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Question

max storage capability

Jun 12, 2014 12:28PM PDT

I wish to purchase a 4tb hard drive for use as storage and install in an external drive cage for connection through usb 2.0 to other desktop computers.
What specifications should I be concerned with in this regard?

I have investigated "the cloud" and have decided I would rather keep my data at home.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanx.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
"storage"
Jun 12, 2014 12:36PM PDT

When folk call this storage alarms go off. The forums are full of folk that plead for help recovering their last and only copy.

But outside or the old Windows machines (XP) there is little reason it doesn't work all over.
Bob

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Answer
Drive cage
Jun 13, 2014 2:14AM PDT

Some things to look for.

Does it support the hdd form factor?......2.5/3.5
Does it support usb2?
Does it support 4TB?

Heat.....some of those enclosures are hdd cookers...not good.
After you have narrowed your selection down read the reviews.

An option.
http://www.vantecusa.com/en/product/view_detail/266
There about 20 bucks over at newegg.
I have one.....it's not pretty but it works.

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reply
Jun 14, 2014 4:35AM PDT

My interest in an internal drive was to save save valuable space on my desktop.
The use of a drive cage would enable connection to other computers. Plain

After reading your posts, I believe the external 4TB hard drive is advantageous. I could still move it from one computer to another. And it appears to occupy very little space-tall and skinny.
I don't believe connection using usb 2.0 would be a problem; this seems a common interface, considering backwards compatibility. Happy

My question now is, what computer specs in particular would I need to run a 4TB storage drive? I started with a 750GB internal storage (almost full), then 1TB external (~half full), then 2TB internal (~2/5 full, presently sitting in a drive cage). Thus I am seeking the largest drive my systems can handle at this point.
Obviously, as suggested, I will need another 4TB drive as backup; this might also require special computer specs. Confused

I am uncertain if the HP website will answer my query as to the max HD capacity the Pavilion will handle.
Not to mention my ancient Dell Dimension desktop which is still functioning to a certain extent.

Grats Grin

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Re: max HD size
Jun 14, 2014 5:33AM PDT
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Answer
Well...
Jun 13, 2014 5:17AM PDT

I agree with the other posters on the issues you face and possible result if you trust this solely as you main storage. I suggest you consider this as a ext. storage being the 2ndary source of placing critial files. As 4Tb is huge you'll want to be sure your current OS supports it and be updated as well just to cover all bases. That said, I'm glad you're NOT cloud bound as 4Tb will certainly provide enough storage. However, if you really get into a lot of storage needs here, then get yet another 4Tb. In fact you needn't use a ext USB case at all, a ext. USB "dock" will be capable of the same aspects and more over handle additional HDs or swaps. Check link or similar:

http://www.amazon.com/All---one-Docking-Station-Style/dp/B00E5BGT14/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402686911&sr=8-2&keywords=all+in+1+hdd+docking

Also, if you do decide to get an ext. USB case, look for "fan included" to better handle heat as 4Tb and being 5.25 size generates heat, I'm sure.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
all that moving around
Jun 14, 2014 5:14AM PDT

sounds like you'd prefer an 2 bay NAS system.

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Answer
4TB hard disk sharing
Jun 18, 2014 9:19PM PDT

I appreciate your idea of sharing it with other computers. I hope usb 2.0 is fare enough and no problem will arise. Generally 4TB internal HDD is not utilized properly. So if it is shared with others this will save money.

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decided
Jun 19, 2014 6:53AM PDT

I have ordered a 4TB backup drive from Amazon.
Must now decide on the best backup software for this drive.
There seems to be a paucity of software which allow backup of several storage drives to a single backup.
"Clonezilla" was mentioned here. Seems like what I want as I won't have to learn about partitions.

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Clonezilla works
Jun 19, 2014 8:40PM PDT

Clonezilla, works in one of two ways, old-to-new HD in "as is", -OR- make partitions and copy partition to partition. However, depending on the HD maker, you can access the free basic version(retail box) of Acronis s/w. Otherwise, check the vendor online support for s/w, usually WD and Seagate have it or offer it, but also review or d/l the manual to be covered. If you use Clonezilla, beware in default setup, it will copy old-to-new as found, thus you will have a 1- extra partition left of the remaining media not used. You can correct for this under windows by merging partitions or "volumes".

I advise as you do whatever, that you be 100% sure of the process of whatever you select as to not damage your data. Of course, you can back-up prior to doing anything.

tada -----Willy Happy