 22, 2007 8:16PM PST

I bought it to go into my desktop PC to automatically back up everything I do. However the person who was going to fit it has a serious drink problem and after 5 months waiting it is still not installed. I decided to use it as an external hard drive for backing up my data but I have no idea how to do this.

It has been suggested that I use a Belkin, but I think I need more information and help before I go and spend more money.

Any help you can give me will be very much appreciated.

Thanks. Helen

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Ext. Drive Enclosures../
Jan 22, 2007 6:35PM PST

I've been doing my PC Parts shopping at http://www.newegg.com
..
Excellent Service..great website..lots of info..great prices..
..
I think BELKIN makes really great products and I use them..
So I would suggest you try the BELKIN Ext. Enclosure..
..
But recently I came across some discarded HDD's that I wanted to use..
I purchased from NEW EGG two External Enclosure KITS:
....EXT ENCLO ANYWARE[ME-325U2-SV RTL]....and I'm very surprised at the Excellent Quality for the PRICE..
..
They loaded easily/did not need the enclosed CD..
I suggest you have USB 2.0/
Comes w/the CABLE..externally powered by 120vAC.

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Thank you
Jan 22, 2007 8:08PM PST

Thank you kindly,

I will take your advice and purchase a Belkin. Cheers