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Thread ID: 112638 2010-09-15 07:27:00 External hard drive recommendation cowboy stu (7021) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1137322 2010-09-15 07:27:00 Looking at getting one of these. Mainly to use as backup storage. Any hints . Moderate size ( 500 gig ) spend $ 100 odd.
Brands ? Store ?

Thanks
cowboy stu (7021)
1137323 2010-09-15 07:40:00 Get this if you can swing it:
PCIe USB 3 card (about $55)
Vantec nexstar USB 3 hard drive dock (black is cheapest, about $80)
Then you can get what ever 3.5" SATA hard drive you want, add more later etc...

I have a few now and find it hard to use the big bulky external hard drives, basically I backup or archive to a plain old hard drive, and have a 500GB 2.5" USB hard drive for my pocket.

USB 3 is awesome for backups, I switch to the USB 3 docks just last week, backup times dropped from 2 hours 45 mins to 1 hour (305GB backup), CPU usage is a lot lower too, and the dock makes it really easy to swap out the backup drives.
Deimos (5715)
1137324 2010-09-15 08:18:00 thanks .. will investigate further cowboy stu (7021)
1137325 2010-09-15 08:41:00 Bond and bond had the 1Tb WD elements for $114 at the weekend and can be bought for around $130 at other shops gary67 (56)
1137326 2010-09-15 08:50:00 Actually you can get them any day of the week from a few places for $110 Deimos (5715)
1137327 2010-09-15 08:56:00 good quality ? cowboy stu (7021)
1137328 2010-09-15 09:12:00 yes they are gary67 (56)
1137329 2010-09-15 09:15:00 thanks sounds good. cowboy stu (7021)
1137330 2010-09-15 09:20:00 I've bought eHDD not long ago for purely backup. My 2c is that if you are just doing backups and most times it is not attached to the computer - consider portable HDD for 500GB they are around $100-150 depending where you shop. Obviously desktop models which are heavier and larger will be cheaper or a larger size but they require a power outlet but they are faster. For backup after the first set, incremental or resync'ing, speed may not be that needed.

If it is more portable and does not need a power outlet, you may use it more often and your data is more secure.

You could also store it offsite (like have 2 eHDDs) or like in a safe vault.
If thieves break into the house (like Chc) or like the Chc earthquake or fire, your HDD is still safe and for privacy, some people may not want to ask others to store their can be private stuff (HDD). Think of family pictures, vids, private emails, income, insurance policies, solicitor communications, finance / mortgage stuff ....
Nomad (952)
1137331 2010-09-15 10:44:00 Yep thats what I was thinking.. easy to use
Thanks
cowboy stu (7021)
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